Business and industry events
Upcoming events | Recent events
Business and industry events contribute to the economic
vitality of the city. They are a key platform that position Auckland both
nationally and internationally as a desirable place to do business. They
encourage business opportunities and growth, develop industry sectors, share
innovation and showcase Auckland's industries.
We look to support business and industry events that:
- profile Auckland city's business and industry sectors
- align with our economic development goals
- support business growth and networking
- support and encourage innovation and creativity.
Upcoming events
Global women inaugural forum - Thinking Globally
Tuesday 17 November 2009
8.45am - 7.30pm (registration from 8am)
Owen Glenn Building
Business School
The University of Auckland
12 Grafton Road, Auckland
Cost: $495.00 plus GST
Thinking Globally
New Zealand Global Women is holding its inaugural forum, Thinking Globally, in Auckland on
November 17. It offers businesswomen from all walks of life the opportunity to hear from, and network with, some of New Zealand's best business minds, women who are taking on the world and winning.
How did Wendy Pye create a $100m a year publishing empire in the United States?
How did Rt Hon Dame Jenny Shipley break into some of the most powerful companies in China or Mary Devine turn Ezibuy into a market leader in Australia?
Find out at New Zealand's most prestigious women's networking event.
MC Carol Hirschfeld will lead you through a range of presentations, breakout workshops and Q&A sessions.
Get up close with business leaders including:
- Mai Chen, Founding Partner of New Zealand Public Law Specialists Chen Palmer
- Theresa Gattung, Chair Wool Partners International
- Annah Stretton, CEO Stretton Clothing & Stretton Publishing
Thinking Globally offers international connections, inspiration and mentoring for women from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Don't
miss out on the event of the year!
For more information see
NZ Global Women.
WHK Gosling Chapman High Impact Programme
Applications are now open for the ICT High Impact programme.
Up to fifteen innovative ICT businesses will be selected to participate in the next programme commencing
November 2009 in Auckland Central.
There is no cost to attend as it will be fully funded by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise under the Enterprise Training Programme.
Programme modules
Made up of four workshops and one-on-one follow up coaching sessions, the programme will cover the following key business development areas:
| Day one |
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Wednesday 4 November 2009 |
|
9am - 4.30pm |
|
Marketing Strategy and Tactics |
|
| Day two |
|
Wednesday 11 November 2009 |
|
9am - 4.30pm |
|
Strategy Branding and Pricing |
|
| Day three |
|
Wednesday 18 November 2009 |
|
9am - 4.30pm |
|
Raising Capital |
|
| Day four |
|
Wednesday 25 November 2009 |
|
9am - 4.30pm |
|
Your Persuasive Sales Pitch |
|
Applications close 28 October 2009.
Entry is by application only.
To find out more about the course content and how to apply email jacinta.clark@whkgc.com, call 09 958 8507, or visit
the
programme website.
ICT High Flyer Programme
ICT High Flyer is an advanced training programme fully funded by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
It is available for small to medium business owners and managers who wish to improve their business acumen.
For more information or to register your interest for the 2010 series email
info@enterprisetraining.co.nz or visit
www.whkbusinessgrowth.com.
Enterprise Training for Creative Businesses
Fully funded by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, creative business owners and their managers have the opportunity to attend business training to assist them in growing their technical business knowledge and in turn grow a sustainable business.
Up and coming workshops:
Music, Marketing & Promotion (www.enterprisetraining.co.nz)-
17 November 2009, 9am - 4.30pm, Central Auckland
Effective Goal Setting and Business Planning (www.enterprisetraining.co.nz) - Creative
- 18 November 2009, 9am - 4.30pm, Henderson
Getting Comfortable with Selling (www.enterprisetraining.co.nz) - Creative
- 25 November 2009, 9am - 4.30pm, Henderson
Costing and Pricing for Creatives (www.enterprisetraining.co.nz)
- 02 December 2009, 9am - 12.30pm, Henderson
Structuring and Taxation for Record Labels and Music Mangers (www.enterprisetraining.co.nz)
- 03 December 2009, 9am - 12.30pm, Central Auckland
Effective Email Marketing (www.enterprisetraining.co.nz) - Creative
- 09 December 2009, 9am - 12.30pm, Henderson
Effective Web Marketing (www.enterprisetraining.co.nz) - Creative
- 11 February 2010, 9am - 4.30pm, Henderson
Recent events
Students receive head start with business of fashion
workshop
Students receive head start with business of fashion workshop
Auckland City Council hosted students from AUT University and Whitecliffe College of Art and Design at the third Business of Fashion workshop in October.
