Here is a short summary of sessions held at the reent two day Institute of Directors Leadership Conference.

The full article can be accessed here with a lot more summaries of other sessions as well! https://theseeds.nz/iod-leadership-conference-2025-summary-of-sessions-and-key-themes/

Why not join the next one in Wellington in September 2026? Info is at the IOD site here https://www.iod.org.nz/2026-leadership-conference

For more content visit www.theseeds.nz

Julie Woods went blind as an adult and in this episode we hear about her journey and what that was like and how she embraces life fully today. I was really inspired by this conversation and hearing how she has overcome challenges to really live life. I guarantee you will come away inspired by this conversation.

Her website is here https://www.thatblindwoman.co.nz

One million names in braille initiative is here https://www.thatblindwoman.co.nz/1-million-names-in-braille/

CCS Disability Action page: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/

Blind Low Vision site https://fundraise.blindlowvision.org.nz/

Tom Cooney interview mentioned https://theseeds.nz/podcast/professor-tom-cooney-on-inclusion-to-entrepreneurship-for-marginalised-groups-such-as-former-prisoners-refugees-and-those-with-disabilities/

More info www.theseeds.nz

Audio of panel discussion just held at the Zero Waste Summit on 8 September 2025 discussing Tools for Transformation: System Change for a Zero Waste Future.

More on the Zero Waste Network is here and worth signing up for their newsletter https://zerowaste.co.nz

Panelists:
Sue Coutts, Moderator from Zero Waste Network
Steven Moe, Parry Field Lawyers Limited
Dr Saeid Baroutian, University of Auckland
James Griffin, Sustainable Business Network

Description of the session:

Panel Discussion: Tools for Transformation - System Change for a Zero Waste Future

Achieving zero waste requires more than good intentions—it demands deep systems change. In this panel, leaders from business, legal, academic, and innovation spheres come together to explore how their sectors can enable, accelerate, or obstruct a zero waste future.
How can business models shift from extraction to regeneration? What legal tools and policies are needed to drive accountability and equity? Where is research shining new light—or holding old assumptions in place? And how can innovation challenge the status quo without reinforcing it?

This conversation will surface tensions, opportunities, and cross-sector insights to help us build a more circular, just, and resilient Aotearoa.

Thanks Craig Fisher for taking the photo!

More content at www.theseeds.nz