The private executive dinner brought together senior public and private sector leaders for a candid discussion on cybersecurity, collective defence and national resilience ahead of the NZ Cyber Security Summit. Featuring Eli Hirschauge, NZ Head of Information Security at ANZ, and Anu Nayar, National Leader Cyber, Privacy and Resilience at Deloitte, with the discussion moderated by Nicole Henry, Head of Government Relations at Fortinet.

The conversation explored the growing need for cross-sector collaboration, aligned resilience strategies, governance and coordinated incident response as digital transformation accelerated across government and enterprise. Participants shared practical perspectives on building trusted partnerships and strengthening collective approaches to protecting organisations, people and communities in an increasingly complex digital environment.

Held as a closed-door, peer-led forum, the session provided a trusted setting for senior leaders to exchange experiences and consider practical models for strengthening cybersecurity, accountability and national resilience.