From Ad Man to Rebel Mayor: Sir Bob Harvey's Lessons in Innovation
16 October 2026
- Scaling Up
- Investors and enablers
- Innovators
- Early Stage/Growth
Sir Bob Harvey built much of his public profile on being unconventional, creative, and willing to challenge orthodox thinking. Hear stories of saying yes, building partnerships, and believing in what’s possible.
Start your Friday with a light breakfast and relaxed networking, followed by an energising conversation with Sir Bob Harvey, moderated by Deputy Mayor, Desley Simpson.
Sir Bob built much of his public profile on being unconventional, creative, and willing to challenge orthodox thinking. Before politics he was a leading advertising executive, he championed environmental causes, promoted the "Green City" vision for Waitakere, and often took positions that differentiated him from more traditional local government leaders. He was Mayor of Waitakere City for 18 years (1992–2010) and became known for his advocacy and distinctive personal style.
Sir Bob will share stories of saying yes to opportunities, building powerful partnerships, and believing in the art of what’s possible. Founders will be invited to think beyond the product - what’s the story, the film, the movement behind your startup?
Expect uplifting insights, practical inspiration, and a fresh perspective on building something that truly resonates.
Free
Desley Simpson
Deputy Mayor at Auckland Council
A born and bred fifth-generation Aucklander, Desley Simpson is proud to serve as the Deputy Mayor of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
First elected to the governing body in 2016 as Councillor for the Ōrākei Ward, she was appointed Deputy Mayor following the 2022 elections and again in 2025. Desley has a keen focus on financial stewardship and finding efficiencies, infrastructure, economic development, arts and culture and value for money.
Her background includes longstanding community service and governance, and she is widely recognised for her ability to navigate council processes with efficiency and deliver measurable improvements for Aucklanders.
Sir Bob Harvey
Former Mayor of Waitakere City, Advertising Pioneer, Environmental Champion
Sir Bob Harvey built much of his public profile on being unconventional, creative, and willing to challenge orthodox thinking. Before politics he was a leading advertising executive, he championed environmental causes, promoted the "Green City" vision for Waitakere, and often took positions that differentiated him from more traditional local-government leaders. He was Mayor of Waitakere City for 18 years (1992–2010) and became known for his advocacy and distinctive personal style.
Venue
Pipiri Lane
124 Halsey St
Wynyard Quarter
Auckland 1010
Pipiri Lane isn’t just a place to work or host — it’s a statement. Located in Wynyard Quarter, Auckland’s buzzing innovation hub, it’s New Zealand's first cross-laminated timber work and event space. With a 6 Star Green Star rating, Pipiri Lane is one of Auckland’s most sustainable buildings, representing a rare opportunity to align businesses with innovation, environmental responsibility and forward-thinking design.