Connecting Aotearoa Summit 2026
Join us on Wednesday 13 May in Wellington to find answers to the question: How do we get everyone connected to the best broadband service that meets their needs to live and thrive in our digital future by 2030?
We’re excited to announce the Connecting Aotearoa Summit 2026—the premier event for shaping New Zealand’s digital future. We launched the expanded event last year to ensure the issues we
cover are relevant and pertinent to the nation’s most pressing challenges. In 2026, this is more critical than ever, as the general election looms. We need to make digital connectivity and equity
front-and-centre of political debate, economic prosperity, and social wellbeing. The decisions made this year will lock in New Zealand’s digital trajectory for the rest of the decade.
This year, we are proposing that the Summit tackles the crucial question: “How do we get everyone connected to the best broadband service that meets their needs to live and thrive in our digital future by 2030?”
This ambitious national goal demands immediate, coordinated action from policymakers, industry, and community leaders. Join us as we delve into the critical issues surrounding digital connectivity in Aotearoa, directly influencing the next government’s mandate. At this early stage, we are proposing that our sub-themes include:
Policy & Political Mandate: Developing the definitive roadmap for universal connectivity ahead of the 2026 election, securing cross-party commitment to the 2030 target.
Rural Connectivity: Bridging the digital divide and ensuring resilient, future-proof access for all, regardless of location.
Affordability & Digital Equity: Examining the total cost barriers (device, data, skills) to internet access and advancing practical solutions for true inclusion.
Future-Proofing Connectivity: Looking ahead to emerging technologies and innovative, sustainable solutions that will make the 2030 target a reality.
These are all critical to us meeting our vision that by 2030, everyone in Aotearoa is connected to the best broadband service that meets their needs. This prospectus outlines how you can partner with this Summit to influence the national agenda and help us address the question around how we connect all of Aotearoa.
- WHEN: Wednesday 13 May 2026
- WHERE: Banquet hall, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Platinum Partner
Highlights of Connecting Aotearoa Summit 2025
Connecting Aotearoa Summit 2026 Programme
Wednesday 13 May
- Main Room Sessions
08:50
Welcome & Mihi Whakatau
09:15
Opening & Welcome
Barbara Kuriger, Deputy Speaker, New Zealand Parliament
09:30
Rural Connectivity : What’s changing and why it matters.
Tristan Gilbertson, Telecommunications Commissioner
09:50
The RCG : What we’ve delivered and what’s next.
Ian Hooker, CEO, The Rural Connectivity Group
10:05
Presentations: Amazon Leo – Beyond Boundaries – transforming connectivity for Aotearoa’s critical industries and communities
Hamish Graham, Commercial Partner Channel Lead for APJ – Asia, Pacific and Japan, Amazon LEO
10:25
Panel & Presentations: Preparing for the digital infrastructure needs of 2030 and beyond
Andrew Bender, Fixed Networks CTO, NOKIA
Johnathan Eele, CEO, Enable Fibre Broadband
11:15
Morning Tea
11:40
Mission Critical: Disaster response and tactical 5G with Ericsson
Michael Miltiadou, Ericsson Networks
12:00
Premium Keynote – Platinum, Sponsor One NZ
Jason Paris, CEO, One NZ
12:30
Ministerial Keynote
Hon Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Media and Communications
13:00
Lunch
13:45
Digital Inclusion and Equity presentation
Leala Faleseuga, Digital Inclusion Librarian, Libraries Horowhenua
14:00
Measuring Digital Inclusion and how we collaborate to shift the numbers
Elle Archer, Digital Inclusion Advocate
Victoria MacLennan, Co-Chair of DECA
Megan Matthews, Chair, Te Ara Hihiko (TUANZ)
Ken Walliss, Exec GM – Access, Chorus
15:00
Afternoon Tea
15:15
Political Party Debate: Labour, Greens, NZFirst; What are your plans to solve the digital divide?
Hūhana Lyndon, Green Party
Jenny Marcroft, NZ First
Reuben Davidson, Labour Party
16:00
Panel: How do we build cross-sector collaboration to build community resiliency?
