Welcome to Women in Data Science NZ, Auckland December 2026

Registration

12:30 - 1:00 PM

(Note: lunch is provided for the NZSA conference attendees)

Opening

1:00 PM

Welcome & Safety Briefing (5 min)

Agnes Deng — Massey University

1:05 PM

Opening Keynote (15 min)

Kate Kolich — WiDS New Zealand Co-Chair

Session 1 — Data, People & Place

1:20 PM

The transition from study to industry (15 min)

Katie Zhou — Contact Energy

1:35 PM

Charting Your Path: Careers and Growth in the Data Industry (45 min)

Facilitated by Agnes Deng — Massey University

Panellists:

Athira Nair — Sky New Zealand

Caroline Webb

What does it really take to build a fulfilling career in data? From landing your first role to navigating the leap into leadership, our panellists share candid insights on the skills that matter, the missteps that teach the most, and the communities that keep you going. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this conversation offers practical wisdom and honest perspectives from women who have charted their own paths through the data industry.

Session 2 — The Age of AI

2:20 PM

Yes, we are still needed: protecting the future in the age of AI (15 min)

Sandra Gómez-Gálvez — University of Auckland

2:35 PM

Panel: AI Is Here Now — What Does This for Us? (45 min)

Facilitated by Sandra Gómez-Gálvez

Panellists:

Tracey Savelio — Inati Labs

Maria Mingallon — AI Forum New Zealand

Xanthe Sulzberger

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future-state conversation — it is reshaping New Zealand businesses right now. This panel brings together practitioners and advocates at the forefront of AI adoption to explore what the technology really means for local organisations: the opportunities it unlocks, the risks it introduces, and the decisions business leaders need to make today. Expect a frank and grounded discussion on navigating AI with confidence, responsibility, and a distinctly Aotearoa perspective.

Closing

3:20 PM

Closing Remarks

Kate Kolich — WiDS New Zealand Co-Chair & Ivy Liu — NZSA Secretary