Johan Rockström
Professor in Earth System Science, University of Potsdam, Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
John Lang
Climate analyst and communicator
Laura Clarke OBE
CEO, ClientEarth
Chlöe Swarbrick
Co-Leader, Green Party
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins
Party Leader, Labour Party
Hon David Seymour
Party Leader, ACT Party
Qiulae Wong
Party Leader, The Opportunity Party
Hon Simon Watts
Climate Change Minister, National Party
We are entering the final stretch of the decisive decade to 2030, approaching tipping points that demand renewed momentum. The impacts of climate change are no longer distant forecasts – they are real, and they are here. In Aotearoa New Zealand, extreme weather events provide a stark reminder of our vulnerability and the need for rapid adaptation alongside emissions reduction.
The 2026 Climate Change and Business Conference Building Momentum. Driving Change. will ask the critical questions of the moment:
How can New Zealand businesses harness the energy of the global transition, even if our domestic policy settings lag behind?
What are our most viable paths forward - politically and economically - to realise the upside of the new economy?
What are the key policy asks from the business community in the lead-up to Election 2026?
How can we leverage the opportunity of Australia’s shared COP31 leadership to bring attention, capital, and collaboration to our region?
How should New Zealand position itself to thrive in a shifting global economic paradigm?
This is a time for renewed resolve. The transition must happen - and we have the tools, talent, and tenacity to shape our role in it. The choices we make now will determine the kind of economy, society, and environment we inhabit in 2030, 2040, 2050, and beyond.