IIA NZ & ISACA Bi-Monthly Lunch 'n' Learn for June 2026

Topic: "Data Analytics & Assurance Innovation - What does 'good' look like in data-enabled assurance in 2026? "

• Date: Thursday 25 June 2026
• Event Start Time: Midday (registrations open from 12.00 pm)
• Online Participants Entry Time: 12.30 pm
• Venue: Datacom, Wellington and Online
• Format: Hybrid (In-person & Online)
• Speakers: Bhojraj Parmar (ISACA) and Nishana Reddy (IIA NZ)

Session Summary

As organisations continue to generate larger volumes of data and face increasing expectations around risk visibility, governance, and decision-making, assurance functions are being challenged to evolve. This session will explore how data analytics, automation, and assurance innovation are reshaping the way internal audit and IT assurance work is planned, delivered, and reported.

The discussion will consider what "good" looks like in data-enabled assurance in 2026, including how organisations are using analytics to move beyond traditional sample-based testing toward more continuous, targeted, and insightful assurance activity. It will also examine how data can be used to improve assurance coverage, strengthen confidence in findings, identify emerging risks earlier, and support more forward-looking conversations with management, boards, and audit and risk committees.

Participants will gain practical insight into how assurance teams can use data more effectively to improve efficiency and relevance, while also navigating the realities of data quality, governance, automation, capability uplift, and trust in outputs. The session is intended to prompt thinking not just about tools, but about mindset, maturity, and the strategic opportunity for assurance functions to deliver more timely, risk-informed, and value-adding insights.

Speakers:

• Bhojraj Parmar - Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Qubit Cyber
• Session Title: The Human enabled Loop for AI-Enabled Assurance

Bhojraj Bio: Bhojraj Parmar is Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Qubit Cyber, on a mission to protect humans in a tech enabled world where digital safety is the end and cyber is simply a means. He brings over 23 years of experience in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and crisis response across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and internationally. A Master of Cyber Security graduate and Boardroom Certified Qualified Technology Expert, Bhojraj has advised CxOs, Ministers, and Boards - before, during and after - high-stakes cyber incidents across IT and OT environments.

During his career at Google Mandiant, Deloitte, and Vector, he led assurance and security programs across utility, energy, government, and financial sectors. Bhojraj is passionate about helping organisations move beyond tick-box compliance toward human enabled, intelligence-led assurance that genuinely supports better decision-making.

• Nishana Reddy - Senior Manager in Internal Audit at Grant Thornton
• Session Title: Lessons from Audit Findings, What Organisations Keep Getting Wrong

Agenda

• 12.00 - 12.15 pm: Sign-in/registrations. Registrations will close at 12.15 pm
• 12.00 - 12.30 pm: Networking & working luncheon (tea and coffee provided)
• 12.30 - 12.35 pm: Welcome and introductions (IIA NZ & ISACA)
• 12.35 - 1.05 pm: Speaker 1 (20-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A)
• 1.05 - 1.35 pm: Speaker 2 (20-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A)
• 1.35 - 1.50 pm: Combined Q&A with both presenters and/or facilitated panel (15 mins)
• 1.50 - 2.00 pm: Organisational updates (if no additional questions) & closing thanks

For Online Attendees

• Join from 12.30 pm for introductions and speaker sessions.
• Teams link may open earlier for optional online networking (IIA NZ to provide the Teams link to online attendees).