Strong business. Strong community. Strong region. WINTER 2026
Why it matters in marketing KNOWING YOUR AGE
ASPIRE what changed Lisa Campbell's mind MENTORING
BIZ AWARDS
Help getting ahead on your application
Introducing new Chamber programme & speaker profiles
Under 30s and those retired from the game are now catered for with dedicated Chamber memberships, p. 12 & 45
ALSO INSIDE: Celebrating 10 years of QuayConnect at Port Nelson New 'threshold between worlds' suspended above Nelson Airport
This year marks a significant milestone for Port Nelson's integrated logistics service QuayConnect, celebrating 10 years of transforming how goods move across Te Tauihu and beyond.
What began in 2016 as a collaboration to solve inefficiencies in the wine supply chain has now evolved into a nationwide logisitics provider. QuayConnect delivers smarter, more sustainable outcomes for customers across New Zealand and global markets.
Port Nelson joined forces with indutry partners to rethink traditional logistics models, moving beyond siloed operations to create a shared, data-driven system. The goal was clear: reduce cost, improve efficiency, and minimise environmental impacts, while supporting the growth of the wine industry.
Jaron McLeod, General Manager of QuayConnect, says that it started with a
willingness to challenge the status quo.
"It brought together partners who were prepared to share data, align their operations, and think differently about how freight could move.
"Ten years on, that same mindset continues to drive how we deliver value."
While QuayConnect began with a focus on wine logistics, it has grown into a fully integrated 3PL/4PL, warehousing, transport, and logistics provider.
Today, the service supports a wide range of import and export supply chains.
The past few years have tested supply chains globally, and QuayConnect has been
no exception. From the disruption of COVID-19 to significant weather events, the ability to adapt quickly has been critical.
"These events reinforced the importance of having a resilient, connected logistics network," says Jaron.
"Our model allows us to pivot when needed, whether that's adjusting routes, utilising the wider New Zealand supply chain, or leveraging our warehousing network to keep goods moving."
A decade on, QuayConnect continues to evolve. With growing demand for efficient, low-emissions supply chains and increasing complexity in global logistics, its role is more important than ever.
"QuayConnect has always been about finding a better way," says Jaron.
"As we look ahead, we'll continue to invest in smarter solutions that support our customers and deliver long-term value."
In May, Port Nelson welcomed its longest vessel to date - the Maersk Cap Jackson, measuring an impressive 264 metres in length and weighing 77,000 tonnes. It departed full of Te Tauihu products, including Marlborough wine, bound for global markets.
Ali Boswijk, CEO & Venus Guy, Chair
Digital Diligence Ltd (DDL), SquareKicker, wekaResearch
Michael Alp, GM of New Zealand Government Procurement (MBIE)
Dr Andrew Chen (AI Expert), Samantha Gee (RNZ) & Toby Manhire (The Spinoff)
Livia Esterhazy (Board Director, Brand Expert, CEO)
Hon Todd McClay (Minister of Agriculture; Forestry; Trade and Investment & Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs)
Barney Riley, Manager Trade Policy (MFAT)
Jeremy Banks (Wakatū Incorporation) & Kerensa Johnston (Te Here-ā-Nuku)
Mike Allsop (Pilot, Adventurer, Author)
Suspended along the angled ridgepole of the terminal ceiling, in front of the Arrivals and Departures gates, a waka locates all who pass beneath it within the stories and identity of this place.
The waka serves as a tomokanga, a gateway or threshold, shaping how Te Tauihu o Te Wakaa-Māui (the prow of Māui’s waka – the top of the South Island) is encountered and understood.
Developed through a genuine partnership between Nelson Airport and Ngā Iwi e Waru o Te Tauihu (the eight iwi
of the top of the South), the installation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the visibility and presence of toi Māori within our civic spaces.
Named Aorere Ararau, the piece was installed and blessed in March 2026 following several years of discussion and development.
It recalls the form of some of the earliest waka in the region and was thoughtfully designed to complement the terminal’s award-winning architecture.
Bespoke cultural patterning represents the eight iwi of the region, alongside tauiwi (those who have made this place home) and manuhiri (visitors). The kowhaiwhai pattern extends from the waka hull onto the glass entrance panes of the terminal doors.
Nelson Airport chief executive Brendan Cook said the airport took its responsibility as the first and last impression of the region very seriously.
“Aorere Ararau ensures that experience is grounded in the culture, stories and identity of the region.”
The name of the installation reflects its location within
Te Tai o Aorere (Tasman Bay). “Ao” references clouds, sky and horizon, while “Rere” is to flow, to move, to fly. "Ararau" speaks of the many pathways, journeys and opportunities that converge here, moving in many directions.