Mark Eager, CEO, Mobile Health Group
Ellen Strickland, Brainbox Institute
Paul Brislen, CEO, The TCF
16:45
Closing Comments
Paul Littlefair, Chair, TUANZ Board
17:00
Networking Drinks
Resources & Reports mentioned at the Summit
Connecting Rural New Zealand was prepared by Flint Global in March 2026 for the commissioning parties: Spark New Zealand Ltd, One New Zealand Group Ltd, 2degrees Mobile Ltd, Fortysouth Group LP and Connexa Ltd. Link to the full report.
An updated snapshot of digital equity statistics: The snapshot draws on research currently being compiled by DECA and our sector partners, bringing together data from Stats NZ, InternetNZ, Netsafe, the Commerce Commission and others to build a current picture of digital exclusion in Aotearoa.
Tw new research outputs have now been published on the Internet Infrastructure Climate Resilience (IICR) research project website. Towards a Shared Understanding of Internet Resilience : This concise publication focuses on sharing the vision for Internet resilience and the 5Rs framework for Internet infrastructure resilience that were developed with the IICR Network, as tools for building shared understanding and supporting collaborative action around Internet resilience. Actions to Support Internet Infrastructure Climate Resilience : This report provides recommendations from the IICR research team around six interconnected themes for action in support of Internet infrastructure climate resilience being built and maintained in the long-term.
Connecting Aotearoa Summit Speakers
HON PAUL GOLDSMITH
Minister for Media and Communications
Paul Goldsmith is the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Minister of Justice, Minister for Media and Communications and Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations.
Born in Mt Eden and having attended Auckland Grammar School, Paul lives with his wife and their four children in the Epsom electorate. First elected off the National Party list in 2011, Paul served as the Chair of the Parliamentary Finance and Expenditure Select Committee. He held several Ministerial roles in the Fifth National Government.
Before entering Parliament, Paul was a historian and biographer publishing numerous books.
JASON PARIS
CEO, One NZ
Jason has worked in the telecommunications industry for over 20 years in NZ, Australia and the UK.
CRAIG YOUNG
CEO, TUANZ
Craig is passionate about the digital technology and communications industry because of the opportunity it offers for improving business and personal lives in New Zealand. He is currently the Chief Executive of TUANZ (the Technology Users Association) which is helping New Zealand make the most of the digitally connected world.
Craig is an advocate for inclusivity, and equity especially in the digital technology sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. He was instrumental in the launch of TUANZ’s future leaders programme, FLINT, in 2016. He is the joint Chair of the Affordable Connectivity Constellation with the Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa, and a trustee at the 2020 Trust.
ANDREW CUSHEN
MC
Andrew has spent most of the last 20 years working in New Zealand telecommunications, including time with a number of large operators, small operators and not-for-profits.
Andrew now runs Cushen Consulting, his own consultancy practice, providing corporate affairs and strategy advice across a variety of industries and clients. This includes serving as the inaugural Chief Executive of the Climate Forestry Association, Co-Chair of DPMC’s Multi Stakeholder Group to strengthen resilience to disinformation, and strategic advisor to Gravity Internet.
Andrew is a Board Member of TUANZ.
PAUL LITTLEFAIR
CDTO, Kiwibank and Chair TUANZ Board
Paul is the Chief Digital and Technology Office at Kiwibank, having held several senior technology roles in the financial services industry including ASB, BNZ and Bank of South Pacific. He has broad expertise and experience across cloud, agile software delivery, devops, data, infrastructure and architecture and was a recipient of New Zealand ‘CIO of The Year’ having won this prestigious award in 2019 while CIO at Livestock Improvement Corporation.
Now living in Wellington, Paul migrated to New Zealand from the UK in 1998, and has international experience working in UK, USA, Australia and the South Pacific.
Paul is a Board Member of TUANZ.
