Update: More Exhibitors and speakers added, and the final Summit Programme!

BACKGROUND TO THE LEADERS’ SUMMIT

The NZPPA Leaders’ Summit is an annual event for New Zealand payroll industry leaders. Now in its eleventh year, the summit is a vital professional development event for individuals transitioning into a payroll leadership role or already serving in one.

A payroll leader could be the leader of a team of payroll practitioners or someone in a sole-charge role, leading payroll for their business. The summit is also beneficial for business leaders responsible for payroll but lacking a payroll background, as it provides a deeper understanding of the needs of the payroll practitioners they lead.

This specialised payroll event is limited to just 70 seats, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your spot today!

THIS YEAR’S SUMMIT THEME

Payroll Leadership that Innovates, Influences and inspires

When it comes to payroll leadership, those three I’s—innovate, influence, and inspire—are crucial.

1. Innovation in payroll involves adopting new technologies and methods to streamline processes and improve accuracy.
2. Influence means leading by example, shaping company policies, and fostering collaboration across departments.
3. And of course, inspiration is about motivating your team, recognising their efforts, and creating a positive work environment.

Our conference speakers will cover various aspects of this, allowing attendees to pick up practical strategies and steps that will enable them to apply what they have learned back into their payroll environment.

SUMMIT PROGRAMME

You can view the draft programme here.

OUR SUMMIT SPONSORS

Platinum Sponsor

Datacom is Australasia’s largest homegrown tech company, bringing together a broad range of technology, insight and expertise to deliver innovative and sustainable technology solutions to corporate and government customers throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Datapay powered by Datacom is a modern cloud-based payroll solution developed specifically for medium to large enterprises. Tailored to meet the unique needs of payroll leaders, Datapay empowers them to modernise payroll through precise configuration, seamless system integration, and ongoing high-touch support from local payroll experts.

Datapay has a track record of success, and 1 out of 6 employees in New Zealand has their pay processed by Datacom. 

Link to website: https://datacom.com/nz/en/products/datapay

Gold Sponsor

Employment Hero is redefining how employment works. As the leading platform for HR, payroll and hiring, we help over 300,000 businesses worldwide simplify workforce management, reduce administrative costs and hire faster. Our solution supports every stage of employment, making it easier for businesses to grow and for people to find meaningful work. With deep expertise in employment operations, we are building a future where employment is simpler, more accessible and more rewarding for everyone. We offer:

• Powerful HR and payroll software
• AI-driven recruitment and onboarding
• Automated payroll calculations, leave management and processing
• Employee engagement and retention tools
• Managed payroll and HR advisory

Link to website: employmenthero.com/nz

Silver Sponsor

At Fusion5, we empower organisations across New Zealand and Australia to transform their people operations through smart, scalable, and locally supported HCM solutions. Our Human Capital Management practice brings together deep domain expertise, innovative technology, and a commitment to customer success.

We offer a comprehensive suite of Payroll and HR solutions, including our flagship platform Jemini, as well as Jade Star, EmpowerHR, Timecloud, TimeFiler, MyWorkplace, and Org Chart. These tools are designed to streamline everything from payroll and time tracking to organisational planning and workforce planning.

What sets us apart? Our people. With a dedicated team of consultants, account managers, and support specialists based right here in New Zealand, we understand the unique compliance, cultural, and operational needs of Kiwi businesses. Whether it’s navigating the Holidays Act, implementing Fair Pay Agreements (Australia), if you have an Australian business or subsidiary, integrating across your solutions, or optimising workforce planning, we’re with you every step of the way.

Fusion5 is more than a technology provider—we’re your strategic partner in building a future-ready workforce

Contact Details
Ray Sharma
Sales Executive
P: +64 9 379 0525
M: +64 21 227 7511
Fusion5, Level 20, 88 Shortland Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand 

Link to website: https://www.fusion5.co.nz/

THIS YEAR’S SUMMIT EXHIBITORS

Frontier Software is a global leader in integrated HR and payroll solutions, supporting over 1,500 organisations across 26 countries. Their flagship platform, ichris, offers modular, multi-country, multi-language capabilities with flexible deployment—cloud or on-premise. With 40+ years of innovation, ISO certifications, and a strong presence in New Zealand, Frontier Software delivers scalable, compliant, and future-ready HCM systems. Their services include SaaS, outsourcing, and payroll bureau, making them a trusted partner for workforce management excellence.

Contact Details
Pranav Birla
Business Development Manager
Frontier Software Ltd
87 Grafton Road, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
P: +64 9 373 5191
M: +64 21 101 7959

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.frontiersoftware.com

 

Timecloud: A comprehensive workforce management platform empowering businesses with accurate time tracking, payroll automation, intelligent rostering, and job costing insights. Enhance productivity, optimize scheduling, and drive employee well-being with valuable workforce data.

