Celebrity Speakers Showcase

MEETINGS is proud to partner with Celebrity Speakers New Zealand to provide Buyers with high-quality speaker sessions during the lunch breaks on both days of MEETINGS.

 

Day Buyers will receive priority registration to secure their place in these sessions.
Registration to these sessions is available in the Day Buyer registration form.

 

Celebrity Speakers Showcase
Day 1: Wednesday 17 June 2026

12.50pm - 1.50pm

MC: Madi Malone

Madison Malone is the owner, host and executive producer of Business with Madison, New Zealand's biggest business show.  
Learn more about Madi Malone 

Dr Mahsa McCauley

Mahsa is a globally recognised leader in artificial intelligence, celebrated for her pioneering research, strategic influence, and unwavering commitment to diversity in technology. 
Learn more about Dr Mahsa McCauley 

Darren Shand

For more than two decades, Darren Shand was the driving force behind the culture and high-performance environment that shaped the New Zealand All Blacks into the world’s most successful international sports team. 
Learn more about Darren Shand 

Ben Purua

Ben Purua is a motivational speaker, farmer, and community leader whose life story is a powerful example of resilience, redemption, and purpose. 
Learn more about Ben Purua 

Celebrity Speakers Showcase
Day 2: Thursday 18 June 2026

12.50pm - 1.50pm

MC: Luke Bird

Luke Bird is a charismatic and award-winning vocalist with a passion for musical theatre, opera, and comedy. His infectious energy and sharp wit make him a standout entertainer, celebrated for his versatility across multiple performance disciplines. 
Learn more about Luke Bird 

Danu Abeysuriya 

A visionary entrepreneur and technology leader, Danu Abeysuriya has built a career turning complex technical challenges into human-centred solutions that reshape industries. 
Learn more about Danu Abeysuriya 

Te Kahukura Boynton 

Te Kahukura Boynton is the founder of Māori Millionaire and a passionate advocate for closing the wealth gap. 
Learn more about Te Kahukura Boynton  

Craig Hudson

A respected business leader and wellbeing advocate, Craig Hudson supports the growth of New Zealand’s scaling economy. As Chief Growth Officer at AgriSea NZ, he helps drive global expansion through sustainable, purpose‑led strategies.
Learn more about Craig Hudson 

Shaan Kloet, Luke Bird & Kawiti Waetford | Opera Trio

Shaan Kloet, Luke Bird and Kawiti Waetford - three exceptional performers from Whangārei - come together as an opera trio delivering a powerful blend of opera, musical theatre, humour and storytelling. Known for their vocal excellence and natural chemistry, they bring world class performance with an unmistakably homegrown heart.  
Learn more about the Opera Trio