ZOE UDY
MC
Zoe grew up a digital native, further expanding her interest in technology by studying Computer Science and pursuing a career first in technical Project Management, and now in Solution Architecture. Having recently (2025) joined Z Energy, Zoe is increasingly passionate about the ways technology can help to provide positive outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Education in STEM and providing pathways for students into careers in the tech and telco industries is also an area of interest and concern for Zoe. She spent several years as the Chair of FLINT Wellington, and believes that if students are engaged in technology education at key ages, and then nurtured through their early careers, we will build a diverse and capable workforce for many years to come.
Zoe is a Board Member of TUANZ.
BARBARA KURIGER
Deputy Speaker, NZ Parliament
Barbara Kuriger has been the elected MP for Taranaki-King Country, one of the largest rural electorates in New Zealand, since 2014 and is currently the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
A life-long dairy farmer, Barbara remains a shareholder in two family-owned farming businesses. Focused succession planning allowed Barbara to transition from full time farming to follow her passion for the Agribusiness industry into the roles of governance, coaching and leadership. She was named the 2012 Dairy Woman of the Year and has been a member of the Boards of DairyNZ, Primary ITO Board, Taratahi, Dairy Women’s Network, and NZ Young Farmers. Barbara has completed an Institute for Strategic Leadership MBA and is a past scholarship recipient of the Food & Agribusiness Market Experience (FAME). In 2014 she became a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. She qualified from the PGCert in Public Policy in 2024.
HŪHANA LYNDON
Green Party Spokesperson
Hūhana Lyndon, nō Ngātiwai, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whātua, Waikato Tainui and Pare Hauraki. Daughter of the North, her roots, life and career are firmly grounded in Te Tai Tokerau.
As a single mother raising 3 daughters, Hūhana is an advocate for the advancement of He Whakaputanga me Te Tiriti o Waitangi with the Crown, Local Government and community on behalf of hapū and iwi. Hūhana has a diverse career portfolio in health, education and primary industries at operational and governance levels. Hūhana has stood twice in Local Government Elections.
Hūhana is the former CEO of Ngātiwai Trust Board and Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust. Hūhana secured research funding for the development of the first Indigenous Forestry Transition Plan for the 5600ha of the Trust’s corpus underpinned by mātauranga o Ngāti Hine. She implemented cadetships into the Trust’s Kiwifruit Orchards and led the iwi strategy for the protection of taonga on land and sea underpinned by WAI 262. Hūhana takes a collaborative leadership approach which was demonstrated in the Ngātiwai and Ngāti Hine COVID-19 response – tiaki tangata, whenua, me te moana.
IAN HOOKER
CEO, The RCG
Ian Hooker has been with the Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) since 2020 and was appointed CEO in 2023. With more than 30 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, Ian brings a wealth of expertise in navigating the complex and fast-paced world of digital technology and project delivery.
Ian’s passion, dedication, and commitment have been instrumental in RCG’s success, overseeing the completion of the Government-funded Rural Broadband Initiative 2 (RBI2) and Mobile Black Spot Fund (MBSF) programmes. Under his leadership, RCG has delivered over 570 rural cell sites, bringing essential mobile connectivity to some of the most remote parts of Aotearoa.
Building on this success, Ian is now steering RCG into new areas of innovation, including the launch of iConn, RCG’s in-building connectivity solution that extends reliable mobile coverage indoors. His leadership ensures RCG continues to deliver and operate critical telecommunications infrastructure, connecting communities wherever they live, work, and gather.
ANDREW BENDER
Fixed Networks CTO, NOKIA
Andrew Bender is CTO for the Network Infrastructure – Fixed Networks business division of Nokia.
He leads the team of industry experts managing new technology initiatives, industry engagement, ecosystem strategy, and the invention portfolio in the division. Working in partnership with Nokia Bell Labs, the Nokia Fixed Networks CTO team pursues innovations in the broadband, multigigabit PON, optical access, 5G fixed wireless, Wi-Fi, network automation, and cloud software application domains.
Andrew is the designated AI officer for the division, responsible for facilitating experiments, development and projects that apply the technology for internal systems and customer use. As a member of the U.S. country management organization for Nokia, he leads the forum for policy, strategy, and commercial initiatives concerning the U.S. presence of the company. He also serves on the Executive Advisory Board of the Broadband Forum, contributing industry and technical insight to the direction of the organization.
