Interested in joining an Akoako session?
What is an Akoako session?
It is focused on giving back to and connecting our client community (and one for which we don’t charge). It involves bringing a small group of senior OD professionals into our whare for a combination of manaakitanga, teaching and learning – thus they are referred to as Akoako Sessions.
The details
This (free) event will be kept to a small, less than 10 person group.
Wellington – Wednesday 19 August 2026 – Topic: Business Partnering
Christchurch – Wednesday 12 August 2026 – Topic: Business Partnering
Hamilton – new date for 2026 coming soon – Topic: Strategic Influencing
What are our current Akoako topics?
These Akoako Sessions are designed for HR and OD Business Partners who are looking to deepen their impact and influence across the business. We’ll explore what effective business partnering looks like in practice – beyond the frameworks – and how to build trust, credibility, and strategic alignment with senior leaders.
Through shared learning, real-world scenarios, and practical tools, we’ll unpack:
- The mindset and behaviours of high-impact business partners
- Navigating complex stakeholder relationships
- Techniques for framing conversations that shift thinking and drive action
As always, this session is grounded in manaakitanga and ako – a space for mutual learning, connection, and growth.
Strategic Influencing
These Akoako Sessions are for senior HR/OD specialists focusing on ‘Influencing at a strategic level’.
We will discuss some challenging situations, have participants share their own thinking and strategies and we will contribute some of our own techniques.
We have run a number of these successfully already and the feedback has been great.
What have attendees been saying?
- “Its great to get to meet and work with others in our field experiencing similar challenges”
- “We took away a number of insights from working with others on real life scenarios”
- “Its great to have a bit of time to take some time out for personal development”
Interested in joining one of these free sessions, email team@updraft.co for more information.
If you would like to fun something similar for your team, we’d love to talk, email team@updraft.co and we can explore what that could look like for your organisation.
Join our mailing list below to be kept informed of upcoming events.
Frequently asked questions
Akoako sessions are small, conversational learning spaces for experienced HR and OD practitioners. They focus on real-world challenges, shared thinking, and practical ways to strengthen your impact when working alongside leaders and navigating complex organisational dynamics.
These sessions are designed specifically for experienced HR and OD practitioners to ensure shared context and relevance. If you regularly work with leaders and organisational challenges, you’ll get the most value. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, feel free to get in touch. team@updraft.co or book a time
Sessions are interactive and discussion-based. You can expect a mix of facilitated conversation, real scenarios, and shared problem-solving with others in the room. There’s no preparation needed, just bring yourself, your experience, and anything you’re currently thinking through or grappling with. We’ll invite you to a quick 15-minute call with Shaun ahead of the session. This helps us understand the specific challenges you’re facing and shape the session so it’s as relevant and useful as possible for everyone in the room.
Yes, sessions are free to attend. To support meaningful discussion, we keep them small, usually around 6–10 people. We confirm a session is ‘a GO’ once at least six people are booked.
As spaces are limited and there are costs involved in running sessions, we ask for plenty of notice if your plans change so we can offer your place to someone else.
We currently run sessions in Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton. Lunch is provided, and we’ll ask for any dietary requirements once your place is confirmed.
Just email team@updraft.co and we’ll get back to you with the next steps.
Absolutely. Many people return for future sessions when new topics are introduced, and each session brings a different mix of people and perspectives. You’re also welcome to pass the opportunity on to colleagues or others who might benefit.
Sessions are facilitated by experienced Updraft coaches and practitioners, creating a space that’s supportive, practical, and grounded in real work. You can learn more about the team here: Meet the Updraft team
Akoako sessions are designed as a space for shared learning and connection, not as a sales event. From time to time, we may share ways to continue working with us, but the focus is on the session itself.
To stay up to date, visit Akoako information or join our mailing list. If you’d like to run something similar for your team, we’d love to kōrero. Email team@updraft.co.