How do we activate and supercharge a vibrant network of ‘leaders for equity’ by convening spaces to connect, learn, and be inspired?

This isn’t your typical conference. The Leaders for Equity Unconference flips the script — no fixed agenda, just the people in the room and the collective power we bring.

It’s part of a growing movement: a cross-sector network of changemakers committed to creating a more equitable Aotearoa. This kaupapa supports leaders to dismantle inequities, build cultural intelligence, and reshape dominant narratives.

This unconference is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. That means centring Te Ao Māori values, tikanga, and kawa in how we hold the day, and making sure the conversations we have reflect our shared responsibility for equity in Aotearoa.

Through connection, shared learning, and bold conversations, this day will spark insight, build momentum, and deepen the relationships that power systemic change.

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Join us at this one-day, people-powered gathering to grow courage, deepen connection, and lead equity together.

WHEN: Friday 28 November, 9:15am-2:45pm (arrival from 8:30am for a hot beverage & connection)

WHERE: Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre (455 Hagley Avenue, Christchurch Central)

(kai included)

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We’re keeping the numbers intimate (around 60-80) to enable deep, relational, and action-focused conversations.

To make the most of our shorter day while still enabling meaningful participation, we’re adjusting the unconference approach slightly. Topics will be gathered in the registration form as part of signing up. If you think of a topic after completing registration, you can email info@leadershiplab.co.nz. The deadline for topic submissions is Wednesday 16 October. Once you submit a topic, a member of our team will be in touch to discuss it further.

After collecting topic ideas, we will open voting to all registered attendees. This way, the unconference remains co-created, and we can maximise the time we have together for meaningful conversations and shared learning.

What to expect?

• Participant-led and action-based
• Crowdsourced topics and peer-facilitated sessions
• Cross-sector collaboration and collective inspiration
• Case studies and lived examples of ‘what’s working’

Come with curiosity, leave with fresh relationships, renewed energy, and tangible inspiration to lead this mahi in your context.

What we’ll cover:

That’s up to us, in true unconference style. But to spark ideas, here are some possibilities:

• What does equity leadership look like in practice across different sectors?
• How do we lead systemic change at the levels of structures, relationships, and mental models (Waters of Systems Change)?
• What does it take to build the vā across difference, and sustain trust?
• How do we embed intersectionality and Te Ao Māori approaches in our leadership?
• What’s working — real examples of equity in action we can learn from.