Andrew has over 20 years of industry experience spanning the networking, hardware engineering, cloud computing, and software sectors. Andrew has held a number of senior technical leadership positions at VMware, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and NEC Corporation of America
JENNY MARCROFT
Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for Media and Communications
Jenny Marcroft is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Ministers for Oceans and Fisheries, and for Media and Communications. An experienced broadcaster with a 30 year career in radio and television, Jenny most recently worked in Mayor Wayne Brown’s transition team prior to her return to Parliament.
As Under-Secretary to the Hon Shane Jones, her delegations include engagement with domestic oceans and fisheries stakeholders, and representation of New Zealand in international fisheries governance forums such as the Pacific Island Forum.
As Under-Secretary to the Hon Paul Goldsmith, her delegations include Regional Media, Radio Broadcasting, and Media Workforce Development. Within her Communications portfolio delegations include Rural Connectivity and Communications Infrastructure.
Ms Marcroft is also a member of the Health Select Committee.
Jenny is a New Zealand First MP.
REUBEN DAVIDSON
Labour Party Spokesperson, Economic Development; Science, Innovation & Technology; and Broadcasting, Media and Creative Economy
Reuben is the Member of Parliament for Christchurch East and Labour’s spokesperson for Economic Development; Science, Innovation and Technology; and Broadcasting, Media and the Creative Economy.
Before entering Parliament, Reuben built a career in television, producing popular New Zealand children’s programmes including What Now, Fanimals, and Brain Busters. His experience in the screen industry gave him strong expertise in the digital and creative sectors, working across multidisciplinary teams to bring ideas to life.
Reuben believes New Zealand is well placed to lead the world through innovation. By empowering our technology and creative sectors, he believes we can grow high-value industries and create great jobs for New Zealanders. He is passionate about exploring how New Zealand can support cutting-edge ideas, strengthen the innovation ecosystem, and ensure the country remains a place where creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship can thrive.
ELLE ARCHER
Systems Architect and Digital Sovereignty Advocate
Elle Archer is a systems strategist and futurist working across iwi development, digital infrastructure and governance transformation. With 30 years across science, technology and economic development, she designs integrated ecosystems that move communities from digital equity to sovereignty. Her kaupapa: Tāku take, he whakakotahi. WE shapes me.
Her leadership roles Include:
Chair, Te Hapori Matihiko (Māori in DigiTech);
Co-Chair, Waitaha Regional Digital Equity/Excellence Network;
Director, Tū Ātea Telecommunications;
Director, Tertiary Education; Commission – Technology Industry Skills Board;
Director, Network for Learning;
Executive Council, AgriTechNZ;
Economic Development Lead, Ngāti Tamaterā
TRISTAN GILBERTSON
Telecommunications Commissioner
Tristan Gilbertson was appointed Telecommunications Commissioner in June 2020. He is a corporate and commercial lawyer with extensive international experience in telecommunications law and regulation. After an early career in private practice, Tristan was appointed Legal & Regulatory Director – Asia-Pacific at Vodafone Group Plc, where he was closely involved in the expansion and diversification of Vodafone’s business. He then joined Telecom New Zealand Ltd where he was Group General Counsel and played a leading role in the structural separation of Telecom and the re-set of the regulatory framework. Most recently, he was Group General Counsel of Digicel Group Ltd, where he focused on transformation and change across Digicel’s 32 global markets. Tristan holds a BA/LLB(Hons) from the University of Auckland and has completed the Executive Leadership Development Programme at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
MARK EAGER
Chief Executive, Mobile Health Group
Mark has been with Mobile Health since 2007, and comes from a nursing background. He manages the team at Mobile Health, as well as the relationship with the Manatu Hauora Ministry of Health. He is also the chair of the Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) Board, and a Board member of Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network.
VIC MACLENNAN
Co-Chair DECA
TBA
ELLEN STRICKLAND
Director, Brainbox Institute
TBA
JOHNATHAN EELE
Chief Executive, Enable Fibre Broadband
Johnathan Eele is Chief Executive Officer at Enable Fibre Broadband, the fibre broadband network provider for greater Christchurch connecting homes, businesses and schools across the region.
