plenary sessions

Sir Ashley Bloomfield is one of New Zealand’s most respected public health leaders. Best known for guiding the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic, he brings calm authority, clarity under pressure, and a deep commitment to wellbeing. With over 25 years’ experience in health leadership—both locally and globally, including with the WHO—he now serves as Chief Executive of the NZ Institute of Public Health and Forensic Science and is a Professor at the University of Auckland. Sir Ashley speaks to leadership, trust, crisis communication, and public service with humility, insight, and impact.

Lotte graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1992 and went on to build a career in equine practice in New Zealand, following postgraduate training in Ireland and Massey University. After many years in clinical work, she transitioned into non-clinical roles in industry and later with the NZVA, gaining a broader perspective on the profession. Motivated by a desire to better support veterinarians, Lotte recently completed a PhD exploring what enables vets to thrive in clinical practice. Her research identified the “three Ps” of thriving — positive leadership, psychological safety, and purpose — highlighting that sustainable veterinary well-being is a shared responsibility between individuals, practices, and the wider profession.