Nearly 250 Regulators in Wellington: Regulatory Research Day & CLEAR’s 8th International Congress

Nearly 250 delegates from eight countries across four continents came together in Wellington for CLEAR’s Regulatory Research Day and the 8th International Congress on Professional and Occupational Regulation—a milestone week that blended global expertise, cultural connection, and forward-looking dialogue about the future of regulation.

From beginning to end, this year’s programs showcased the shared commitment of regulators, researchers, and partners to strengthening public protection worldwide.

A Warm and Meaningful Welcome

The week opened with a Mihi Whakatau, a traditional Māori welcome ceremony offered by Kura and Alishia Moeahu, honoring the gathering of our international community. The ceremony set a powerful tone of unity, respect, and shared purpose, and the closing Karakia provided a thoughtful and culturally grounded conclusion to the program.

Regulatory Research Day Highlights

Regulatory Research Day kicked off with engaged discussions, hands-on sessions, and cross-sector collaboration focused on strengthening evidence-informed regulatory practice.

Attendees began the day with “Bridging the Divide,” a deep exploration of how collaborative approaches can help close evidence gaps in regulation. Throughout the program, participants joined workshops, roundtables, and research-focused conversations that sparked new partnerships and revealed fresh insights. The day concluded with a thoughtful reflection from Kym Ayscough, who emceed Regulatory Research Day and offered her perspective on the themes and challenges that emerged. See Kym's reflection here.

CLEAR extends sincere thanks to all Regulatory Research Day speakers and participants for contributing to an insightful and inspiring program.

International Congress Program Highlights

The two-day Congress delivered a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, workshops, roundtables, and immersive experiences exploring emerging issues in global regulation. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour welcomed attendees to the International Congress, acknowledging the essential role of professional and occupational regulation in promoting public trust, safety, and accountability.

Opening Keynote

Alan Clamp, Chief Executive of the UK Professional Standards Authority, opened the Congress by debuting the refreshed Right-Touch Regulation framework. His presentation introduced a principles-based approach to proportional and risk-focused regulatory decision-making, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue throughout the week.

Featured Sessions

Participants explored real-world strategies to minimize harm during a hands-on regulatory problem-solving workshop facilitated by Adam Beaumont and Dr. Grant Pink. They then joined Gráinne Moss for “Meeting the Moment: Evolving Government Expectations of Regulators,” which examined shifting expectations around transparency, impact, responsiveness, and leadership.

The AI in Action panel brought practical examples of AI integration to the forefront, highlighting opportunities and considerations as regulators adopt new technologies. These discussions were complemented by facilitated roundtables on governance and regulatory culture, data and innovation, and workforce planning and global mobility—each offering space for reflection and shared learning.

Congress Social Event

Delegates enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Wētā Workshop, stepping into the cinematic worlds of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, and more—an unforgettable highlight of the week.

Closing Keynote

The Congress concluded with a compelling keynote from Marie Bismark, who examined regulatory responses to risks arising from system constraints and offered practical insights on navigating workforce shortages, underfunded services, and increasing system pressures.

Acknowledgments

CLEAR extends heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and organisations who made this year’s events possible:

• Andrew Charnock, for chairing the planning working group
• Our emcee, Kym Ayscough, for guiding the three days of programming
• Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, for welcoming our international delegates
• Kura and Alishia Moeahu, for the Mihi Whakatau and closing karakia
• All speakers, presenters, workshop leaders, and facilitators
• Objective, our Platinum Sponsor
• Annual Partners: Thentia & Tyler Technologies
• Exhibitors: Objective, in1touch, IMIS, MDR, HRRI
• The New Zealand delegates for their warmth, hospitality, and active engagement throughout the week
• CLEAR also thanks our graphic recorder, Rasalila Humphrey, whose visual capture of key themes added an engaging layer of reflection throughout the event.

Special Thank You to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors

A Global Community Moving Forward Together

As CLEAR’s 8th International Congress concludes, we celebrate a week filled with shared insights, new connections, and renewed commitment to regulatory excellence. Thank you to the nearly 250 attendees who traveled from across the globe to be part of this gathering.

We look forward to continuing this momentum—and to welcoming you next year in Brussels for the 9th International Congress on Professional and Occupational Regulation!