Johnathan brings more than 20 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry in New Zealand and internationally, with senior leadership roles across wholesale, enterprise, government and consumer sectors. He also has deep experience in regulatory affairs and sector engagement.
Before joining Enable, Johnathan was Chief Executive Enterprise, Government and Wholesale at Vocus. Earlier in his career, he founded specialist business telco black + white and worked across the UK, Ireland, the USA and New Zealand with organisations including Cable & Wireless, Hutchison Whampoa and Telecom NZ (now Spark). His background spans marketing, product management, sales, procurement and general management, giving him a broad perspective on the future of digital infrastructure and connectivity.
LEALA FALESEUGA
Digital Inclusion Librarian, Libraries Horowhenua
With over nine years of experience in libraries, Leala stepped into her digital inclusion role during the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining a firsthand perspective of the growing, and rapidly evolving need for digital equity in communities.
She oversees library programming and services that foster digital learning and empowerment for the Horowhenua and has seen from the frontline the ongoing effects of digital exclusion on her community, where issues such as affordable connectivity and digital literacy have real-world impacts.
She is passionate about the role libraries play as trusted and accessible spaces, the ways they serve their hapori, and their part in creating digitally resilient and thriving futures for all.
Outside of her librarianship mahi, Leala is a māmā, a multi-disciplinary artist and a keen reader.
MICHAEL MILTIADOU
Country Manager, Ericsson
Michael is a seasoned and credible business leader with over 42 years of experience in Telecommunications and IT, spanning both vendor and operator environments.
He has extensive experience building and leading distributed, diverse, multicultural, and matrixed organisations. Michael is recognised for his strong thought leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering customer-centric business focus.
During his 19+ years as an executive at Ericsson, he held several senior leadership roles, including Country Manager, Head of Cloud Software & Services, VP & Global Head of Managed Services Delivery, and VP & Global Head of Customer Support Delivery, based in Sweden.
Michael holds a Diploma in Electronics Engineering from Victoria University and an MBA certification in Organisational Behaviour and Marketing from the University of Ballarat.
HAMISH GRAHAM
Commercial Partner Channel Lead for APJ, Amazon Leo
Hamish is the Commercial Partner Channel Lead for APJ – Asia, Pacific and Japan (APJ) for Amazon Leo. Hamish has over 20 years in the Cloud, Data, Telecommunications and Technology industry focused on complex strategic sales and GTM.
Hamish spent 6 ½ years at AWS leading the Pan-Amazon partnership for a Tier 1 Australian Telecommunications organization.
Prior to AWS, Hamish has had senior sales roles at Telstra, in the BPO industry at Fuji Xerox Australia focused on Global Insurance, Utilities and Telecommunications organizations. Hamish is originally from New Zealand, but lives in Melbourne, Australia.
KEN WALLISS
Executive General Manager of Access, Chorus
Ken leads the team responsible for driving fibre connection uptake and enhancing customer experience to support Aotearoa New Zealand’s fibre broadband future.
Ken brings extensive experience from across the telecommunications sector. Most recently, he spent seven years at nbn in Australia in senior executive roles, leading commercial strategy, pricing, product development. Prior to that, Ken spent over a decade at Telstra, driving major pricing and commercial transformations. Earlier in his career, he worked in economic consulting, regulation and public policy with organisations including the ACCC and Australian Treasury. Ken’s experience underpins his commitment to ensuring broadband infrastructure is both commercially sustainable and accessible to all. A consistent advocate for digital equity,
Ken had established nbn’s Low Income and Digital Inclusion Forum – a permanent network with extensive industry and community membership, developing initiatives focused on affordability, accessibility, and digital inclusion.
PAUL BRISLEN
CEO, The TCF
Paul is the chief executive of the Telecommunications Forum. Previously he has variously been an editor, a public relations specialist, a commentator and even the CEO of TUANZ. He has been involved in the telecommunications sector in one form or another for 25 years but still can’t fix your wifi.
Megan Matthews
Chair, Te Ara Hihiko
TBA.
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