Lead when it
matters most.
New Zealand's health and safety conference for professionals who are serious about strengthening their leadership, decision-making and influence in high-risk environments.
Compliance doesn't change culture. Leaders do.
When a critical risk escalates, no one reaches for the compliance manual. They look to you.
The legislative shift toward critical risk management is raising the bar on what safety leadership actually requires.
And when a high-stakes moment arrives, the quality of your leadership is what determines the outcome.
Raise your standard as a safety leader.
Influence executive decisions with clarity
Develop the influence to be heard and respected at every level of your organisation, from the frontline to the boardroom.
Make defensible calls when it counts
Build the confidence and frameworks to make sound, defensible decisions when critical risks escalate and time is short.
Align safety and operations
Walk away with practical tools to build strategic partnerships with operations and stop the constant friction for good.
You shouldn't have to figure this out alone.
We know what it's like to carry the weight of decisions that don't have easy answers.
Last year, over 100 safety leaders came together to raise their standard. In 2026, we're bringing the tools to help you lead with the authority your role demands.
"That was by far the best summit I have ever attended. Keynote speakers were on point. I've got so many takeaways."
Arthur Preuss, Health and Safety Manager
"Still buzzing from the Safety Summit. A powerful day of connection, reflecting, and forward thinking with some of the brightest minds in the industry."
Neil Joubert, Director/Consultant
"This was not your usual H&S conference. It was a day of inspiration and motivation."
Geoff Brokenshire, Company Director/H&S Consultant
"Real treat to attend the Safety Summit. So many highlights. Not your normal. Well done Matt Jones."
Graham Mahuika, General Manager, Intersafety
"I took so many learning opportunities from the amazing speakers, both from the stage and from casual conversations."
Bernie Wesselingh, Health and Safety Compliance Supervisor
Who is Safety Summit for?
This probably isn't for you if...
You're looking for a passive seminar experience.
You're happy ticking boxes and calling it safety leadership.
Safety Summit 2026 is for you if...
You're responsible (formally or informally) for influencing safety outcomes in your organisation.
You feel the weight of knowing your leadership quality determines the outcome in high-stakes moments.
You want practical frameworks for making defensible decisions when critical risks escalate.
You're ready to move beyond compliance and lead with real authority.
You want to be the leader your organisation relies on when consequences are real.
James Laughlin
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James Laughlin
James works with leaders in high-stakes environments where failure carries real consequences. Drawing from elite sport and executive leadership, he delivers practical frameworks for clarity, decision-making and control when the pressure is on.
What you'll take away: A repeatable framework you can apply the next time pressure rises and a decision can't wait.
Dr Alia Bojilova
A former SAS psychologist, Alia brings lived experience from some of the most demanding operational settings in the world. She now helps leaders navigate uncertainty, psychosocial risk and human performance in high-consequence settings.
What you'll take away: Practical tools for maintaining clarity and control in your next high-consequence moment.
Moni Hogg
Moni is New Zealand's leading pioneer of Safety Differently, with over two decades of experience across high-risk industries from construction and aerospace to healthcare and emergency services. Her work with Rocket Lab USA became one of the first global case studies proving that human-centred safety principles work at the highest levels of operational complexity.
What you'll take away: Practical tools for embedding a human-centred approach to risk that strengthens safety culture from the inside out.
Matt Jones
Matt Jones has spent more than a decade advising organisations across New Zealand. He's known for one thing: reframing safety as a leadership discipline, not an administrative function. He'll show you the gap between what executives believe is happening and what's actually happening on the frontline.
What you'll take away: A clear-eyed view of where your safety leadership actually sits and a practical path to strengthen it.
Nicola Knobel
With nearly two decades of experience across complex organisations in New Zealand, Nicola brings a rare combination of legal expertise and hands-on safety leadership. As Head of Safety, Risk and Assurance at Whānau Āwhina Plunket, she specialises in translating legislative complexity into accountability systems that actually work in practice.
What you'll take away: A practical framework for navigating the legal and governance landscape without losing sight of real-world safety outcomes.
Paaka Westrupp
As South Island Health and Safety Manager at Fulton Hogan, Paaka brings a practical, people-first approach to critical risk across complex operational environments. His background spans mining in Australia, manufacturing, and construction, giving him a rare combination of frontline experience and strategic leadership capability.
What you'll take away: Practical tools for embedding critical risk ownership at every level of your organisation, from the frontline to the boardroom.
Matt Williams
Matt Williams is a training designer and facilitator specialising in leadership, behavioural change, and practical execution in high-risk environments. He works closely with organisations like Fulton Hogan, helping everyone from senior leaders to frontline supervisors close the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it under pressure. His sessions are hands-on, practical, and focused on giving people simple tools they will use immediately on site.
Here's what the day looks like.
Safety Summit 2026 isn't a passive seminar. It's a full day designed to challenge how you think, decide, and lead.
Getting here is simple.
Secure your seat.
Commit to your professional development by registering for Safety Summit 2026.
Learn the tools.
Get practical frameworks for leadership, influence, and critical risk decision-making from experts who operate in high-stakes environments.
Lead with certainty.
Return to your site or boardroom with the authority to drive action and manage high-risk moments with clarity.
Early Bird
$495
Capped at 150 seats. Available until 29 May 2026.
Full day conference access
Lunch and refreshments included
Networking with safety leaders
Group of 3
$1470
Save $100 today.
Everything in Early Bird, for three attendees
Shared learning experience to accelerate implementation back in your organisation
VIP Experience $840
If you value access, influence and high-level conversation, the VIP Experience is where you want to be.
Invitation to an exclusive pre-event dinner
Priority seating at Safety Summit 2026
Full-day access to all keynote and workshop sessions
Lunch and refreshments included
Structured networking opportunities throughout the event
Access to event updates and post-event resources inside NZHSP Connect, including 12months subscription to the premium tier membership.
When and where is Safety Summit 2026?
Thursday 15 October 2026 at Majestic on Durham, 189 Durham Street South, Christchurch Central City. The venue is centrally located and within walking distance of several hotels, cafés and parking buildings.
What's included in my ticket?
All tickets include full-day access to keynote presentations and panel sessions, structured networking, full catering throughout the day, session recordings post-event, and access to NZHSP Connect.
What catering is provided?
Arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and continuous tea and coffee service throughout the day. Catering is provided by White Tie Catering. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if notified before 8 October 2026.
Is there parking nearby?
There is no dedicated on-site parking, however Wilson Parking and Christchurch City Council parking buildings are within easy walking distance. Metered street parking is also available. We recommend arriving early.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Yes. If you're unable to attend, you can transfer your ticket to a colleague. Just notify us in writing with the new attendee's name and email address at info@safetysummit.co.nz.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms are outlined at the time of purchase. Please note that catering numbers are confirmed in advance, so changes after 8 October 2026 may be restricted.
Will sessions be recorded?
Yes. Session recordings will be made available post-event. Details on how to access them will be provided closer to the date.
Still have questions?
If you can't find what you're looking for, our team is always here to help.