GET EXCITED!
Immerse yourself in the world of Social Value
Whether you’re looking for a starting point to explore impact or leading the charge already – the Investing in Impact conference is designed to inspire, connect and support you wherever you are at.
Social Value Aotearoa is bringing together thought leaders and practice experts. Those shaping ideas and those implementing them.
Together we can create a conference like no other.
Light up your impact measurement pathway and start exploring your story of change
Join us as we build on the best of today’s social impact practices for the future of social value, sustainability, and investment.
Over two days you will hear from people who have already brought these ideas to life, and learn how to take these concepts and apply them in your own work.
We know that together we can build something bigger, beyond short-term results, meeting the needs of today while setting the stage for wellbeing and sustainability for generations to come.
Get ready to join us in shaping the future of social investment and impact management
At Social Value Aotearoa we are connected to an international network of changemakers dedicated to innovating for impact. Global and local trends are shifting into new ways of thinking with investing in impact at the heart of decision making.
The social value movement was born out of a global cultural shift towards putting people and Papatūānuku at the heart of decision making. This kind of thinking is revolutionary as it challenges the way we perceive value and acknowledges the complex economic social fabric we live in.
Transformational investments weaving people together for reimagined futures
Learn from thought leaders and practitioners who are not just talking about impact but making it happen. These are the people driving new approaches to social value, sustainability, and transformational investment – with practical insights to share.
Gather practical tools and ideas you can use right away. You’ll leave with strategies, insights, and frameworks that will help you create meaningful change in your work and your community.
Connect with like-minded people who care about making a difference. This isn’t just another conference – it’s a chance to meet others who are passionate about creating real, lasting change.
Announcing... Dr. Sneha Lakhotia, Geoff Short and Kevin Robbie
Sneha Lakhotia - Dr. Sneha Lakhotia is a globally recognised expert and accredited trainer in Social Return on Investment (SROI). With international credentials in impact measurement, she brings extensive experience in helping organisations assess and communicate the social value they create. Her work spans sectors and regions, where she has supported nonprofits, social enterprises, and government agencies in embedding impact-driven strategies. As an accredited SROI practitioner and trainer, Dr. Lakhotia is committed to building capacity in social impact evaluation and fostering evidence-based decision-making. Dr. Lakhotia’s approach is grounded in academic rigor and practical experience, making her a trusted advisor and educator in the field of social impact.
Geoff Short - Geoff Short is a seasoned New Zealand public servant with more than 25 years of experience in policy development and leadership, particularly across the social sector. Known for his thoughtful and inclusive approach, he has held senior roles in multiple government agencies, where he has contributed to shaping national strategies in education, Māori development, child wellbeing, and mental health.
His career includes leadership positions such as Chief Education Advisor and Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Assistant Commissioner at the State Services Commission, and Executive Director for Child Wellbeing at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. At Te Puni Kōkiri, he led policy partnerships that supported Māori communities during the COVID-19 response.
In 2024, Short was appointed Acting Deputy Director-General for Clinical, Community, and Mental Health at the Ministry of Health. In this role, he is guiding the transformation of mental health and addiction services, with a focus on system reform and improving access.
Geoff Short holds degrees from the University of Waikato and Victoria University of Wellington. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the New Zealand Public Service Medal in 2022.
Kevin Robbie - Kevin has more than 25 years’ experience in impact measurement, social valuation, evaluation, social innovation and collaborative leadership across the social enterprise, for-purpose, government and philanthropy sectors. Before joining Think Impact, Kevin was the CEO of United Way Australia where he led the organisation through developing an impact-led strategic plan, and Executive Director with Social Ventures Australia where he led their work on social innovation for seven years.
Kevin was CEO of Forth Sector, one of Scotland’s leading social innovation organisations and he also worked across Europe on multi-national projects tackling social exclusion. He has been a special advisor to the UK Government Cabinet Office (Office of Third Sector) and the UK Big Lottery Fund, was on the Board of the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition and has worked in community development and tackling homelessness.
