New Zealand's Best Keynote Speakers (2026 Guide)
In this article
- A curated shortlist of 18 New Zealand keynote speakers across different topics
- What each speaker covers, from mental health to leadership to innovation
- Typical NZD fee ranges for emerging, national, and international speakers
- How far in advance to book, and what makes a speaker worth the investment
New Zealand is home to some of the world's greatest athletes, most innovative research labs, and a deep well of homegrown wisdom. When it comes to choosing keynote speakers who can inspire, motivate, and move people to action, we're genuinely spoiled for choice.
Being a keynote speaker myself is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work. I've had the privilege of sharing insights with audiences across both islands, sparking change for tens of thousands of people in organisations like Fonterra, Fletcher Building, and Tourism New Zealand (plus many more globally).
I wrote this article as a one-stop resource for event organisers, team leaders, and HR professionals looking for speakers who bring substance and spark. Some on this list are legends. Others are rising stars. All of them bring something powerful to the stage.
It's worth pausing to consider your event's goals. Do you need a speaker who can inspire bold action? Someone who can stir deep emotion? Or perhaps someone to re-energise the room—especially in that notoriously sleepy after-lunch slot?
What I've learned over the years is that lasting impact comes not just from what's said on stage, but from what sticks afterward. The best speakers offer more than just a memorable moment—they equip people with tools, insights, and resources that ripple beyond the event itself.
Furthermore, the best keynote and conference speakers don't consider you as "just another gig." They deliver a transformative experience, supported by resource packs, videos, book prizes, and more to ensure high engagement and sustainable learning. You want your event attendees to cherish the experience you created, becoming loyal advocates and supporters, and the best speakers will dedicate themselves to ensuring that you receive the maximum return on your investment (rather than the other way around).
I remember hearing of a keynote speaker who told the client, "I'm just so exhausted. I don't feel like doing this anymore." What? The speaker is the heartbeat for the event—their nervous system sets the emotional climate for your gathering. Want energy? Get an energetic speaker. Want emotion—get the speaker with a deep story. Want laughter—you get the point!
So, whether you're planning a high-stakes conference, a leadership retreat, or an internal workshop, this curated list showcases some of New Zealand's best keynote speakers—each with their own unique voice, message, and magic.
Let's dive in.
Sir John Kirwan – Mental Health & Resilience Keynote Speaker
About Sir John Kirwan
Sir John Kirwan is a former All Black turned mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and television personality. A knighted New Zealander, JK has become a leading voice in the mental health space after publicly sharing his own battles with depression.
Why Book Him for Your Event
Few speakers can blend vulnerability and strength the way JK does. His authenticity moves audiences while delivering actionable strategies for building mental fitness and emotional resilience.
Keynote Topics
- Mental health in the workplace
- Building resilience and emotional intelligence
- Leadership through adversity
- Sport and high performance
Contact & Booking
Website | Instagram | Speaking Agency
Bradley Hook – Human Performance, Culture, Future of Work Speaker
About Bradley Hook
Brad Hook is an author, speaker, and founder of the Values Institute and FLAME — a human performance methodology helping leaders and teams remember what it feels like to be fully alive. He has spent over a decade pioneering science-backed tools to enhance performance, wellbeing, and emotional intelligence for organisations worldwide.
Brad is the author of Start With Values (Penguin Random House) and the forthcoming The FLAME Method (Penguin, 2026), which brings together the Fellowship, Legacy, Agility, Mindset, and Energy framework for thriving in the age of intelligence. He hosts the FLAME with Brad Hook podcast, interviewing global thought leaders on human potential and the future of work.
Brad's keynotes have inspired teams at PwC, Electronic Arts, Shell, Fonterra, Fletcher Building, and thousands of other organisations and government agencies across the globe.
Why Book Him for Your Event
Brad brings a rare mix of scientific depth, clarity, humour, and storytelling to the stage. Whether speaking on resilience, culture, values-based leadership, or thriving in the age of AI, he ensures audiences walk away wiser, calmer, and more inspired. Every participant receives a comprehensive follow-up resource pack, and Brad involves the room throughout — from demonstrating how the nervous system works (the lion and zebra chase) to a live heart rate monitor stress test.
Keynote Topics
- The FLAME Method: Human Performance in the Age of Intelligence
- Resilience and high performance in a complex world
- Values-based leadership and culture
- Antifragility and growth mindset
- Future of work: Thriving in the age of AI and disruption
- The Science of Meaning and Fulfilment
Contact & Booking
Media Kit | Instagram | LinkedIn | FLAME | Contact Brad directly
Dr. Michelle Dickinson (Nanogirl) – STEM & Innovation Keynote Speaker
About Dr. Michelle Dickinson
Dr. Michelle Dickinson, best known as Nanogirl, is a nanotechnologist and science communicator who's on a mission to make science accessible to everyone. With a PhD in biomedical materials engineering, Michelle has helped demystify complex topics through her books, online platforms, and engaging presentations.