The name grounds the work in this place, in a narrative of movement, and connects Māori waka traditions with the contemporary role of the airport.
Te Ātiawa o te Waka-aMāui Chief Executive Justin Carter says, "Aorere Ararau celebrates our origins and our identity as people of Te Tauihu.
"To have our story reflected with such quality and confidence, in one of our most
important civic spaces, is significant for us as iwi. We are proud to share this taonga with our whole community and all those who pass through our rohe.”
The name grounds the work in this place, in a narrative of movement, and connects Māori waka traditions.
Our market is different to the rest of New Zealand, and how we interact with it needs to be different too.”
A recent report from the Koi TŪ Centre for Informed Futures highlights a population trend that is unique to this part of the country: our age.
Tasman: 23.5%
Latest information from Stats New Zealand shows that 16.6% of New Zealanders are aged 65 or older. For our region specifically, those figures are much larger. In Nelson, it is 22.8%. In Tasman it is 23.5%, and in Marlborough it is 23.2%.
The People, Place and Prosperity: The Case for a Population Strategy report by Sir Peter Gluckman and emeritus professor Paul Spoonley shows those numbers are only going to increase.
By 2048, more than 30% of the population in Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast will be aged 65 or older, the report says.
So what does that mean for local businesses? Our market is different to the rest of New Zealand, and how we interact with it needs to be different too. Tailoring our services and our messaging to our market is critical.
Each year, councils across the region conduct residents surveys, asking people how they prefer to consume council news. Across Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough, the most preferred option for people in this older age group is print. That is one
Nelson: 22.8%
23.2%
Content supplied by Top South Media.
of the key reasons print media in this region remains so effective.
Our population is older than the national average, and it will continue to age. The 40-plus demographic is drawn to tangible media that they can touch, hold and trust.
The key to a successful marketing campaign is choosing a mix of media that reaches the people who are your customers, or who have the potential to be.
If that group includes people aged over 40, print media remains one of the most effective ways to reach them.
That may not be the case in all parts of New Zealand, but in the Top of the South, print resonates with our population, and that connection helps drive results.
The Chamber has just launched a new individual membership with a special community just for our young professionals.
Young Chamber is an individual membership for young professionals aged under 30 who are starting out, stepping up, and looking to grow their careers in the Nelson Tasman region.
Whether you are beginning your professional journey or building momentum in your career, Young Chamber connects you with the people, skills, and opportunities to help you succeed.
If your organisation is already a Chamber member, your young staff members are automatically included and welcome to take part in all Young Chamber events, with access covered under your organisation’s membership.
Young Chamber is your entry point into the wider Te Tauihu business community.
You will be part of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce network, connecting with over 500 businesses and professionals, while building relationships that support your long-term career.
Why join Young Chamber?
Young Chamber is designed to support your development by giving you access to:
• Real connections: Meet like-minded
professionals, business leaders, and mentors
• Practical learning: Gain insights through workshops and speaker sessions on topics that matter
• Career-building opportunities: Develop the skills, confidence, and networks to take the next step
• Dedicated event series: Attend events focused on real-world topics such as AI, leadership, finance, and innovation.
A strategic partnership has been announced for the establishment of Alexanders Tasman, a dedicated rural accounting and advisory offering for rural businesses across the Top of the South.
The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of two respected South Island firms. Alexanders, a chartered accounting firm based in Christchurch, is well known for its specialist rural accounting and advisory expertise. Go Accounting brings deep local relationships, commercial advisory experience, and a strong presence across the Top of the South business community.
Together, the firms will work collaboratively to deliver practical, specialist advice to
rural and commercial clients across the Top of the South, West Coast, Canterbury and the wider South Island.
Alexanders Tasman will give rural clients in the region access to Alexanders’ specialist rural knowledge, supported by Go Accounting’s local team and trusted relationships. At the same time, Go Accounting will provide specialist advisory support to Alexanders' clients in Christchurch and Canterbury, including strategic planning, tax consulting, valuations, business coaching, succession planning and wider business advisory services.
The partnership has been designed to enhance the services available to clients while preserving the local relationships and firm identities that clients already know and trust. Go Accounting will continue to serve its commercial client base, while Alexanders Tasman will focus on supporting the rural business community with specialist accounting and advisory services tailored to the needs of farming families and rural enterprises. As part of the launch, Go Accounting and
Alexanders are planning a calendar of events for the rural business community, covering key topics including tax planning and structuring, profit and cashflow improvement, succession and exit planning, business performance, governance and long-term strategic planning.