The intensive one-day workshop, focusing on the critical success factors of the fashion business world, assisted students with developing business acumen and commercial savvy. Topics included costing and pricing, marketing and selling, getting paid and funding, the importance of media and brand and exporting models.
Dianne Ludwig, an advisor and mentor in the fashion industry for over 15 years, facilitated the workshop. She shared her experience as a board member of FINZ (Fashion Industry New Zealand) and a mentor to many of New Zealand's young and existing designers.
Guest speakers included Murray Bevan, director of Showroom 22, and leading New Zealand designers Marc Moore and Luke Harwood from Stolen Girlfriends Club. Their real life experiences in the global market were extremely beneficial to the participants and a great opportunity to get up close and personal with some fresh New Zealand talent.
This year, the introduction of a special lunch format gave students an opportunity to meet and network with some key people from the Auckland fashion industry. Groups of students circulated amongst lunch tables seating an industry representative, including Chris Lorimar, Cybele Wirren, Juliette Hogan, Mapihi Opai and Zoe Walker.
Auckland City Council has been making an investment in young design talent as part of its contribution to the city's Economic Development Strategy under the action plan:
Blueprint: Growing Auckland's creative industries. The wider fashion industry is a key area of focus for council because of the significant contribution to the city's economy, with over a third of New Zealand's clothing stores found in the Auckland region.
Young entrepreneurs gather for Auckland Central Regional
Awards
Gareth Stiven (Economic Development group manager) with G.Y.O from St Cuthbert's College, winners of the Auckland City Council High Growth Potential Award
The Young Enterprise Scheme, with support from Auckland City Council gives young people the opportunity to learn the practical, hands-on experience of running their own businesses and creating real products or services, developing real budgets, implementing real marketing plans, earning real money and keeping the profits.
This year, over 30 companies from 12 Auckland city schools competed in the YES competition. Top performing schools for 2009 included Diocesan School for Girls (taking home 5 awards), St Mary's College (4), St Cuthberts's College (3), Onehunga High School (2) Waiheke High School (2) and Kings College (1).
The Auckland Chamber of Commerce 2009 Top Company of the Year Award went to Spick SCH
- Specialised Corporate Hygienists from Diocesan School for Girls (a fridge cleaning company) with the runner-up going to G.YO. from St Cuthbert's College for their sustainable gardening book promoting environmental awareness for young kiwis. G.Y.O was also the winner of Auckland City Council's High Growth Potential Award.
Young Enterprise Trust's Auckland Regional Manger, Ewan McLeod was impressed with the calibre of the young entrepreneurs in this year's competition.
"The Lion Foundation YES programme is all about developing skills in our young people that will allow them to contribute positively to our local Auckland economy in the future. We are really thrilled to have Auckland City Council's support in helping us to achieve this vision, and hope that this will continue in the future."
Ewan is interested in hearing from business people who have experience in leadership, marketing, sales, IT/design and production. If you would like to contribute your knowledge and expertise to the YES programme or sponsor the 2010 local awards, contact Ewan McLeod at
ewan.mcleod@yetrust.co.nz.
Digital careers off to a flying start
The expo, run by Accelerating Auckland, in partnership with the Department of Labour, Career Services and NZICT offered ICT graduates the opportunity to connect with industry representatives and career experts through seminars and face-to-face interaction.
It was a chance for international and domestic ICT students to make their study and career choices align with New Zealand's future skills needs and become “work ready” for the New Zealand labour market.
ICT is a key sector for employment, with over 18,000 employees and 2500 companies in Auckland.
Skilled, trained ICT professionals are required for a digital economy and vital for New Zealand's future. In 2008, more than 5900 students completed a formal qualification in ICT from a tertiary education provider in Auckland.
NZICT is a new industry association with more than 60 of the country's leading ICT companies as members. The association aims to increase the number of internships available within its membership, develop a mentoring programme and increase awareness of the contribution of ICT to the productivity, competitiveness and ultimately economic growth of the country.
