Speakers & Sessions

Day One: Monday 13 November
1.30 pm-2.15 pm

Keynote Session

Tony Alexander

Tony Alexander is a renowned Economics Analyst and Commentator in New Zealand.

Tony graduated from Canterbury University in 1984 with a Master of Arts (Economics) degree with first class honours and after briefly working in Sydney came back to New Zealand in 1987 to work in the financial sector. He worked for BNZ, one of New Zealand’s leading Banks, for 26 years (25 of which were as Chief Economist) until resigning in 2019 saying: “I’ve decided that, in a world of disruption, maybe it is time to disrupt myself, and have made the call to resign.”

He spends considerable time researching and writing about the New Zealand economy with special attention to SMEs, housing, business culture, and the role of Auckland in the NZ economy.

Experience and Accolades:

Tony has probably written more about the New Zealand economy than anyone else, having produced daily and weekly commentaries from 1987-1993, then weekly, monthly, quarterly, and many one-off pieces of analysis from 1993 through to 2019. At times he has been the most interviewed economist in New Zealand and was awarded the Residential Economist of the Year award in 2011.

Session Topic

Topic: Translating Economic Developments and Trends for Better Decision Making

At the IIA NZ Conference 2023, we will have the unique opportunity to gain insights from not one, but two highly esteemed experts in the field of economics. Tony Alexander and David Carrigan will be sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience to provide invaluable perspectives for internal auditors navigating the complex economic landscape.

Tony Alexander, a seasoned economist with extensive experience in the industry, has been a prominent figure in New Zealand since his return from Sydney in 1987. With an impressive 26-year tenure at BNZ, including nearly 25 years as Chief Economist, Alexander has consistently excelled at translating economic developments and trends into understandable language. His dedication to helping Kiwis make informed decisions for their businesses, investments, and homes underscores his approach to the subject. At the conference, Alexander will be delving into the topic of “Translating Economic Developments and Trends for Better

Decision Making.” As businesses and organisations face unprecedented economic challenges, internal auditors need to stay informed about economic trends and their potential impacts. Alexander’s presentation promises to offer actionable strategies and insights, empowering auditors to adapt and make informed decisions amidst ever-changing economic developments.

Joining him on stage is David Carrigan, an esteemed economist in his own right, known for his expertise in the field and invaluable contributions to various sectors. Together, Alexander and Carrigan will shed light on economic complexities and provide practical tips for internal auditors to incorporate economic analysis into their audit strategies effectively. Attendees can expect to leave with a deeper understanding of how economic trends shape their organisations and the tools to navigate the economic landscape with confidence and foresight.

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.