Manoli Aerakis, CEO at Go Accounting said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the advisory support available to businesses across the region.
“Alexanders Tasman is about bringing specialist rural expertise into the Top of the South in a way that is locally connected, practical and relationship-led.
“Our clients and our wider business community are facing increasingly complex decisions around growth, profitability, tax, succession, governance, and long-term planning. By working with Alexanders, we are able to bring deeper rural capability into the region while continuing to support clients with the local knowledge and trusted relationships they value.
The Top of the South has a strong and diverse rural economy.”
“This is an exciting step for Go Accounting, Alexanders and the communities we serve. It allows both firms to do more for clients, while staying true to who we are.”
Directors Alister Stevenson and Karen Prue said the launch of Alexanders Tasman was a natural extension of Alexanders’ long-standing focus on the rural sector.
“Alexanders has always had a strong commitment to farming families and rural businesses. Establishing Alexanders Tasman with Go Accounting gives us the opportunity to bring our rural expertise to a new region, alongside a team that is already deeply connected to the local business community.
“The Top of the South has a strong and diverse rural economy. We see a real opportunity to support farmers and rural business owners with specialist advice that helps them improve performance, plan for the future and make confident decisions.”
The partnership will also strengthen the advisory capability available to clients across both firms. By combining Alexanders’ rural specialisation with Go Accounting’s broader strategic and commercial advisory services, clients will have access to a wider team of experts across accounting, tax, business planning, valuations, coaching and succession.
Both firms say the creation of Alexanders Tasman marks an important investment in the future of rural business advisory services across the Top of the South and the wider South Island.
For many business owners, their family home plays a bigger role in their business than they expect, often used as security to support growth. NBS' CCO Linda Sullivan explains.
With personal and business finances so closely linked, cash flow rarely moves in a straight line. Some months are strong, creating opportunities to get ahead. Other times require flexibility to reinvest, manage costs or respond to the unexpected. That’s why the structure of your lending matters more than many people realise.
When lending is set up well, it can work harder for you. At NBS the redraw facility available with our Residential and Business Redraw Loans allow you to put extra funds into your loan when cash flow is strong, reducing the interest you pay and helping you clear your loan faster, while still giving you access to those funds later if you need them.
These loans are specifically designed for this reality. They offer valuable flexibility, while on a fixed interest rate, helping ensure your lending supports both your life and your business, rather than simply sitting in the background.
No two businesses are the same. Some have variable income. Others are preparing to expand, invest in equipment or take on staff, often while balancing family commitments at the same time.
That’s why our lending conversations start with understanding the full picture, not just your interest rate. We take the time to understand both your personal and business circumstances so your lending is structured around how you live and work.
With redraw facilities, surplus funds can be paid into your loan when cash flow allows, reducing interest over time. If those funds are needed later for business investment, renovations or an unexpected cost, they can be accessed again, helping keep your lending efficient while maintaining flexibility.
Small, structural decisions can make a meaningful difference, particularly as business evolves.”
Small structural decisions like these can make a meaningful difference, particularly for business owners who value adaptability and breathing room as their business evolves.
Good lending decisions are rarely one size fits all. They’re built on real conversations and trusted relationships. At NBS, you deal directly with our local lenders who take
the time to understand how your business operates. You’re not passed between call centres or asked to retell your story every time something changes. That continuity matters, especially when business conditions or personal circumstances shift.
We’re deeply rooted in the communities where our clients live and work. We support local clubs, charities and community initiatives because strong communities help create strong businesses.
When you choose NBS, you’re not just choosing lending that supports your life and business. You’re also helping keep money circulating locally and giving back to the communities your business relies on.
Smart lending is about more than numbers on a screen. It’s about structuring finance around real lives, real businesses and real communities.
If you haven’t reviewed your home or business lending in a while, now is a great time to start the conversation. A short chat with one of our friendly, local and qualified lenders could help you unlock more flexibility, support your business plans and make sure your lending still fits your life. Call 0800 101 700 or visit your nearest branch to book a lending review. We’ll take the time to understand the full picture and explore options that work for you, your business and your community.
*NBS is not a registered bank.
Linda Sullivan Chief Client Officer
Applications open soon for the Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Learn about the entry process at one of two upcoming info sessions. Will this be your year?
JULY 15
BUSINESS AWARDS INFO
SESSION: NELSON
3:00pm - 4:00pm Mahitahi Tasman
JULY 16
BUSINESS AWARDS INFO SESSION: NELSON 11:00am - 12:00pm Mahitahi Colab Nelson
"If you are on the fence about entering the Business Awards, I really encourage you to do so. We were so proud of the final submission and it’s been great to share many parts of it with our staff, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders as well as family and friends. Winning the Medium business section on the night was the icing on the cake but even if we hadn’t won, we were very pleased telling our story. The increased profile has been fantastic."
