Check in and collect your lanyard at the welcome desk.

Held in the foyer.

Get to know the people in the room.

Let's get settled together.

15 Years of Partnership – Auckland Council’s Journey Toward Zero Waste, Justine Haves, General Manager, and the Waste Solutions team, Auckland Council

Fifteen years on from the formation of the Auckland super city, this keynote reflects on the progress made in building a zero waste future through strong community partnerships. From the bold commitments of Auckland’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plans to the collaborative development of the Resource Recovery Network, Auckland Council has worked alongside communities to create practical, local solutions.

Have a bite, a chat and get refreshed for our next sessions.

Over the past 25 years, the zero waste movement in Aotearoa has grown from a bold vision into a powerful nationwide kaupapa. In this panel, long-time advocates and changemakers will reflect on the roots of the movement, the turning points that shaped its course, and the lessons learned along the way. From grassroots organising and community enterprise to policy wins and cultural shifts, we’ll explore what’s been achieved—and what still lies ahead.

Join us for an honest, inspiring kōrero that honours the people and places behind the progress and invites the next generation to carry the kaupapa forward.

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Panelist:

• Julie Dickinson, formerly Auckland Council

• Rick Thorpe, Zero Waste Aotearoa (formerly Xtreme Zero Waste, Raglan)

• Matthew Luxon, Localised

• Gerry Gillespie, Returning Organics to Soil

Time to get inspired by each other. We've lined up 4 zero waste network members to share highlights and learnings from their year that we all could be encouraged by.

Sit back, relax and recharge for the afternoon.

In today’s diverse and fast-changing workplaces, traditional approaches to wellbeing and inclusion often miss a critical ingredient, Cultural Intelligence (CQ). This 30-minute session introduces the concept of CQ and explores how developing our ability to work across cultures can strengthen team cohesion, reduce friction, and create safer, more inclusive workplaces. Drawing on global insights and local relevance, we’ll unpack why CQ is more than just a “nice to have”, it’s a capability that underpins authentic connection, respectful engagement, and real-world wellbeing outcomes. This session is a warm-up to the interactive keynote to follow and will leave you reflecting on how culture influences communication, collaboration, and care at work.

Break into one of three workshop options—choose the one that speaks to you the most in that moment.

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Stream 1 | Cultural Intelligence

Facilitated by: Greg Dearsly | Room B28​

Continue your learning with Greg and dive even deeper. Cultural Intelligence (CQ) becomes real when we understand what shapes people’s behaviour, and much of that comes down to values. In this engaging and practical session, we’ll explore ten core cultural values that influence how people see the world, approach work, and respond to leadership. Through a hands-on cultural value mapping exercise, you’ll work with others to identify your own values and compare them with those around you helping you gain immediate insights into how to lead more inclusively and navigate difference with greater skill.
We’ll also briefly explore how neuro-inclusion intersects with culture and values, reinforcing the need for leadership approaches that are adaptable, respectful, and culturally intelligent.

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Stream 2  | Whakahaumanu a Hineahuone

Facilitated by: Stephanie Gibson | Room B10​

Whakahaumanu a Hineahuone is a Tiriti-dynamic project grounded in mātauranga Māori and community-led action. Brought to life by a kāhui of Para Kore Marae, Te Waka Kai Ora, Aotearoa Composters Network and Zero Waste Aotearoa, this project supports small and medium-scale composting initiatives across Aotearoa to make mauri-rich compost for local soil and food sovereignty initiatives.

In this session, you'll hear about the vision behind the project, the aspirations of the collaborating organisations and feedback from the recent nationwide survey results on home and community composting in Aotearoa .

Join us to explore how composting is a powerful tool for transformation.

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Stream 3  | A breath of fresh air at the bee sanctuary

Meet in foyer
Take a break, breathe deep, and reconnect with nature on this gentle, unstructured visit to the University's bee sanctuary. Wander through the space at your own pace and enjoy a moment of calm amid the buzz of the conference.

This is a chance to rest your mind, stretch your legs, and soak up some fresh air and inspiration from the natural world.

Achieving zero waste requires more than good intentions—it demands deep systems change. In this panel, leaders from business, legal, academic, and innovation spheres come together to explore how their sectors can enable, accelerate, or obstruct a zero waste future.

How can business models shift from extraction to regeneration? What legal tools and policies are needed to drive accountability and equity? Where is research shining new light—or holding old assumptions in place? And how can innovation challenge the status quo without reinforcing it?

This conversation will surface tensions, opportunities, and cross-sector insights to help us build a more circular, just, and resilient Aotearoa.

Panelist: 

• Steven Moe, Parry Field Lawyers Limited

• Saeid Baroutian, University of Auckland

• Rachel Brown, Sustainable Business Network

Make your way over to Shadows bar.

Kick back at Shadows (campus bar) for some casual drinks and nibbles with your hui buddies. We will wrap up at 7pm.