Oil shocks don’t just hurt drivers; they disrupt entire economies
When petrol prices surge, the national conversation usually focuses on motorists. But the real economic risk isn’t the family car, it’s the systems that keep the country moving.
When petrol prices surge, the national conversation usually focuses on motorists. But the real economic risk isn’t the family car, it’s the systems that keep the country moving.
Many successful SMEs rely heavily on their founders, leaving businesses vulnerable if key decisions suddenly can’t be made. Clear governance and succession planning are crucial to protect both the company and the family.
While New Zealand SMEs are up on confidence, Elise Balsillie says this alone is not enough to secure growth, and that credibility is key.
From freeing up time to unlocking data insights, AI isn’t replacing people—it’s helping them work smarter, grow faster, and compete on a whole new level.
Trish Oakley and Kirsten (KP) Patterson explore what BYO-AI means for productivity, risk, culture and the future of work.
Elise Balsillie explains why cultivating “decision velocity” is becoming the defining edge for growth, responsiveness and customer trust in 2026.
Aotearoa’s sustainability pioneers are already reshaping our future, and now we need to back them writes Rachel Brown.
Disruption is now business as usual. Elise Balsillie says the real edge for Kiwi SMEs lies not in resilience, but in agility, the power to adapt, pivot and thrive through change.
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Thursday 28 May 2026 | 7:00am – 9:30am
📍 New Zealand International Convention Centre, 101 Hobson Street, Auckland
Join us for a practical, insight-led morning exploring how Kiwi businesses are navigating today’s conditions and unlocking new growth opportunities in 2026.
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