Why Book Her for Your Event
Michelle has an extraordinary ability to turn science into stories. She brings contagious energy and insight to every keynote, making STEM exciting for audiences of all ages.
Keynote Topics
- Innovation and the future of science
- Diversity and inclusion in STEM
- Curiosity-driven learning
- The power of failure and experimentation
Contact & Booking
Website | Instagram | Speaking Agency
Richie McCaw – Leadership & High Performance Keynote Speaker
About Richie McCaw
Richie McCaw is a former All Blacks captain and one of the most celebrated rugby players of all time. Known for his composure, work ethic, and humility, Richie led New Zealand to two Rugby World Cup victories and remains a powerful figure in leadership and teamwork discussions.
Why Book Him for Your Event
Richie speaks from lived experience at the highest levels of performance and pressure. His insights on leadership, teamwork, and staying grounded are applicable far beyond the sports field.
Keynote Topics
- Leadership under pressure
- Team culture and performance
- Goal-setting and personal discipline
- The mindset of champions
Contact & Booking
Frances Valintine – Future of Work & Education Keynote Speaker
About Frances Valintine
Frances Valintine CNZM is a globally recognised expert in education and the future of work. Founder of The Mind Lab and Tech Futures Lab, she is at the forefront of transforming how we learn and adapt in a fast-moving world. Frances has received numerous awards, including the NZ Order of Merit for services to education and technology.
Why Book Her for Your Event
Frances helps audiences navigate uncertainty with confidence. Her keynotes are filled with insights about the future of learning, digital disruption, and human adaptability.
Keynote Topics
- Future of education and work
- Lifelong learning and adaptability
- Innovation in a digital world
- Human-centred leadership
Contact & Booking
Lisa Tamati – Mental Toughness & Endurance Keynote Speaker
About Lisa Tamati
Lisa Tamati is an ultra-endurance athlete, author, and motivational speaker who has completed some of the toughest races on earth, including running 222km across Death Valley. After helping her mother recover from a major brain injury, Lisa became a passionate advocate for neuroplasticity and mindset transformation.
Why Book Her for Your Event
Lisa shares raw, moving stories of human endurance, resilience, and the limitless power of belief. Her keynotes are both inspiring and practical, helping audiences push beyond their self-imposed limits.
Keynote Topics
- Mental toughness and mindset
- Resilience and overcoming adversity
- The science of human performance
- Health and brain recovery
Contact & Booking
Mai Chen – Diversity & Governance Keynote Speaker
About Mai Chen
Mai Chen is one of New Zealand's top constitutional and administrative lawyers, founding partner of Chen Palmer, and an advocate for diversity in leadership. She is also the founder of the Superdiversity Institute for Law, Policy and Business and has advised multiple governments and global organisations.
Why Book Her for Your Event
Mai brings unmatched legal and policy expertise to the stage, along with powerful stories of breaking barriers as a woman of colour in law. She inspires audiences to think bigger, lead inclusively, and understand the future of governance.
Keynote Topics
- Leadership and diversity
- Policy, governance, and law
- Social impact and change
- Breaking barriers in business and society
Contact & Booking
Sir Ray Avery – Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship Speaker
About Sir Ray Avery
Sir Ray Avery is a pharmaceutical scientist and social entrepreneur dedicated to creating innovative solutions for global health issues. Knighted for his services to humanity, Ray is known for founding Medicine Mondiale and designing life-saving medical devices used in developing countries.
Why Book Him for Your Event
Ray inspires with his remarkable journey from hardship to knighthood. His talks blend science, compassion, and big-picture thinking to show what one determined person can do to change the world.
Keynote Topics
- Innovation for social good
- Overcoming adversity
- Global health and impact
- Leading with purpose
Contact & Booking
Emma Twigg – Olympic Performance & Equality Speaker
About Emma Twigg
Emma Twigg is an Olympic champion rower who won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Beyond her sporting success, Emma is a passionate advocate for equality, sustainability, and athlete well-being. She holds a master's in sports management and speaks about balancing elite sport with personal purpose.
Why Book Her for Your Event
Emma brings humility and inspiration to every stage. Her journey speaks to dedication, reinvention, and the power of believing in yourself through challenges.
