2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Wind Energy Summit
Accelerating wind farm growth to meet our future energy needs
Pullman Hotel
Auckland, New Zealand | 14th to 16th September 2026
Wind energy is a critical part of Aotearoa New Zealand's energy solution. While this solution is defined as intermittent generation, wind energy's capacity factors in Aotearoa average at over 40% for onshore and over 55% for offshore, due to our unique location in the Roaring Forties. Geographically diverse wind farms built at scale therefore provide valuable energy security to the grid at times when we need it most. When the hydro lakes are low and the sun isn’t shining, wind turbines continue to spin!
This year’s summit is therefore focused on geographically diverse wind energy growth, built at scale, provide critical energy security for our future generations.
This year’s summit is therefore focused on geographically diverse wind energy growth, built at scale, provide critical energy security for our future generations.
Confirmed Speakers
We are extremely excited to showcase the lineup of impressive speakers. With a mix of leaders from the gentailor community, non-gentailor investors and politicians, the conversations will traverse various subjects and provide diverse perspectives for attendee considerations.
Samantha Hayes
MC
MC
Once again, Samantha Hayes has agreed to be our amazing MC for the 2026 Summit. Sam brings professional excellence to the renewable energy conversations along with deep knowledge of our sector. Being an election year, Sam will also be leading various discussions and facilitating debates around energy security and government energy policies and the role of wind energy to address these challenges.
Mike Fuge
CEO, Contact energy
Mike Fuge was appointed CEO in September 2019 and joined Contact in February 2020. Mike was previously the chief executive of Refining NZ and has a long history in the energy sector, both in New Zealand and internationally.
Malcolm Johns
CEO, genesis energy
Malcolm Johns joined Genesis in 2023 from his previous role as Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport. Malcolm is responsible for leadership, strategic direction and management of Genesis’ business interests.
Simon Court
act party list Mp
Simon is an engineer and was elected as an ACT Party list Member of Parliament in 2020. Simon now serves as Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for Infrastructure and the Minister responsible for Resource Management Act reform.
Trevor Nash
country manager, yinson renewables nz
Trevor Nash is the New Zealand Country Manager for Yinson Renewables. He is a seasoned energy professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry, specifically focusing on utility-scale wind energy.
Matt Tolcher
Executive GM Generation Development, mercury energy
Matt is an infrastructure professional with twenty years' experience developing large infrastructure and renewable energy projects in the US and NZ. Matt is responsible for Mercury’s growth in renewable generation – including wind, solar and battery.
Ross Copland
CEO & Founder, Hokonui Energy
Ross joined Te Waihanga in September 2020 as CEO, and led the organisation through the development of New Zealand’s first Infrastructure Strategy. In 2024 he resigned and setup Hokonui Energy to pursue a portfolio of wind energy and infrastructure projects.
Ben Krieble
energy manager, calder stewart
Ben is a specialist in natural resource infrastructure finance, with over 10 years' experience in the industry across project finance advisory, sell-side, and buy-side roles.
Glenn Starr
ceo & founder, ventus energy
Glenn is CEO and founder of Ventus Energy where he develops energy and infrastructure projects. He is focused on wind energy through Ventus Energy, taking projects from greenfield to finance-ready across New Zealand.
Brad Rooney
COO, pioneer energy
Brad Rooney leads business development across the group and provides strategic leadership in asset management and health, safety and wellbeing (HSW). Brad joined Pioneer Energy following an 11‑year career with the ElectroNet Group, most recently as General Manager of its consulting business.
Schedule
14th September
From 2:00pm
From 2:00pm
Exhibitor Pack-In
Exhibitor pack-in time and booth construction period prior to the welcome function and summit opening.
14th September
6:00pm - 8:00pm
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Welcome Function
An informal function enabling you to connect, meet and network with industry stakeholders prior to the summit commencement.
15th September
8:30am - 5:00pm
8:30am - 5:00pm
Day 1 Plenary Sessions
Keynote addresses and panel discussions will provide insight into national policy developments, market signals, and regulatory pathways. Sessions will also consider iwi and community engagement, environmental stewardship, and the delivery of a resilient, sustainably managed energy transition.
15th September
6:00pm - 10:00pm
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Network Function & Gala Dinner
Canapés and networking drinks will be served in the Princess Lounge prior to the formal Gala Dinner, providing an opportunity to continue networking with colleagues and reflect on the day’s discussions. The evening will include entertainment and a seated three-course dinner.
16th September
8:30am - 5:00pm
8:30am - 5:00pm
Day 2 Plenary Sessions
Day two builds on the momentum of the opening plenaries, exploring the critical enablers of wind energy development in Aotearoa. These sessions provide focused insights into infrastructure readiness, consenting frameworks, workforce capability, and the investment strategies required to scale the sector responsibly and efficiently.
