Conference Committee
Symposium, Programme and Proceedings Chair
Dr Stephen Thorpe is a Senior Lecturer Above the Bar in the School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences at the Auckland University of Technology. He leads the innovative Master of IT Project Management that he co-created and lectures on team facilitation, digital transformation and change management, IT project management and supervises students undertaking a range of project management and agile related research projects. He is the director of the Project Management Research Office and a director of Zenergy, a company delivering facilitation training, coaching programmes and services in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and in the US.
Programme Committee and Panel Discussion Chair
Daniel Vaipulu is an emerging researcher specializing in Agile Software Engineering, with a keen focus on processes and methodologies in agile software development. His research interest is in complex systems and Agile project management, exploring how Agile practices and structures can be effectively applied to navigate the complexity of managing product delivery within dynamic market environments. Daniel’s research interests include Agile Software Engineering focusing on processes and methodologies, Agile Project Management, software ecosystems, and the integration of AI in project management. He also investigates large-scale agile frameworks and product lifecycle management, seeking to understand their interplay and implications for effective project execution.
Presentations Chair
Mere Kingi is a PhD Candidate specialising in cultural identity within labour markets, with a focus on its development and articulation. She holds a Graduate Diploma and a Master of Communication Studies (First Class Honours). With over a decade of experience in management and leadership, Mere has successfully led and developed project teams to deliver projects on time for a range of organisations. Her expertise spans project management, team facilitation, and people development, and she currently serves as a Teaching Assistant for the Team Facilitation for IT Projects course. Outside of her research and teaching, Mere enjoys connecting with friends over coffee and volunteering in her local community.
Communications and Marketing Chair
Rene Fa’amausili TeWhare
Kia ora & Talofa lava,
I’m currently completing a Bachelor of Arts at AUT in Event Management and Social Science, bridging these very different fields through a focus on community, connection, and culture.
Gaining hands-on experiences from major events to community initiatives — interning as a Venue Operations Coordinator at the World Dance Crew Championships (WDCC), to supporting community-focused projects with AUTSA Events, where I first connected with Stephen Thorpe.
As Communications and Marketing Chair for this IT Project Management Research Symposium, I strive to learn, and support an event that brings innovation, research, and community.