IIA NZ and Deloitte-Hosted Hybrid Event

Topic: Internal Audit: A Purpose-Driven Future for New Zealand's Public Sector

IIA NZ is pleased to partner with Deloitte to deliver this special hybrid event as part of Global Internal Audit Awareness Month 2026.

This event has been developed to create space for a timely and practical discussion on the evolving role of internal audit in New Zealand's public sector. At a time when public organisations continue to operate in an environment shaped by fiscal pressure, rising stakeholder expectations, increased scrutiny, digital transformation, and a growing need to demonstrate trust, transparency, and value, internal audit has an important role to play in supporting governance and organisational performance.

Drawing on Deloitte's recent report, Internal Audit: A Purpose-Driven Future, this event will explore what a purpose-driven internal audit function looks like in practice and why this matters for New Zealand's public sector context.

Link to the report: Internal audit: A purpose-driven future | Deloitte New Zealand

The discussion will consider how internal audit can continue to strengthen its contribution to governance, lift its strategic relevance, and better support chief executives, boards, audit and risk committees, and senior leaders through trusted insight, strong relationships, and clear value.

This event is intended to be both reflective and forward-looking. It will provide an opportunity for members and invited stakeholders to consider what is changing across the public sector, what is being asked of internal audit now, and what capabilities, positioning, and leadership approaches will be needed to ensure the profession remains relevant, respected, and effective in the period ahead.

The session will begin with a short overview of Deloitte's report and key themes, followed by a panel discussion featuring experienced leaders from governance, internal audit, and the public sector. Panellists will reflect on what success looks like for internal audit in today's environment, how organisations can enable internal audit to thrive, and what practical lessons can be drawn for the future.

Purpose of the event:

The purpose of this event is to elevate discussion on the future role of internal audit within New Zealand's public sector and to create a practical forum for reflection on what helps internal audit functions deliver meaningful impact.

The event is also intended to:

• provide visibility to Deloitte's report and the themes arising from it
• encourage discussion between internal audit leaders, governance professionals, and senior public sector decision-makers
• explore how internal audit can continue to evolve in support of public trust, performance, accountability, and resilience
• highlight what boards, chief executives, and audit and risk committees value most from internal audit
• support IIA NZ members and stakeholders to think more strategically about the future direction of the profession

Event objective:

The objective of this event is to provide a practical and future-focused discussion on how internal audit functions across New Zealand's public sector can continue to evolve in support of boards, chief executives, audit and risk committees, and wider organisational leadership through a clearer sense of purpose, stronger partnerships, and greater strategic impact.

Who should attend

• This event will be relevant to:
• internal auditors at all levels working within or alongside the public sector
• chief audit executives and heads of internal audit
• audit and risk committee members
• governance professionals and senior leaders interested in assurance, accountability, and public sector performance
• risk, assurance, and compliance practitioners
• invited stakeholders with an interest in the future of internal audit in New Zealand

Event details:

• Date: Thursday, 14 May 2026
• Time: 4 pm - 6.30 pm
• Venue: Deloitte Wellington and online
• Format: Hybrid
• Cost: Complimentary
• In-person attendance: Up to 60 in-person attendees, subject to final venue confirmation

Panel discussion:

The panel discussion will begin at 5.30 pm and will include:

• James Jong, CAE
• Kevin Jenkins, Professional Director
• Rob Anderson, Director of Sector and Agency Performance, Public Service Commission
• Megan Main, Chief Executive, ACC

Agenda:

• 4 pm - Event opens with welcome drinks and nibbles
• 4.30 pm - Online attendees admitted
• 4.30 pm - Karakia and opening remarks from IIA NZ and Deloitte, including a brief overview of the evening and introduction of the event MC
• 4.40 pm - Overview of Deloitte's report and key themes
• 5.15 pm - Scene-setting for the panel discussion, including future-focused reflections and context for the panel discussion
• 5.25 pm - Introduction of the panel facilitator and panel speakers
• 5.30 pm - 6.00 pm - Panel discussion
• 6.00 pm - 6.25 pm - Audience Q&A and facilitated discussion
• 6.25 pm - Closing remarks from IIA NZ and Deloitte
• 6.30 pm - Event concludes

About the session:

This session is designed to bring together different perspectives from across governance, internal audit, and public sector leadership to consider what a purpose-driven future for internal audit could and should look like in New Zealand.

Through the report overview and panel discussion, attendees will be encouraged to reflect on several important questions, including:

• how internal audit is perceived and valued within public sector organisations
• what helps internal audit functions build trust and influence
• where internal audit can add the greatest value in an increasingly complex environment
• how internal audit can strengthen its communication, capability, and strategic relevance
• what good support from governance leaders and executives looks like in practice
• how the profession can continue to evolve to meet the expectations of the future

The intention is that attendees leave the event with broader insight into the opportunities and expectations facing internal audit, as well as practical reflections they can take back into their own organisations and leadership conversations.

Host sponsor:

Deloitte is kindly supporting this event as Host Sponsor.

As Host Sponsor, Deloitte will provide the Wellington venue, catering, and AV support for the in-person component of the event and will support the delivery of the hybrid format. Deloitte will also contribute to the content of the evening through the overview of its report and participation in the wider discussion.

IIA NZ will manage event promotion, registrations, attendee communications, and overall event coordination in partnership with Deloitte.

Acknowledgement:

IIA NZ extends its sincere thanks to Deloitte for its support of this event and for its willingness to help create a high-quality forum for discussion on the future of internal audit within New Zealand's public sector.

We also acknowledge James Jong, Head of Profession for Central Government, for his support of this event and his contribution to shaping this important and timely discussion. This partnership and collaboration are greatly appreciated and reflect a shared commitment to supporting the profession, fostering thought leadership, and encouraging practical conversations that strengthen governance and assurance capability across Aotearoa New Zealand.

General notes:

This event is intended to be accessible and relevant to both IIA NZ members and invited stakeholders. As attendees may come from a range of sectors and professional backgrounds, the content and discussion will be framed in a way that is clear, practical, and meaningful for a broad audience.

This is a complimentary event, to both IIA NZ members and non-members.

Registrations will be managed by IIA NZ and will close on Thursday, 7 May 2026, midnight.

Final attendee numbers, including any dietary requirements, will be provided to Gaynor Pollock at Deloitte.

Primary event logistics contact

The primary IIA NZ contact for event logistics is Nyssa Edgecombe - IIA NZ Events and Support Manager, events@iianz.org.nz