Programme
We are currently developing an exciting programme and line-up of speakers, along with numerous networking opportunities and abilities to connect with colleagues and friends. We expect the full programme to be available and published in early July, so stay tuned for further updates along the way.
Sponsors & Exhibitors
The 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Wind Energy Summit brings together the country’s most influential industry leaders, developers, investors, policymakers, supply chain partners, and community stakeholders to focus on the actions needed to unlock wind energy growth and accelerate delivery.
For sponsors, this is a powerful opportunity to:
1. Align your brand with one of our most important energy conversations
2. Build visibility with key decision-makers and sector leaders
3. Showcase your organisation’s expertise, capability, and innovation
4. Help shape the discussions driving investment, enabling infrastructure, and accelerating wind energy growth.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Sponsors
Exhibitors
2026 Summit Location
Pullman Hotel
Corner Waterloo Quadrant and Princes Street, Auckland
New Zealand 1010
Corner Waterloo Quadrant and Princes Street, Auckland
New Zealand 1010
News & Updates
Keep up to date with all the news and updates associated with this year's summit.
Call for Papers Now Closed
final submissions due on 22nd may 2026
As we approach a pivotal general election year, the conversation around energy security, affordability, sustainability, and infrastructure delivery has never been more important.
The 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Wind Energy Summit will bring together politicians, industry leaders, policymakers, developers, investors, regulators, and supply chain partners, to explore how wind energy can be accelerated to meet New Zealand’s future energy needs.
We now invite proposals that provide practical insight, fresh perspectives, and actionable solutions to support the rapid and sustainable expansion of wind energy across our country.
Proposed Topics
💡Policy, Regulation & Market Settings
💡Project Development & Delivery
💡Supply Chain Technology & Innovations
💡Community & Iwi Partnerships
💡Energy Security
We are looking for submissions that include case studies, research insights, policy perspectives and practical project experiences.
Submission proposals are to include:
• Presentation title
• Speaker and organisation name
• Brief abstract (150–300 words) outlining your key messages and practical takeaways
Email your submissions to [email protected]
The 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Wind Energy Summit will bring together politicians, industry leaders, policymakers, developers, investors, regulators, and supply chain partners, to explore how wind energy can be accelerated to meet New Zealand’s future energy needs.
We now invite proposals that provide practical insight, fresh perspectives, and actionable solutions to support the rapid and sustainable expansion of wind energy across our country.
Proposed Topics
💡Policy, Regulation & Market Settings
💡Project Development & Delivery
💡Supply Chain Technology & Innovations
💡Community & Iwi Partnerships
💡Energy Security
We are looking for submissions that include case studies, research insights, policy perspectives and practical project experiences.
Submission proposals are to include:
• Presentation title
• Speaker and organisation name
• Brief abstract (150–300 words) outlining your key messages and practical takeaways
Email your submissions to [email protected]
Sponsorship & Exhibitor Prospectus Released
released on 8th april 2026
Kia ora, nau mai, haere mai
Thank you for your interest in supporting the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Wind Energy Summit.
On behalf of the NZWEA Board, we invite you to consider the partnership opportunities contained in the prospectus and also acknowledge your strong support and the importance of your involvement with this event.
Renewable electricity is fundamental to Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy, communities, and future prosperity. As electricity demand grows throughout the energy transition, access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy that supports our economy and wellbeing is key to our future success. Geographically diverse wind farms built at scale therefore provide valuable energy security to the grid at times when we need it most. When the hydro lakes are low and the sun isn’t shining, wind turbines continue to spin.
With over 230 attendees from the full spectrum of the wind energy sector, this summit provides a great opportunity for companies and stakeholders to showcase their products and services. We look forward to seeing you at the Pullman Hotel, in September and welcome your interactions with conference delegates as we partner with you over the 2-day event.
Nga mihi mahana
Kevin Hart
NZWEA – Chief Executive
Registration Prices
The delegate ticket prices depend on your membership status and date of summit registration. All prices are in NZD and exclude GST of 15%.
NZWEA MEMBERS
Early Bird Registration (ends on 30th June 2026) - $1,240.00
Standard Registration - $1,550.00
VIP & Multi-Buy (3 or more) - $1,050.00
Gala Dinner Only - $280.00
NZWEA NON MEMBERS
Early Bird Registration (ends on 30th June 2026) - $1,650.00
Standard Registration - $2,050.00
Multi-Buy (3 or more) - $1,400.00
Gala Dinner Only - $280.00
Contact Us
For all inquiries about the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Wind Energy Summit, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, please complete the adjacent form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.