Keynote Topics
- Peak performance and mindset
- Equality and LGBTQ+ advocacy
- Sustainability in sport and life
- Mental health in high-performance environments
Contact & Booking
Website | Instagram | Speaking Agency
Sir Rod Drury – Tech Entrepreneurship & Innovation Keynote Speaker
About Sir Rod Drury
Sir Rod Drury KNZM is the founder of Xero, the cloud accounting platform he built from a Wellington startup into a global company serving more than four million customers worldwide. Named the 2026 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year and knighted in the 2026 New Year Honours for services to business, technology, and philanthropy, Rod is now focused on renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and backing the next generation of New Zealand innovators.
Why Book Him for Your Event
Rod speaks with rare credibility — someone who has actually built a billion-dollar global business from New Zealand's shores. His talks are grounded, optimistic, and full of practical insight on what it takes to scale with vision. He is also one of New Zealand's most compelling voices on the country's economic future.
Keynote Topics
- Entrepreneurship and building global companies from New Zealand
- The future of technology and AI
- Renewable energy and New Zealand's economic opportunity
- Leadership, scaling, and building high-performance culture
- Investing in and mentoring New Zealand's next generation
Contact & Booking
Mike King – Mental Health & Youth Wellbeing Keynote Speaker
About Mike King
Mike King is a former comedian turned one of New Zealand's most recognised mental health advocates. Named New Zealander of the Year in 2019, he is the founder of the I Am Hope Foundation and the driving force behind Gumboot Friday, a national initiative that has raised millions of dollars to fund free counselling for young New Zealanders. His raw honesty about his own struggles with mental illness and addiction has made him a uniquely powerful voice on the speaking circuit.
Why Book Him for Your Event
Mike is unlike any other speaker on the mental health circuit — funny, confronting, and deeply real. He combines stand-up comedy instincts with a decade of frontline mental health work to deliver talks that genuinely shift how audiences feel, think, and talk about wellbeing. Attendees consistently describe his sessions as life-changing.
Keynote Topics
- Mental health awareness and suicide prevention
- Youth wellbeing and disconnection
- Vulnerability, resilience, and hope
- Creating psychologically safe workplaces
- Personal transformation through adversity
Contact & Booking
Dame Susan Devoy – Leadership & Resilience Keynote Speaker
About Dame Susan Devoy
Dame Susan Devoy is a four-time world squash champion, former Race Relations Commissioner, and outspoken advocate for social justice. Her transition from elite sport to public service gives her a unique voice on equality, integrity, and the courage to lead with authenticity.
Why Book Her for Your Event
Susan delivers powerful, no-nonsense keynotes on leadership, fairness, and staying true to your values. She brings sharp insight and an unwavering sense of purpose to every audience.
Keynote Topics
- Equality and human rights
- Women in leadership
- Sport, grit, and resilience
- Speaking truth to power
Contact & Booking
Suzy Cato – Wellbeing & Communication Speaker
About Suzy Cato
Suzy Cato is a beloved children's television presenter whose shows like You and Me and Suzy's World helped shape the childhoods of many Kiwis. Beyond TV, Suzy is an advocate for kindness, mindfulness, and emotional well-being in both children and adults.
Why Book Her for Your Event
Suzy's warmth and wisdom resonate across generations. Her keynotes offer heartfelt lessons on empathy, communication, and the foundational role of well-being in learning and life.
Keynote Topics
- Mindfulness and emotional literacy
- Communication and kindness
- Education and child development
- Building resilience in families
Contact & Booking
Website | Instagram | Speaking Agency
Peter Beck – Entrepreneurship & Space Tech Keynote Speaker
About Peter Beck
Peter Beck is the founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, a private aerospace company delivering satellites into space from New Zealand. A self-taught rocket scientist, Peter's work is revolutionising access to space and putting Aotearoa on the global innovation map.
Why Book Him for Your Event
Peter captivates with his extraordinary journey from small-town tinkerer to global tech pioneer. His insights on innovation, persistence, and thinking beyond limits make him a standout speaker.
Keynote Topics
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- The future of space and technology
- Scaling startups with vision
- Overcoming technical and personal limits
Contact & Booking
Chelsea Winter – Wellness & Personal Brand Keynote Speaker
About Chelsea Winter
Chelsea Winter is a best-selling cookbook author, former MasterChef NZ winner, and passionate food educator. Her wholesome, nourishing recipes and down-to-earth personality have made her a household name across New Zealand.
Why Book Her for Your Event
Chelsea brings comfort, connection, and creativity to every stage. Her stories of food, self-love, and balance strike a chord with anyone seeking healthier, more joyful ways to live.
Keynote Topics
- Food as medicine
- Confidence and self-expression
- Healthy living and balance
- Building a personal brand
Contact & Booking
Dr. Paul Wood – Transformation & Psychology Keynote Speaker
About Dr. Paul Wood
Dr. Paul Wood is a best-selling author and registered psychologist with an extraordinary backstory — from serving time in prison to earning a PhD in psychology. His talks are grounded, transformational, and deeply human.
