Projects in an Election Year:

What Usually Happens and What Might Be Different This Year

Election years bring uncertainty, shifting priorities, and heightened scrutiny and projects feel it first. In this interactive session, we will hear from three key speakers as they explore how election cycles influence projects from both customer and vendor perspectives.
Chaired by Bryan Daly, the session will be a facilitated discussion rather than a set of presentations. Expect practical insights, real world observations, and prompting questions that unpack what typically changes during election years, what project leaders should watch out for, and how to adapt decision making, governance, and delivery approaches in a politically charged environment.
Designed to be highly interactive, this session encourages open discussion, shared experiences, and audience participation. Come ready to contribute, challenge assumptions, and leave with a clearer view of how to navigate projects when the political landscape is in flux.

Speaker 1:
Youssef Mourra, Director, Nonsuch Youssef Mourra | LinkedIn
Youssef Mourra brings deep experience across project, programme, and portfolio management, with a strong focus on delivering the right work well. He thrives on balancing time, scope, and quality, managing complex interdependencies, and supporting organisations to make confident, evidence-based decisions about which projects matter most.

Speaker 2:
Lien Haverly, Head of IT Projects, Rentokil Initial Lien Haverly | LinkedIn
Lien a strategic portfolio and delivery leader known for building clarity in complex, fast moving environments. With experience across public and private sectors, she has led high impact portfolios, uplifted delivery capability, and helped organisations align strategy with effective execution.

Speaker 3:
Malcolm Savage, Head of EPMO, Auckland Council Malcolm Savage | LinkedIn
Malcolm Savage is Head of EPMO at Auckland Council and a recognised expert in portfolio management, governance, and benefits realisation. Formerly Head of the Air New Zealand Enterprise PMO for 12 years, he brings deep international experience and is a founding co-chair of the Auckland PMO Forum.

If you want to be the first to know more, register today. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3681456/

5:00pm - Pre-meeting drinks and finger food
5:20pm - 5 minutes - Welcomes and Introductions
5:25pm - 10 minutes - Youssef Mourra
5:35pm - 10 minutes - Lien Haverly
5:45pm - 20 minutes - Malcolm Savage
6:05pm - 25 minutes - Questions/Open Discussion
6:30pm - 5 minutes - Signoff, Thanks and Next Meeting details
6:35pm - 25 minutes - Networking
7:00pm - Close