Designers delight and dazzle at New Zealand's 2009 BeST
Design Awards
Queenies Lunchroom
Organised by the Designers Institute of New Zealand (DINZ), the awards celebrate the very best of New Zealand design across the disciplines of product, spatial (interiors) and graphics, and were presented at a prestigious dinner and after party - attended by 500 of the country's top designers - at the Auckland Museum on October 16.
The BeST Design Awards were established in 1988 and have been held annually since 1996.
This year, an impressive 590 entries were received for the awards, the second highest since the awards were established 21 years ago.
Cathy Veninga, chief executive of the Designers Institute said that DINZ was extremely encouraged by the number of entries, as this year had been incredibly challenging for both the design industry and its clients and the standard in all disciplines had been extremely high.
She added that a significant number of companies were now using design as a smart business tool.
"These companies recognise that an investment in design is one of the most effective ways to differentiate themselves and their products in what is a very competitive marketplace."
"Design is a critical business factor. Along with good financial management, marketing and good branding, you have to have a design component or you are not delivering at a global standard."
For the second year running, Ponsonby based ideas company, Alt Group, picked up two of the three Stringer awards (the Supreme award in each discipline). The company retained their title as the most awarded company at the awards bringing home a total of 25 prizes at this year's prestigious design event.
The third Stringer went to Auckland's Fearon Hay Architects for their innovative design of the Wintergarden at Auckland's Northern Club.
Other standout Auckland winners at this year's pre-eminent design awards included:
Queenies Lunchroom
Situated on a snug corner site in Auckland's Freemans Bay, Queenies was awarded a hospitality design gold at this year's awards.
The interior of Queenies, designed by Paul Brown of Clark Brown Architects, is built around several collected pieces, such as an antique marble butcher's table, coca-cola boxes and deer antler chandeliers, which are complimented by a green custom-built vinyl and marble counter, a painted checkerboard floor, zinc-topped tables, and a huge paint-by-numbers mural.
The judges of the awards described Queenies as a "fantastical space that takes Kiwiana to the next level."
Retail advertising agency .99
Designed by Richard Naish of RTA studio, the agency was awarded gold in the workplace category where the brief was to transform an old warehouse in Grey Lynn into an office that reflected the type of work that the agency is involved in
- retail advertising.
Everyday retail materials are used throughout the office - the reception desk is built from a burnished steel plate, with a large wall created from stacked cardboard. The undulating cardboard wall - a feature in the agency - has a series of shapes cut out of it, such as the .99 logo, and is curved to reflect the curvaceous form of a mannequin.
The "street" or hall of the office with its recycled rubberwood floor tiles, splits enclosed meeting spaces from the open plan studio floors through the use of cold-store rubber strips. Plastic strips, hung in a circle, also form “pods” which are used for creative brainstorming and informal meetings.
For more details on the award winners visit
www.bestawards.co.nz.
Australian Economic Stimulus Package Opportunities Forum, Auckland
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise hosted a forum for New Zealand businesses to learn about and discuss the $42 billion Australian Economic Stimulus Package, and other opportunities across the Tasman.
The programme included:
- overview of the Australian Economic Stimulus Package
- short and long term projects
- building knowledge of the Australian construction and engineering markets
- tools available to help companies in identifying and pursuing opportunities
- demonstration of ProjectLink, a resource dedicated to project updates on processing, engineering, building and construction
- Industry Capability Network and other contacts
exploring existing engagements that New Zealand companies have in Australia.
Taking on the world: New Zealand's best businesses
30 September 2009
Winners of the New Zealand International Business Awards 2009 were announced on 30 September 2009.
The New Zealand International Business Awards are organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise with Strategic Partner ANZ.
Judges' Supreme Award winner
- Beca - Judges' Supreme Award for International Business
General categories
Best business operating internationally - under $10m
- Pitango Innovative Cuisine Ltd
Best business operating internationally - $10m to $50m
Best business operating internationally - over $50m
Special categories
Most innovative approach to international business
Best use of design in international business
Best commercialisation of intellectual property in international business
Best use of research and development in international business, supported by TechNZ
Leadership categories
Emerging international business leader
Outstanding international business leader
New Zealand fashion secure in hands of talented AUT
University students
Celia Philips collection at St Paul's Church on Symonds Street
Auckland City Council was a proud supporter of the AUT Rookie fashion show again in October. Sold out crowds packed into the St Pauls Church on Symonds Street for two energetic shows displaying an impressive abundance of talent by the young designers.
