Speakers & Sessions

Day One: Monday 13 November
3.30 pm-4.15 pm

Keynote Speaker

Dan Te Whenua Walker

Dan Walker has tribal affiliations to Tangahoe, Ngati Ruanui, Nga Ruahinerangi, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Te Atiawa, Maniapoto, Tuhourangi and Pakeha. He is a mokopuna of the great freedom fighter Titokowaru and wahine leader Ruaputahanga.

He was privileged to be nurtured under the manaakitanga of Kaai Tahu iwi for over 25 years of his life in Otautahi and Dan currently lives in, and pays respect to, the whenua lands of Ngati Manuhiri in Stanmore Bay Auckland with his wife Michelle and their three tamariki Josh, Tyler and Maia. Dan is Global Co-Chair of Indigenous at Microsoft where he is focused on supporting Indigenous empowerment wherever Microsoft is and raising the Indigenous voice in technology globally. He works as a Channel Executive across Australia and NZ looking after Partners and Cloud Solutions at Microsoft.

Through the help of his whanau, his elders and his tribal teachers, Dan has learned much of his Maori cultural wisdom through the 15+ years of service to his iwi tribe Ngati Ruanui. His experiences shaped his belief that Indigenous wisdom is for everyone and we need to reclaim this wisdom that has been handed down to us. His Masters degree was about tikanga Maori ki te ao matihiko - Maori values as a framework for digital leadership. This journey led him down interviews with Indigenous leaders from around he world about Indigenous wisdom from a digital context. Dan will discuss some of these Indigenous approaches to technology and how Maori are starting to collaborate with modern legal and corporate frameworks for true long-term inter-generational change for our future.

Dan is the Deputy Chair of NZ Maori Tourism, Pou Tuara of Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui, Director of Auckland Unlimited, on the Expert Advisory Panel at Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery, board member of Child Cancer Foundation and Ronald McDonald House - as well as a variety of community trustee and voluntary roles around the motu. He holds an MBA and a Masters in Advanced Leadership.

Dan was awarded the Young Maori Business Leader of the Year award and the NZ UoA 40 under 40 award last year.

Session Topic

Topic: Future of Indigenous Governance through Business Practices

The “Future of Indigenous Governance through Business Practices” is a thought-provoking topic that will take centre stage at the Internal Auditors Conference 2023. This engaging discussion aims to explore the harmonious integration of Indigenous wisdom and cultural values within modern business frameworks. With a focus on fostering long-term, sustainable change, the conference will delve into the significance of collaboration between Indigenous communities and corporate entities.

Dan Te Whenua Walker will shed light on how organisations can effectively incorporate Indigenous governance principles to promote social responsibility, diversity, and inclusive growth. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the power of Indigenous knowledge, innovation, and technology in driving businesses towards a more ethical and equitable future. Through compelling case studies, success stories, and forwardthinking strategies, this speaker seeks to empower auditors and professionals to embrace Indigenous perspectives while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business practices.

Join us in exploring the transformative potential of Indigenous governance, as we collectively strive for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.

Download Presentation

Theme: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

The “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” theme for the IIA NZ Conference 2023 challenges internal auditors to reflect on their past successes while embracing the need for innovation and adaptation in an everchanging business landscape. The conference theme serves as a powerful reminder that traditional methods and strategies that have led to success in the past may no longer be sufficient to navigate the complexities of the present and the future.

During this thought-provoking conference, attendees will explore how the role of internal auditors has evolved over time and how they must evolve with it. Speakers will share inspiring stories of organisations and professionals who have recognised the importance of continuous improvement and embraced transformative approaches to internal audit processes.

Participants will gain valuable insights into emerging trends and technologies shaping the internal audit profession. Workshops and interactive sessions will encourage attendees to challenge the status quo, identify opportunities for growth, and enhance their internal audit practices to drive maximum value for their organisations.

The “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” IIA NZ Conference 2023 theme is a call to action, urging internal auditors to be proactive change agents. By embracing innovation, adopting new methodologies, and enhancing their skillsets, internal auditors will be better equipped to lead their organisations through uncertainty and towards sustainable success.