Keynote Speakers

Dr Michelle Dickinson

AI, Ethics, and the Human Touch 

AI is revolutionising industries, but how do we ensure it works for us, not against us? In this thought-provoking talk, Michelle delves into the ethical considerations of AI, the importance of human-centred design, and the need for responsible innovation. She explores real-world case studies to highlight how AI can enhance, not replace human creativity and problem-solving. 

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the key ethical challenges of AI and their implications for businesses, education, and society.
• Explore the principles of human-centered design and how they can guide responsible AI development.
• Learn how to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and maintaining human touch.
• Discover actionable strategies to incorporate ethical considerations into AI adoption and innovation.
• Gain insights from real-world examples of AI being used responsibly to solve complex problems.

Dr. Michelle Dickinson MNZM is a pioneering engineer and technology strategist whose career bridges science, engineering, and emerging technologies. Driven by a mission to make complex ideas accessible and engaging, she has become a global leader in translating cutting-edge innovation into concepts that inspire action. 

Raised with a curiosity for how things work, Michelle went on to earn a PhD in Biomedical and Materials Engineering, specialising in advanced nanomechanical techniques. Her academic research spanned materials science and biomedical engineering, producing an extensive boy of published work.

Michelle's career has seen her advising some of the world's largest technology companies on nanotechnology and guiding them through the rapidly evolving landscapes of AI, quantum computing, and sustainable technology. She has held influential roles across academia and industry, including her ongoing position as an honorary academic in engineering at the University of Auckland. 

As co-founder of Nanogirl Labs, she built innovative STEM education programmes that reached global audiences, before founding Matter Workshop, where she continues to champion creative approaches to STEM learning and corporate technology training. She also serves as an Honorary Wing Commander in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. 

Hayden Paddon

Leading at Full Throttle: Innovation from the Rally Stage to the Real World

New Zealand’s most successful rally driver, Hayden Paddon, has had a phenomenal career in motorsport. Starting with nothing, and determined to beat the odds, he set out on a phenomenal 20-year pathway to the World Rally Championship, where he footed it with the best rally drivers on the planet.

Rallying is a sport that has been part of the Paddon family for quite some time. Hayden’s father Chris first got into motorsport at the age of 22, competing in club events around the South Island in numerous cars. Born in 1987, Hayden was introduced to motorsport at the young age of 6. At first he accompanied his Dad to rallies, before he was old enough to service for him. Hayden has lived, breathed and eaten motorsport ever since.

As the World Rally Championship looks to allow battery-powered in the future, Hayden leads the way for change and in 2020 revealed his highly-anticipated fully-electric rally car - built by Hayden’s company, Paddon Rallysport Group alongside Stohl Advanced Research and Development and the University of Canterbury.

Invited Speakers

Quinlan Buchlak

The Future of Spine Surgery: Innovation, Integration, and Impact in Spine Robotics and AI

This presentation explores the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and clinical partnerships shaping the future of spine surgery. We’ll discuss applied AI and robotic tools, surgical decision support and outcome prediction, highlighting innovations in system integration and clinician augmentation. The session will address evolving questions of autonomy and governance, emphasizing how strategic collaborations drive progress and ensure safe, effective adoption of new technologies in the operating room to optimise patient care.

Dr Quin is a medical device industry executive, medical doctor and organisational strategy expert with 17 years of management consulting, leadership, research, and neurosurgical experience in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. He has worked across the healthcare, human services, and deep technology sectors. He holds a Medical Doctorate, a Masters in Organisational Psychology, a Masters in Information Systems and is a PhD Candidate. His clinical research focuses on applying machine learning to patient safety improvement and outcome prediction in neurosurgery. His work has been published in The Lancet Digital Health, Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Journal of Neurosurgery, and other peer-reviewed journals.

Suran Dickson

Building High-Performing Teams Through Psychological Safety

High-performing teams are not built on artificial harmony; they are built on trust, candour, and inclusion. In this engaging keynote, Suran Dickson explores how psychological safety enables people to speak up, disagree well, and contribute ideas that drive both innovation and clinical outcomes. Drawing on leadership, and conflict resolution practice, she unpacks what gets in the way of honest dialogue and how leaders can create environments where it is safe to challenge, question and put ideas on the table. Expect practical strategies for fostering healthy conflict, embedding inclusive habits, and navigating conflict.