Twenty-four mini collections showcasing the best from AUT University final year fashion students took to the runway, with each designer showing between three and five outfits. The quality of the collections left the audience in no doubt that the future of New Zealand fashion is secure in the hands of these talented, soon to be, graduates.
Auckland City Council has been making an investment in young design talent as part of its contribution to the city's Economic Development Strategy under the action plan:
Blueprint: Growing Auckland's creative industries since 2005.
AUT University's commitment to the design sector, in particular fashion through the Rookie show, ensures up and coming talent is not only ready to enter the market but can meet and exceed expectations on national and global stages.
Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, chair of the City Development committee, welcomed guests to the pre-show function and congratulated all AUT University staff and students for their significant investment of time and energy to produce the Rookie fashion show each year.
Auckland City Council and AUT University will continue their working partnership with the recently published Learning Quarter plan, which sets out to stimulate learning, research, cultural and business experiences in the city that in turn will contribute to the city's economic, social and cultural development.
For more images from AUT Rookie visit www.autrookie.co.nz.
Tech Ed 2009
Return of the techies
14-16 September 2009
SkyCity Convention Centre
Tech Ed 2009.
Microsoft Tech.Ed is New Zealand's largest education, training and networking event for the ICT sector.
IT professionals will get new insights into hosting, virtualisation and reducing costs. Developers will get hands-on time with new tools.
The 2009 event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, with over 100 national and international speakers, hands-on-labs, a large exhibitor marketplace, and several social networking events, including Techfest. For more information or to register visit
www.microsoft.co.nz/teched.
ICT is a key sector in the Auckland economy with over 2,500 businesses and more than 18,000 employees.
2009 Qantas Film and Television Awards
2009 Qantas Film and Television Awards
The Qantas Film and Television Awards celebrated the success in New Zealand film, television, documentary and news and current affairs, as well as the talents of New Zealand's leading lights in both film and television.
Held at The Civic theatre in early September, the success of the 2008 awards were followed up with two awards ceremonies which reflected the diversity and strength of the talent in the New Zealand screen production industry. The Hon John Banks QSO, Mayor of Auckland presented the Best Feature Film Under $1million, which was awarded to The Topp Twins Untouchable Girls.
Despite the current economic climate, it was particularly encouraging to see the high number of entries in the feature film categories. This shows people working in the industry believe their efforts are worth celebrating. In recognising the best and the brightest, the awards celebrate the contribution this industry makes to the New Zealand economy and to our international reputation.
Auckland City Council is proud to play a supporting role in the New Zealand screen production industry and is committed to ensuring a sustainable screen production industry in the region. Auckland city is the major centre for television employment, with 81 per cent of the national total. The city also has over 30 per cent of the national employment in the film and video sector.
Auckland City Council recognises the economic, creative, and dynamic contribution the screen production industry gives our city. The support of the 2009 Qantas Film and Television Awards contributes to the city's
Economic Development Strategy under the action plan:
Blueprint: Growing Auckland's creative industries.
CentrAprising in 2009
Auckland City Council is supporting our city's youth and future entrepreneurs through sponsorship of the Central Auckland region of the Young Enterprise Trust's business competition for secondary school students.
The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) has been running for over 20 years and allows teenagers the opportunity to learn the practical, hands-on experience of running their own business over a year, competing with schools from all over NZ. There is also an international competition
- The Global Enterprise Challenge - in which 12 Central Auckland YES schools will participate in June. They will be working hard to defend the title that they won last year.
Young Enterprise Trust's Auckland Regional Manager, Ewan McLeod is branding the Central Auckland region's
schools as 'CentrAprising' and is keen to find business mentors, with a strong socially responsible attitude, who are prepared to provide guidance for participants.
"We are promoting this competition as an ideal way to work towards creating a business savvy future generation that will contribute positively to our local Auckland economy."
Ewan is particularly interested in hearing from business people who have experience in leadership, marketing, sales, IT/design and production. If you would like to contribute your knowledge and expertise to the YES programme, please contact Ewan McLeod at
ewan.mcleod@yetrust.co.nz.
