Speakers: NZCSA25

Matt Ensor is a well known pioneer in Generative AI in New Zealand. His mission is to accelerate the practical adoption of Generative AI in NZ organisations.

In his keynote presentation, Matt will share invaluable insights on how AI can revolutionise the way you do business. Discover how AI can streamline operations, reduce costs, automate routine tasks, and enhance negotiation strategies and outcomes. Matt explores how AI can simplify complex processes and improve your overall efficiency.

Matt is known for his ability to demystify complex AI topics, delivering clear and engaging insights to cross-sector audiences. He actively engages in global AI discussions, staying at the forefront of advancements in Generative AI. Matt chairs the AI Forum of New Zealand's working group on generative AI for the Institute of Directors and collaborates with boards and executive teams to explore AI’s role in governance and decision-making. Matt's previous roles were as the Founder CEO of FranklyAI, a Business Director at Beca, and he is an alumnus of the INSEAD Business School (France).

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Tony Alexander is currently an independent economist and speaker based in New Zealand. He is a favourite of NZCSA members, having spoken at the conference previously.

Tony Alexander is a renowned Economics Analyst and Commentator in New Zealand. Graduating with first-class honours in Economics from Canterbury University in 1984, Tony embarked on his career in Sydney before returning to New Zealand in 1987. He then began a long and influential chapter at BNZ, where he served as Chief Economist for 25 of his 26 years with the bank. In 2019, Tony made the bold move to step away from the corporate world, saying, “In a world of disruption, maybe it is time to disrupt myself.”

Over the decades, Tony has established himself as one of New Zealand’s most prolific economic writers. From daily and weekly commentaries in the late '80s to a steady stream of newsletters, columns, and in-depth analysis through to 2019, his voice has been a constant in the national conversation. His commentary has touched every corner of the economy, with a particular focus on SMEs, housing, business culture, and the economic role of Auckland. Tony was named Residential Economist of the Year in 2011 and was frequently cited as New Zealand’s most interviewed economist.

In October 2019, he launched ‘Tony’s View,’ a weekly publication offering insights in plain language, continuing his mission to make economic trends accessible to everyday New Zealanders. He also shares regular property market updates through his column in OneRoof.

Known for his engaging and down-to-earth speaking style, Tony translates complex economic issues into practical insights for audiences, helping them to better understand the forces shaping New Zealand’s economy.

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Mike Allsop is a New Zealand-based adventurer, commercial airline pilot, and inspirational speaker renowned for transforming extraordinary challenges into achievable goals. Growing up in a single-parent household in Auckland, Mike pursued his dream of becoming an airline pilot with unwavering determination, ultimately becoming a captain for Air New Zealand.

His adventurous spirit led him to summit Mount Everest in an unguided expedition and to complete the remarkable feat of running seven marathons in seven days across seven continents, raising NZ$75,000 for the charity KidsCan. Mike also set a world record by running the world's highest marathon around Everest at 5,630 meters above sea level, enduring temperatures of -30°C. This incredible journey was documented in the film Chasing Altitude, inspiring audiences worldwide.

As a speaker, Mike shares his philosophy that "ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things" by breaking down goals into manageable steps and maintaining resilience. His engaging storytelling and practical insights have resonated with diverse audiences, including corporate teams and educational institutions.

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Keynote Speakers

Full List of Speakers