Why Book Him for Your Event
Paul offers an unforgettable perspective on growth through adversity. His storytelling is raw, real, and profoundly motivating, showing how anyone can rise beyond their circumstances.
Keynote Topics
- Personal transformation and growth
- Grit, resilience, and mindset
- Psychological well-being
- Leadership and authenticity
Contact & Booking
Website | Instagram | Speaking Agency
Kiri Nathan – Cultural Leadership & Creativity Speaker
About Kiri Nathan
Kiri Nathan is an award-winning fashion designer whose work is deeply rooted in Māori values and aesthetics. Founder of the Kāhui Collective and a prominent voice in indigenous entrepreneurship, she represents the fusion of culture, creativity, and purpose.
Why Book Her for Your Event
Kiri speaks from the heart about identity, representation, and legacy. Her story uplifts creatives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers seeking to lead with cultural integrity and vision.
Keynote Topics
- Cultural leadership and identity
- Creative entrepreneurship
- Māori innovation and wisdom
- Authentic branding and storytelling
Contact & Booking
Website | Instagram | Speaking Agency
Dr. Hinemoa Elder – Māori Health & Wellbeing Keynote Speaker
About Dr. Hinemoa Elder
Dr. Hinemoa Elder is a respected child and adolescent psychiatrist and the author of bestselling books including Aroha and Wawata. As a champion of indigenous healing and a fluent speaker of te reo Māori, she bridges traditional wisdom with modern mental health practices.
Why Book Her for Your Event
Hinemoa's talks are soulful, intelligent, and filled with aroha. She offers a powerful blend of science, storytelling, and indigenous insight to guide audiences toward healing and connection.
Keynote Topics
- Māori health and well-being
- Mental health and trauma recovery
- Indigenous wisdom and science
- Language, culture, and identity
Contact & Booking
Sam Johnson – Community & Social Innovation Speaker
About Sam Johnson
Sam Johnson is the founder of the Student Volunteer Army, a movement born from the Christchurch earthquakes that went on to inspire global youth leadership. He's a sought-after speaker on social impact, innovation, and mobilising communities.
Why Book Him for Your Event
Sam energises audiences with optimism, humour, and actionable ideas. His talks inspire collaboration, resilience, and a deep sense of what's possible when people come together.
Keynote Topics
- Leadership in crisis
- Social innovation and impact
- Youth empowerment
- Building community through service
Contact & Booking
Tā Tipene O'Regan – Indigenous Leadership & History Speaker
About Tā Tipene O'Regan
Tā Tipene O'Regan is a celebrated Ngāi Tahu leader, historian, and educator who played a pivotal role in the tribe's cultural and economic renaissance. His lifetime of work in Treaty negotiations and indigenous advancement has shaped the landscape of modern Aotearoa.
Why Book Him for Your Event
Tā Tipene brings a legacy of wisdom, clarity, and grace. His talks are rich in history and forward-thinking insight, offering a long-view perspective on leadership, justice, and identity.
Keynote Topics
- Indigenous leadership and governance
- Treaty of Waitangi and cultural understanding
- History and identity in Aotearoa
- Building a just, inclusive future
Contact & Booking
Frequently Asked Questions: Hiring a Keynote Speaker in New Zealand
How much does a keynote speaker cost in New Zealand?
Fees vary widely depending on profile and demand. Emerging speakers may charge $2,000–$5,000 NZD, while nationally recognised figures typically range from $10,000–$30,000 NZD or more. International names can exceed $50,000 NZD. Most speakers offer packages that include follow-up resources and tailored content.
How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker in New Zealand?
For major conferences, booking 3–6 months ahead is ideal. High-profile speakers like Richie McCaw or Sir John Kirwan can be booked out 12+ months in advance during peak seasons. Smaller events may secure speakers with 4–6 weeks' notice.
What makes a great keynote speaker for a corporate event?
The best corporate keynote speakers combine relevant expertise with compelling storytelling, genuine audience engagement, and practical takeaways. Look for speakers who customise their content to your industry and provide follow-up materials — not just a memorable 45 minutes on stage.
Are New Zealand keynote speakers available for virtual events?
Yes — most speakers on this list are available for virtual and hybrid formats. This is particularly valuable for NZ-based organisations with remote teams or global audiences. Many now offer interactive online formats with live Q&A and digital resource packs.
What topics are New Zealand keynote speakers known for?
New Zealand speakers span an impressive range: mental health and resilience, Māori leadership and indigenous wisdom, high-performance sport, innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the future of work. Whatever your event theme, there is a world-class New Zealand speaker to match.