Commercialising ideas a success in Auckland
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| Mayor with mentors from Los Angeles. |
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More than 200 people attended the one-day conference and 16 selected projects participated in the two-day lab. The teams worked directly with their lab mentors on their own digital media project ideas, and explored partnerships and business opportunities with the other lab participants.
'I was highly impressed with the entrepreneurial spirit and talent, and look forward to staying engaged with Kiwi startups and trade groups' - Tim Chang, Principal Northwest Venture Partners and X|Media|Lab mentor.
Amongst the mentors were five attendees from Los Angeles, Auckland's longest standing international partnership. The partnership between the cities has seen renewed activity in the creative and tourism sectors, so it was great to have the Los Angeles mentors connecting with Auckland companies.
Digital media is a key area of opportunity for New Zealand. It is experiencing rapid growth and builds on Auckland companies' innovative work in screen production and interactive content.
X|Media|Lab is an internationally acclaimed industry development initiative to assist companies get their project ideas successfully to market. Events have been held in China, United States, India, United Kingdom, the Middle East and Singapore. The first Auckland event sold out at the Hilton Hotel.
Auckland - a great place to study
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| International Education Local Agent Forum. |
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The Auckland City International Education Local Agent Forum is an annual event aimed at developing and promoting Auckland city as a great place to study and live for international students. The forum is a unique opportunity for agents and schools to connect in growing the international education sector across Auckland.
This year's event, held on 25 March, was again hosted by Auckland City Council and organised by Study Auckland. It was attended by 43 locally-based international education agents, representing countries as diverse as Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Thailand. Agents met with 35 Auckland city education institutions at the event.
Valuable new contacts and business opportunities were made during the three hour event, which was opened by mayor John Banks. The programme included presentations from representatives of Study Auckland, the Auckland City Council Economic Development group, the Ministry of Education and the Citizens Advice Bureau. These were followed by a
'speed dating' session, at which institutions had five minutes each to market themselves to the agents.
Speakers at the forum recognised the economic and cultural benefits that accumulate from a strong international student sector, noting that:
- education is New Zealand's fifth-biggest export industry and brings $2.3 billion in foreign exchange to the country's economy
- the Auckland region dominates the international student market, contributing 54 per cent of the total value-added GDP in the sector
- Auckland City Council's eight international partnerships bring annual
financial benefits of around $53 million through education alone. These students greatly add to the region's
cultural mix, making it an exciting and colourful place to live.
Recent trends within the sector were also explored and attendees learned that:
- while the number of students from China has been steadily falling, the total number of international students from all other countries has increased at an annual average rate of 5 per cent between 2005 and 2007
- the sector has seen significant growth from three key emerging markets, with Brazil growing at an annual average rate of 39 per cent between 2005 and 2007, Saudi Arabia growing at 34 per cent and India at 36 per cent
- the 2008/09 financial crisis has seen the depreciation of the New Zealand dollar against most of our major partners, making studying in New Zealand much cheaper than it was just 12 months ago. This has stimulated a 15 per cent increase in foreign student numbers in the last nine months.
Auckland City Council is the principle funder of Study Auckland and looks forward to further collaboration opportunities to help promote the export education sector within the city and the region.
Auckland International Boat Show
After the excitement of the Millennium Cup Pacific Series and the Louis Vuitton Pacific series on the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf, all eyes turn back to shore in early March to the Auckland International Boat Show.
The Viaduct Harbour will be the setting once again from 5 - 8 March for the Auckland International Boat Show.
A specially constructed marina will host hundreds of super yachts, launches and powerboats in a
showcase of the best of the marine industry. The sector exported goods and services in excess of $717 million in 2008 and is forecasting exports worth close to $1.8 billion by 2020.
On show once again will be the Earthrace powerboat now the holder of the world record for a powerboat circling of the world and fuelled by 100 per cent renewable bio diesel.
Last year's show drew 20,000 visitors to the water's edge in the heart of Auckland city. Auckland is the premier refit destination in New Zealand with the Westhaven
Marine Cluster home to over 100 marine companies working together to offer a
one-stop shop for super yachts. For more details on the Auckland International
Boat Show, visit www.aucklandinternationalboatshow.com.
Updated November 2009