Contact Details
Website: https://jointimecloud.com/
Email: [email protected]
P: 021 425905

Alxemy is an Auckland-based consultancy specialising in payroll, HR, and workforce management solutions for New Zealand organisations. With over 50 years of combined industry experience, they partner with leading HCM platforms – including Dayforce, MYOB PayGlobal, Employment Hero, and Mero – to help businesses streamline payroll processes, ensure legislative compliance, and optimise HR operations

They offer a range of services:

• Payroll & HCM Consulting: System selection, implementation, managed payroll, technical integrations, and compliance audits (e.g., Holidays Act remediation)
• Project & PMO Services: Establishing governance frameworks, coordinating complex implementations, and managing projects from kickoff to go‑live
• Managed Services: Ongoing payroll processing, system administration, and compliance health checks to support clients through change, leave, or growth periods.

Alxemy helps mid‑sized to large NZ businesses – across sectors like media, retail, hospitality, and finance – transform fragmented payroll and HR ecosystems into integrated, compliant, and future-ready platforms.

Contact Details
Want to see how Alxemy can help simplify your organisation’s systems, ensure compliance, and keep things moving?

Talk to Claire, she can help kick the conversation off.

P: 0800 ALXEMY (259 369)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.alxemy.co.nz

ReadyTech is a next-generation payroll, HR and workforce management provider built for the way Kiwi businesses work. Proudly Aotearoa-made and trusted for over 20 years, our platform has grown alongside local organisations – from humble beginnings in payroll to a powerful, all-in-one workforce solution used by more than 300 businesses across 10 industries.

We combine deep local knowledge with modern, mobile-first technology to help organisations of all sizes manage every aspect of their workforce – from rostering and compliance to learning and employee self-service. Whether you’re onboarding seasonal workers in Otago or running payroll across a national retail footprint, our tools are designed to flex with your business.

With a local team on the ground and a single connected platform at its core, ReadyTech enables Kiwi organisations to simplify complexity, unlock efficiency and confidently navigate the future of work.

Link to website: readytech.io/NZ

THIS YEAR’S SUMMIT MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER – ZIENA JAFIL

With an award-winning career ranging from diplomat and international keynote speaker to business and public sector leader, Ziena has helped some of New Zealand’s largest businesses build their reputation and revenue, advised Ministers, led large-scale change and transformation programmes, and supported Māori, Pacific and ethnic women and young people into leadership roles.

Her current portfolio includes leadership and governance roles across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, including as Commissioner for the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake and Deputy Chief Executive at Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Recognised by Campaign Asia Pacific as part of its 2020 Women to Watch, a group of 40 outstanding women in the Asia Pacific, Ziena has received several international awards for her work promoting New Zealand trade, investment and education in Asia, where she was based for ten years including as Education New Zealand Regional Director for South and Southeast Asia, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Singapore and Head of North Asia Marketing and Communications for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. She holds a Master of Arts (First Class Hons) in International Relations and Politics from the University of Auckland, a Bachelor of Communication Studies, and Diploma of International Trade.

THIS YEAR’S SUMMITS MC – JUSTIN RYAN

Justin Ryan has been involved in the Payroll space for well over 20 years, doing everything from selling payroll software, training people on software, helping companies with Payroll Audits, and running our own payroll bureau, Ezypay. I think like most people involved with payroll you are either in 100% or you are not involved at all…..it’s not something you can take casually, or should.

Over the years there have been many highlights, for example, getting a call from two companies right after a Christmas break where their entire workforces had downed tools as their Holiday Pay had been underpaid, turned out they had been overpaying for many years and in fact the new calculations were the 100% correct – happy days. Working with a client for nearly 12 months who was going through a Labour Inspectorate Audit and being threatened with Armageddon, we finally resolved all the issues and no further action was taken. In between riding Motorbikes around the world I also have a Dog Walking Business based in Christchurch that keeps me sane.

THIS YEAR’S SUMMITS SPEAKERS

Richard Kenyon has worked in the Software industry for 28 years and has been with Datacom working in a variety of leadership roles for the better part of 20 years. He has watched the evolution of Enterprise Software and SaaS Software closely during that period. His experience delivering enterprise applications for central government, telecommunications and other industries has given him deep insight into the challenges and opportunities that come and go as technology evolves.

