Speakers & Sessions

Conference Day One: Wednesday 5 November
11.15 am-12.00 noon

Day One Opening Keynote Speaker

Sir Brian Roche KNZM

Public Service Commissioner

Sir Brian became New Zealand’s Public Service Commissioner in November 2024, bringing to the role extensive experience in governance and leadership roles in the public and private sectors across a broad range of sectors.

He started his career as an accountant and was a senior partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers before becoming the CEO of the New Zealand Post Group.

Sir Brian currently serves on several boards including Timberland Limited and the Hugh Green Group Limited.

He was awarded a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 for services to the State and business.

Session Topic: Governance & Trust in a Changing World - Lessons learned and shared

Sir Brian Roche, Public Service Commissioner, will deliver an insightful keynote on the evolving nature of governance, accountability, and trust within organisations. Drawing on his extensive experience in public service leadership and corporate governance, Sir Brian will explore how internal auditors can reinforce ethical decision-making, strengthen governance frameworks, and build stakeholder trust in an increasingly complex and scrutinised environment.

This session will provide a unique perspective on:

▪️ The intersection of governance, risk, and trust in the public and private sectors

▪️ Lessons from many years of leadership and public service reform

▪️ How internal auditors can influence ethical leadership and strengthen accountability

▪️ The future role of internal audit in maintaining organisational integrity

Join us as Sir Brian Roche reflects on his leadership journey and shares insights that will inspire internal auditors to shape the future of governance in New Zealand and beyond.