Join us in Tāhuna Queenstown for The Kai Commitment Summit 2026 – bringing together leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand's food system to explore how smarter food utilisation can unlock profitability, fuel innovation, and drive sustainable business performance. Through data-driven insights, industry case studies, and collaborative discussions, attendees will uncover opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, unlock value from resources, and build more resilient businesses. Held in collaboration with our Partners the NZ Food & Grocery Council and concurrently with their Annual Conference, the Kai Commitment Summit offers a unique opportunity to connect food waste action with broader Shared Horizons of the food and grocery sector.
Kai Commitment is a not-for-profit public-private partnership working with businesses, Government, and other aligned partners across Aotearoa New Zealand to reduce food waste and build a more efficient, productive and economically sustainable food system that nourishes people, supports communities, and protects our environment. Visit our website to learn more.
REGISTRATION
Registrations are now open
Full Individual Registration $199 + GST
10:00 AM
10:15 AM
Carl Davidson - Social Scientist
Carl Davidson is one of New Zealand’s best-known social scientists. In 2023 he was made a Fellow of the Research Association of New Zealand and a Global Insight250 winner, an international award celebrating worldwide pioneers, leaders and innovators in market research, data-driven marketing, and insights. Carl’s career stretches over 30 years and includes stints as an academic, practitioner, and author. He is also a Senior Adjunct Fellow at the University of Canterbury’s Business School.
10:30 AM
This panel session will explore the current experiences and future needs of students across a range of perspectives, including adult learners, international students, and families. Through lived experience and open discussion, panelists will share insights into the challenges, expectations, and opportunities shaping the future of education and student support.
11:10 AM
This session will examine the growing demand for student accommodation, exploring the current landscape, key market pressures, and the factors driving future development. Greg and Hamish will share insights into student housing trends, evolving learner needs, and the opportunities and challenges facing the sector as demand continues to increase.
11:45 AM
Geoff Denison - President, Student Accommodation Association of Australia
Geoff is the sitting President of the Student Accommodation Association (SAA) of Australia and Director of Accommodation at Adelaide University.
Established in 2018, the Student Accommodation Association (SAA) in consultation with the sector has developed the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), a robust set of minimum industry standards that distinguishes quality student accommodation from other accommodation in Australia to help students make an informed accommodation choice.
As one of the founding SAA National Committee members, Geoff has been on the NPAS journey from concept design, through program implementation and has watched the NPAS accredited property portfolio grow to over 23,000 student accommodation beds nationally.
12:30 PM
1:15 PM
What does a high-functioning student accommodation system look like in Christchurch?
• Student experience: affordability, wellbeing, safety, community
• Supply: enough beds, right locations, diverse options
• Quality: design, standards, management
• System performance: speed, coordination, sustainability
What’s stopping this today?
• Regulation & planning
• Funding & feasibility
• Delivery constraints (land, build, timelines)
• Misaligned incentives
• Poor coordination / information gaps
Which gaps matter most?
2:15 PM
Each group shares:
• 1 “good” insight
• 1 priority gap
2:30 PM
How do we close the gaps?
What can each group do differently?
• Education providers:
• Private sector:
• Government/regulators:
• Funders/investors:
• Students:
What requires joint effort?
Focus on:
• Partnerships / new delivery models
• Policy or regulatory shifts
• Funding approaches
• Data sharing / coordination
What happens first, and who leads?
3:30 PM
• Where is there strongest alignment?
• Where are the tensions?
• What is realistically doable in 12–24 months?
3:45 PM
SUPPORTERS
If you are interested in supporting the summit, please contact hello@kaicommitment.org.nz
ACCOMMODATION
Mercure Queenstown
Perched above Lake Wakatipu with spectacular views of the Remarkables, the Mercure Queenstown Resort offers a relaxing alpine retreat just minutes from central Queenstown. Guests can enjoy comfortable accommodation, on-site dining, and leisure facilities, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop.
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers a blend of comfort and elegance just a short distance from central Queenstown. Featuring spacious accommodation, excellent leisure facilities, and stunning lake and mountain views, the hotel provides a relaxing retreat while remaining close to the region’s renowned adventure activities, dining experiences, and natural attractions.
Please contact NZFGC@avenues.co.nz for further information on how to book