In his current role as the Associate Director of AI Labs in Datacom’s SaaS Product portfolio he is working across multiple industries to maximise the value of AI to these industries both in terms of how we develop products but also how we safely, securely and ethically manage the use of these tools in the products Datacom is building. With the rapid explosion of Natural Language enabled AI tools there is almost a seemingly endless list of opportunities to tackle.

The trick is identifying the difference between good ideas and practical real world solutions. His is passionate about ensuring that people understand the difference between the hype and reality. In particular there are key differences between ‘Consumer AI’ and ;Enterprise AI’ and it is often this singular delineation that demystifies the topic for people.

Stephan is passionate about leveraging technology to optimise payroll and workforce management. As the Director and Founder of Alxemy, he oversees the implementation and support of enterprise payroll systems, HCM, and workforce management solutions. With over 20 years of industry experience, Stephan specialises in complex problem-solving and providing strategic systems advice, ensuring that companies receive tailored and effective solutions to enhance their business operations.

Managing payroll and workforce systems doesn’t have to be complicated. At Alxemy, we help New Zealand businesses stay compliant, optimise operations, and prepare for the future. With over 100 years of combined industry experience, our team delivers scalable, innovative solutions tailored to your needs.

Our services include payroll, WFM & HCM software selection and implementation, PMO Setup as a Service, project management support, consultancy, and ongoing support. By partnering with industry leaders like Dayforce and MYOB PayGlobal, we provide systems that evolve with your business, adding value at every stage.

What sets Alxemy apart is our hands-on approach. We don’t just provide software—we work alongside your team to ensure seamless integration and optimisation, offering expert guidance at every step.

Alxemy simplifies payroll and workforce management, ensures compliance with New Zealand regulations, and future-proofs your systems for long-term success.

Bruce Ross is a leadership and executive coach with 27+ years of experience helping business owners, senior executives, and high-potential leaders unlock peak performance. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and strategy, Bruce specialises in upgrading the “inner game of leadership”—empowering leaders to dissolve overwhelm, expand their influence, and stay grounded under pressure.

As founder of Ignite Business Leadership, Bruce has worked with iconic organisations including Fire Emergency NZ, Xero, Harcourts, Yamaha, and the Institute of Directors. His standout blend of mental mastery and practical tools enables leaders to lead better, live bigger—and now, leverage AI for high-performance cultures.

Bruce is a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator on topics such as Sustaining Peak Mental Performance, Building an Unshakeable Mindset, and The AI Performance Formula. He brings clarity, energy, and insight to every session—and is passionate about unlocking the next level of human potential in a rapidly changing world.

Sarvesh is the Manager of Operations Payments with ACC and is based in Manukau. Previous roles at ACC include Systems Design, Assistant Manager Operations Performance, Workstream Lead, Business Manager, Branch Manager, Performance Manager, Relationship Manager, and Team Manager. Sarvesh is the go-to person for all Provider and Client Payments related matters within ACC.

Peter Oxley is the ACC Business Engagement and Partnerships (BEP) Regional Manager for the Auckland region. He has worked in numerous capacities whilst at ACC including Relationship Management, H&S Auditing, and Injury Prevention functions. He is also the subject matter expert for BEP in relation to ACC’s recent ‘Recovery at work’ campaigns. Outside of work, Peter is involved in his local rugby and cricket clubs in coaching and administrative activities.

David Jenkins founded NZPPA in 2007 after recognising the lack of recognition and support for the essential work payroll professionals do every day to ensure employees are paid correctly and on time.

With over 30 years of consulting experience at a senior level across New Zealand, Australia, and internationally, David specialises in payroll and human resource management, employee relations, learning and development, and payroll/HR information systems (HRIS).

Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the largest organisations across a wide range of industries in both New Zealand and Australia.

David is passionate about payroll and payroll people!

Since founding NZPPA, he has been involved with a wide variety of payroll systems used in many different business types. He currently develops and delivers all NZPPA training, events, payroll audits, and manages the NZPPA PayTech AdviceLine—he’s truly a one-stop shop for payroll!

More to be announced!

THIS YEAR’S SUMMIT VENUE

Parnell Hotel & Conference (10-20 Gladstone Road, Parnell, Auckland)

NZPPA chose this venue because it fits with our support of charities.

Conferences That Make A Difference

The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre is unique in that we are a venue that gives back to the community. As a registered charity, your conferences allow us to make significant contributions to the community, health & research organisations in New Zealand.

This is a fully catered event, and there is also parking onsite (limited).

THE COST OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMIT

In-person attendance (from 21 Jul):

• NZPPA member: $587.50 + GST
• NZPPA non-member: $687.50 + GST

If you want to bring a group (2 or more) to the summit, we can offer a 25% off group booking discount.  Please email: [email protected] to book this special rate.