IIA NZ Chief Audit Executives (CAE) Forum 2025

IIA NZ Chief Audit Executives (CAE) Forum 2025: Part 1

Welcome and Opening Remarks: IIA NZ Chair and Master of Ceremonies

Master of Ceremonies: David Sinkins

Panel speakers: David Sinkins, Freddy Beck, David Seath

12.00 PM-1.00 PM

Keynote Presentation

Keynote Speaker: Freddy Beck, Chief Audit Executive, Ipswich City Council, Australia

Session Topic: Leading the Charge: Innovating Internal Audit for Tomorrow's Challenges

Summary: In a world defined by rapid transformation, internal audit leaders must adapt, innovate, and lead the charge to remain relevant and impactful. Freddy Beck will deliver a dynamic session exploring how Chief Audit Executives can embrace innovation, tackle emerging risks, and redefine internal audit's role in shaping resilient and forward-thinking organisations.

Key topics include:

• Harnessing technology to drive efficiency and insights in audit processes.
• Proactively addressing emerging risks, including Fraud, Corruption, AI and cybersecurity.
• Building a future-focused internal audit team equipped with the skills of tomorrow.
• Aligning internal audit strategies with global trends and standards.

Freddy will share actionable strategies, inspiring CAEs to lead with confidence and ensure their functions are prepared to thrive in the face of tomorrow's challenges. This session is designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and empower leaders to innovate for success.

Delivered by Freddy Beck, CAE Ipswich City Council, Queensland, Australia, the session will provide insights on the evolving landscape of internal audit, emerging risks, and strategies for driving organisational value.

1.00 pm-1.45 PM

Working Lunch and Networking

An opportunity to connect with peers and build relationships with fellow Chief Audit Executives

1.45 PM-2.45 PM

Keynote Presentation

Keynote Speaker: David Seath, Partner, Deloitte

Session Topic: Behind Closed Doors - Lessons from Internal Audit, Fraud Investigations, and Governance Under Pressure

Drawing on decades of experience in internal audit, fraud, waste, and abuse investigations across the public and private sectors, David Seath shares collective insights into what really challenges governance - and where internal audit can step in to drive accountability and improvement.

This keynote moves beyond a single case study to highlight the recurring patterns, red flags, and leadership dilemmas encountered in complex environments. With practical takeaways for Chief Audit Executives, David will examine the implications of these lessons for governance, culture, and assurance effectiveness.

Key takeaways:

• What CAEs should watch for: early indicators of fraud, control failure, and governance breakdowns
• How internal audit can respond when trust is compromised and systems come under strain
• Strategies for influencing executive leadership and boards without losing independence
• Lessons on judgement, ethics, and accountability from real-world investigations

This session is designed to equip audit leaders with deeper insight into the realities of oversight and the critical role they play in safeguarding public value and organisational integrity.

2.45 pm-3.45 PM

Panel Reflections and Open Forum

Shaping the Future: CAE Insights in Action

This dynamic session brings together a panel of experienced Chief Audit Executives to reflect on the powerful insights shared during the keynote presentations and roundtable discussions. Building on Freddy Beck's forward-looking keynote and David Seath's real-world leadership lessons from Wellington Water, panellists will explore how internal auditors can lead with impact, adapt to complexity, and uphold trust in times of change.

Through open dialogue and shared experiences, panellists will provide practical advice, real-world examples, and strategic reflections tailored to the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand's internal audit profession.

What to expect:

• Candid reflections on the evolving role of the CAE
• Practical strategies for navigating uncertainty and leading audit teams
• Open Q&A - your opportunity to engage directly with senior leaders
• A local lens on global themes: ensuring relevance, resilience, and innovation

This session is designed to empower attendees to walk away with actionable insights and renewed confidence in their leadership journey.

3.45-4.00 pm

Master of Ceremonies and IIA NZ Board Chair Closing Remarks

Summarising the day's discussions, highlighting key takeaways, and outlining next steps for the CAE community.

Forum Concludes

This programme is designed to foster meaningful connections, share insights, and equip CAEs with actionable strategies to address the evolving demands of internal audit leadership.

This forum is exclusively for Chief Audit Executives (CAE) who are IIA NZ members.

Attendees of the IIA NZ CAE Forum 2025 must be current Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) or hold equivalent senior positions, possessing extensive experience and professional qualifications such as CIA, CISA, or similar certifications. Alternatively, attendance is open to those who have participated in the IIA NZ Audit Leaders Network Forums.

Each IIA NZ CAE Member who attends the full conference will receive one complimentary IIA NZ CAE Forum ticket.