The 2026 Civic Financial Services Strategic Finance Forum contains topics intended to strengthen the capacity of local authority finance professionals as ‘trusted advisors’ and financial scorekeepers.
What does this event cover?
**Note: The programme below reflects what was confirmed by Taituarā at the time of writing (December 2025). We make every effort but cannot guarantee that the programme advertised below will be the same as what is delivered ‘on the day’ due to factors outside our control. We also reserve the right to amend the programme if changing circumstances require it.
The 2026 Civic Financial Services Strategic Finance Forum contains topics that will strengthen the capacity of local authority finance professionals both as’ trusted advisors’ and financial ‘scorekeepers’.
This year’s Forum begins with a scene-setter from one of New Zealand’s leading economists, Ganesh Ahirao (aka Ganesh Nana). Ganesh will focus on the New Zealand (and the world economy) with a few observations on the policy environment thrown in!
It’s easy to think of economic regulation as a negative or a burden. But it does come with learning and improvement opportunities for infrastructure providers. Learn from the experiences of a senior manager tasked with making the transition in a (relatively) newly regulated industry work.
The coming of the regional reorganisation plan puts the search for efficiency gains back front and centre. Our principal partners PwC will provide some ideas on where to look – with an opportunity to discuss and share ideas afterwards.
To finish, we will look at New South Wales financial reforms and what we can learn from their approach.
There’s a chance to tailor your forum programme to your own needs and interests from our ‘choose your own forum’ optional breakout sessions, including:
- the very latest legal, accounting standards, tax and audit developments
- a case study in assessing rate affordability in a real-life council
- getting ready for economic regulation of water services
- what Taituarā saw in the 2024 financial and infrastructure strategies – and a heads up on what’s coming in the next round of guidance
- the latest on rate-capping.
Whether you’re a CFO trying to get ahead of the ‘next big thing’ or a finance team member focusing on keeping the books, the Strategic Finance Forum is for you.
Who should attend:
- Finance Managers and staff
- Anyone with an interest in financial management in local authorities
Organiser
Level 9/85 The Terrace
Wellington 6011
Taituarā is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading membership network for professionals working in and for local government. We have a thriving membership base of around one thousand members.
What unites Taituarā members is our commitment to be our own professional best, supporting local government excellence through connection, collaboration, and care for the well-being of our communities.
Venue
189 Deans Avenue, Riccarton, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