Suran Dickson, Director of Flipside Consulting, is an industry leading expert on behaviour change, communication and inclusion. An influential writer and speaker, with numerous awards under her belt, including a British Rising Star CEO accolade in 2015, Suran delivers workshops, keynotes and mediates conflict all with the aim of helping people get the best from themselves and one another.

Through Flipside Consulting, she empowers organisations to ensure workplace culture is healthy, emotionally intelligent and adapting to an ever changing world.

Craig Lynch

My 2 Decades of Robotics: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Heading?

Over the past 20 years, robotics has transformed what's possible in minimally invasive surgery. It now delivers improved outcomes, greater efficiency, and enhances cost-effectiveness when compared to conventional laparoscopy across many colorectal and general surgical procedures. Looking ahead, continued advances in AI and technology will take this progress even further.

Craig Lynch is a Colorectal Surgeon practicing at the Sydney Adventist Hospital in Sydney, the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, and also here in his home town in Christchurch.

He has extensive experience using a minimally invasive approach to managing colorectal conditions. He first trained in robotic surgery in 2002 and was the first to perform robotic colorectal surgery in Australasia in 2009. 

He is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Australian National University and holds a Masters degree in surgery, publishing over 130 peer-reveiwed manuscripts. He is a Fellow of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand and International Fellow of the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.

He is on the Board of Governors of ELSA (Endo-Lap Surgeons of Asia), and a Founding Board Member of APELS (Asia Pacific Endo-Lap Surgery Group), founded to promote and teach laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical skills in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Ryan Radecki

AI 101

Artificial intelligence is permeating healthcare delivery. What are the underlying technologies driving "AI"? How can it be used safely and effectively, and what regulatory guidance helps support its use?

Ryan P. Radecki, MD MS FACEM FACEP, is a U.S.-trained emergency physician and clinical informatics specialist. He works in the ED at Waitaha Canterbury, and as Senior Clinical Advisor to Health NZ in the AI Lab, the National Artificial Intelligence and Algorithm Expert Advisory Group, and the Whānau, Consumer and Clinical Digital Council.

Prudence Thomson

Recruitment - Attract, Interview, Relocate and Retain: A Practical Guide to International Healthcare Recruitment

This presentation provides practical strategies for attracting internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) and internationally qualified anaesthetic technicians (IQATs) without exhausting recruitment budgets. Drawing on 25 years of experience in global healthcare recruitment, Prudence outlines the most effective pathways through the immigration process, highlighting easier options and optimal timing. She will break down the registration requirements step by step, ensuring employers and candidates alike understand what's involved. The session also covers best practices for interviewing IQNs and IAQTs - what to ask, what to look for, and how to identify candidates most likely to thrive in New Zealand. Attendees will learn about realistic timelines, how to set expectations clearly, and practical pointers for successful relocation and resettlement. By combining clinical insight with decades of international recruitment expertise, this session equips organisations with the knowledge to confidently attract, support, and retain globally trained healthcare professionals. 

Prudence Thomson is founder and manager of ACCENT Health Recruitment, she trained in New Zealand as a general nurse before working in the UK, Middle East, and NZ. For over 25 years, she has specialised in recruiting nurses from the UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, and South Africa to New Zealand, combining clinical insight with a passion for healthcare workforce growth.

Jacinda King & Becky Hickmott

The Future of Nursing

Becky Hickmott

Katrina Walsh

Expansion of Practice - RN's and AT's

Katrina brings over 30 years of healthcare experience as a Registered Nurse and Anaesthetic Technician to her role at AUT. She lectures in both Haemodynamics in Perioperative Practice and the Foundation of Anaesthesia courses and is Programme Leader for the Bachelor of Health Science in Perioperative Practice at AUT. In this role she oversees the curriculum and is committed to fostering high-quality learning experiences for all students. Currently undertaking her Masters degree, she intends to pursue research that will contribute to future clinical practice; current research is focused on patients’ experiences in the operating room.

