Join us for the next in-person event in our NZBusiness Networking & Note-taking series which will include a panel discussion on unlocking growth – seizing opportunities for SME success in 2025.
As we look toward a (hopefully) brighter economic outlook in 2025, Q1 is the perfect time for SMEs to explore new avenues for growth.
Join us on March 13, 2025 at the Icehouse for the next NZBusiness Networking & Note-taking event, where our panel of experts will discuss strategies to help unlock your business’s growth potential in the year ahead.
This engaging advisory panel will explore how SMEs can position themselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities, from refining operational efficiency to capitalising on market trends. Our experts will share their insights on building a growth-focused mindset, navigating challenges, and scaling your business with confidence in a recovering economy.
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, gain actionable strategies, and walk away with the tools to drive sustainable growth in 2025 and beyond. This is an event you won’t want to miss as you prepare for the opportunities the new year will bring!
Panel speakers
As Chief Financial Officer, Aaron Smith guides 2degrees financial performance and reporting, as well as playing a critical role in development and delivery of the corporate strategy. Since the merger with Vocus in 2022, Aaron has been at the helm of the 80 person finance team, tasked with driving financial excellence whilst supporting both the integration programme and ongoing growth across all market segments. Prior to joining 2degrees, Aaron held senior finance roles across various sectors in both the UK and New Zealand with 20+ years in Telecommunication. His career has seen him work with leading companies, across all financial disciplines. Aaron is passionate about leveraging organisational technical expertise to seize commercial opportunities and ensure disciplined financial management. His strategic insights and commitment to excellence have consistently delivered outstanding results. Beyond his professional life, Aaron enjoys escaping the hustle and bustle of Auckland, spending quality time with his family and friends.
Lisa Turnbull is CEO of NZX Wealth Technologies (NZXWT), leading the company’s strategic direction and operational growth, driving innovation in New Zealand’s financial services sector. Lisa joined NZXWT at a pivotal time, when NZX acquired sole ownership of the business. Under her leadership, NZXWT has grown from a start-up to one of the fastest growing investment platforms in NZ, now managing over $17 billion in Funds Under Administration (FUA). With more than 30 years of experience in financial services, spanning investments, insurance, and banking, Lisa has held senior leadership roles at ASB Bank and Sovereign Insurance across finance, investments, and operations. She began her career as an auditor with PwC and is a Chartered Accountant. Lisa is passionate about building high-performing teams and leveraging technology to enhance financial services, enabling financial advisers to stay focused on helping New Zealand investors achieve their financial goals. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys playing golf and spending time at her holiday home in Snells Beach, making the most of New Zealand’s coastal lifestyle.
John Berry is co-founder, CEO and Resident Wayfinder at Pathfinder Asset Management. He believes ethical investing can fund a better, more sustainable world – and deliver great financial returns. He co-founded Pathfinder in 2009, and champions the idea that businesses and individuals can both make a profit while also contributing to solutions for some of the world’s major challenges. Pathfinder’s KiwiSaver was recognised as ‘Best Ethical KiwiSaver Fund’ four years running by Mindful Money. John was personally recognised in 2023 by the Sustainable Business Network with the ‘Sustainability Superstar Award’ and in 2024 by Robert Walters with the ‘NZ Sustainability Leadership Award’.
Kieran Carr is a Chartered Accountant with a background that spans FMCG, as a tour guide in Europe, and now, at his family’s business – Carr & Haslam as CFO. With over 162 years of history (Est. 1863), Carr & Haslam is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected freight companies, now proudly led by Kieran as part of the 6th generation of family leaders. Kieran drives the strategic implementation and financial reporting, focusing on refining daily systems to ensure operational excellence. He believes that effective strategy isn’t about grand ideas but about consistent, small actions that add up over time. This mindset aligns with the company’s values, influenced by Kieran’s father Chris Carr and his mentor, Syd Farrelly.
Giveaway
One lucky attendee of our Growth and Your Business event will win a T$500 Gift Card to redeem at any participating Bartercard member nationwide, in-store only. All you have to do to win this fantastic prize courtesy of Bartercard is be in attendance on the night when your name is drawn.
Bartercard is New Zealand’s leading business trading currency, supporting SMEs for over 31 years.
Join thousands of cardholders who use Bartercard in their business every day to save cash, improve cash flow, and reduce business expenses. Attract new customers when you want them. Visit bartercard.co.nz for more details.
Missed our last event?
Check out reactions from our ‘Cashflow & Your Business’ networking event:
Special thanks to our Strategic Partner for helping make this event possible:
One lucky attendee of our Growth and Your Business event will win a T$500 Gift Card to redeem at any participating Bartercard member nationwide, in-store only. All you have to do to win this fantastic prize courtesy of Bartercard is be in attendance on the night when your name is drawn.