Julie Hedley & Waimarama Durie

Ngā Pou, Ngā Ara: The Pillars and Pathways of Nursing in Aotearoa

The Nursing Council of New Zealand has introduced a culturally grounded framework to assess and demonstrate nursing competence: five Pou for enrolled nurses and six for registered nurses. These Pou represent a holistic and inclusive approach to nursing practice in Aotearoa, embodying the values, knowledge, and relational practices essential for safe, equitable, and culturally responsive care. By aligning nursing competence with these Pou, the Council affirms its commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, promoting health equity, and fostering a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves. This presentation will explore the introduction and application of the Pou within our nationwide Professional Development and Recognition programmes. It will also provide insights into Huarahi Whakatū—the Māori nurses programme - and outline the evidence required for NCNZ re-certification audits.

Julie is part of the Clinical Directorate at Southern Cross Healthcare and is based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. She serves as co-chair of the National PDRP Coordinators Committee (NNPC), where she plays a key role in shaping professional development and recognition programmes across Aotearoa. With many years of experience as a PDRP assessor in both public and private healthcare sectors, Julie brings a deep understanding of clinical practice, workforce development, and quality assurance. She is proud to whakapapa to Ngāti Porou and is deeply committed to improving Māori health outcomes. Her work is guided by a strong focus on equity, cultural safety, and supporting Māori aspirations within the health system.

Waimarama Durie

He uri whakaheke a Waimarama nō ngā kāwai whakapapa o Ngāti Kauwhata, o Rangitāne, o Tauranga Moana anō hoki. 

Waimarama Durie is a highly skilled Māori Registered Nurse with a specialised background in mental health and addictions nursing. Her experience across inpatient wards, kaupapa Māori community mental health services, and frontline nursing within the Ara Poutama Aotearoa. She later moved into national office roles, contributing to projects that strengthened system-level change. She works in the National Public Health Service, Te Whatu Ora as an Āporei (Principal Adviser) in Strategy, Operations and Planning and joined Te Rau Ora as a Māori Nurse Educator, leading the redesign of Huarahi Whakatū. Her work ensures the programme meets national standards while remaining distinctly Māori, reflecting the values, aspirations, and contributions of Māori nurses. Outside of her professional life, Waimarama enjoys travelling, exploring different cultures and cuisines, playing golf, and spending time with her whānau. She is the daughter of Taihākurei and Elaine Durie, and sister to Isaac, Maraea, and Keita. She is also a proud aunty to ten nieces and nephews, Taenga, Tehani, Te Kāhui, Taihākurei, Maniaihu, Maioro, Waiōira, Teurin, Te Maire, and Awarua who inspire her commitment to the wellbeing of future generations.

Ted Feldbrugge

Lead Yourself First - Who We Are is How We Lead

In his presentations, Ted combines evidence-based insights from research and science with practical tools for everyday leadership. His authentic approach equips audiences to reframe challenges, prepare for uncertainty, and embrace growth. With warmth and credibility, Ted shows that leading ourselves first is the foundation for inspiring others.

Ted’s professional expertise became deeply personal following a life-changing spinal cord injury. The mental fitness practices he once taught – optimism, self-awareness, and purposeful action – became the very strategies that enabled him to adapt, rebuild, and continue to thrive.

Knowing and understanding ourselves well, along with why we do what we do is an essential skillset for leading others and thriving in life

Ted is a speaker with an inspiring back-story.  Educated in Business Studies, Psychology, Social Psychology and Positive Psychology, he has over 30 years’ experience in leadership and mental fitness development. He contributes to the areas of business, high performance sport, and the community, and works widely in a pro bono capacity. Drawing on both professional knowledge and lived experience of resilience after a spinal cord injury, he equips audiences with practical self-leadership tools to build focus, internal strength, and lead with purpose.

Carol Kirk

Mastering Difficult Conversations - Avoidance is Not a Strategy for Anything

In this engaging session, Carol addresses one of the biggest challenges in leadership today – the avoidance of difficult conversations. Too often, leaders fear conflict, emotional reactions, or damaging relationships, leading to frustration and disengagement. Carol provides a clear, practical framework for handling these conversations with confidence and care.

Participants will leave with tools to navigate sensitive issues, build accountability, and strengthen trust – transforming difficult conversations into opportunities for growth and connection.

Carol is a leadership and people development expert with over 25 years’ experience helping individuals and teams thrive. Passionate about building confident leaders, she equips people with practical tools to master challenging conversations, strengthen relationships, and drive positive change in today’s dynamic workplace.