BEV HAMILTON MASTER VALET DRYCLEANERS Winner Medium Business
Awards 2024
Mediaworks, New Zealand's leading radio company with over 2.4 million weekly listeners, is shining the spotlight on the unique influence of radio announcers in connecting brands with audiences.
With their trusted voices and loyal listeners, radio announcers have the power to drive engagement and brand impact—locally and nationwide. At MediaWorks, we harness this influence to ensure your advertising truly resonates. Our brands and people are household names with local, highly engaged audiences.
With MediaWorks’ radio, outdoor, audio and digital solutions, we’ll help you stay front and centre when it matters most.
• Reach & Engagement: Radio reaches a wide audience.Announcers seamlessly integrate ads into their shows, making them feel natural rather than disruptive.
• Emotional Connection: A familiar voice creates a positive listening environment, enhancing ad effectiveness and leaving a lasting impact.
• Trust & Familiarity: Listeners trust their favorite announcers, making them more receptive to the brands they endorse.
• Local: We have over 36 shows across 24 regions in Aotearoa, meaning you can tap into this power nationwide and locally.
Nelson Tasman has always understood the value of the ocean. What's our next blue opportunity?
Our region has been shaped by its harbour, fisheries, aquaculture, maritime industries, coastal communities and deep connection to Te Tai-o-Aorere / Tasman Bay. For generations, the sea has provided food, livelihoods, identity and opportunity.
Rapidly advancing technologies, combined with a changing climate and ocean ensures the next chapter of our ocean economy will look different from the last. Around the world, communities are asking how we can use ocean resources more intelligently and sustainably, while improving ocean health and creating greater long-term value. The answer is not simply to take more from the sea, but to understand it better, manage it wisely, and innovate in ways that create economic value
while protecting the ecosystems that value depends on.
Nelson Tasman is ideally placed to help lead that shift for New Zealand. We have all the ingredients: a working port, a strong aquaculture and seafood base, marine engineering capability, applied science expertise, entrepreneurial businesses, iwi leadership and conservation knowledge.
A powerful example is the recent establishment of the Blue House at Port Nelson, the new home for the blue economy cluster Moananui and emerging technology companies like Ocean Intelligence. It’s just the beginning of the opportunities that lie ahead and signals that the future of our marine economy will be built through strong relationships between industry,
researchers, Māori, government, investors and communities.
Blue economy opportunities do not sit neatly inside one organisation or sector. They emerge from the interactions of many: between aquaculture and environmental monitoring, ports and biosecurity, engineering and ocean data, mātauranga Māori and new technologies, and local capability and global markets.
At Cawthron Institute, we see this every day through our work in ocean observing. New Zealand has one of the largest marine estates in the world, yet we still know too little about the state of our continually changing coastal waters. That creates risk and uncertainty for businesses and communities, and limits sustainable growth.
Fit-for-purpose ocean data can help marine farmers respond to changing ocean conditions, support ports and councils to manage environmental risk, detect pests and harmful algal blooms earlier, and give decisionmakers confidence to plan within environmental limits.
At Cawthron, we develop and deploy ocean sensors that drive data-driven tools, turning measurements from the water into insights people can use. We have completed more than 160 deployments of sensors from Northland to Southland to Antarctica. The
Across organisations, the pattern is consistent.Tools are purchased, pilots are launched, and early excitement builds. But over time, usage becomes inconsistent. A handful of employees embrace the tools, while others revert to familiar ways of working. At that point, the initiative stalls.
Ross Sardi, CEO of First Focus, has seen this play out repeatedly, both internally and with customers.
“The biggest challenge isn’t building automation. It’s getting people to actually use it,” he explains.
The implication is clear.
Adoption is not a soft metric. It is the leading indicator of whether an AI investment will deliver a financial return.
For New Zealand businesses, this creates a practical framework for approaching AI.
First, make it easy. If a tool adds friction, even marginally, people will default back to old habits.
Adoption depends heavily on perceived ease of use. If it takes more clicks, more effort, or sits outside daily workflows, it will be ignored.
Second, make it useful. Early interactions matter. If users do not see immediate, tangible
value, they will not come back. Perceived usefulness is what turns curiosity into habit.
Third, actively drive behaviour change. AI cannot simply be rolled out and left to spread organically. It needs to be embedded into processes, reinforced through leadership, and continuously improved based on feedback.
This is where many organisations fall short. They deploy tools, but they do not redesign workflows. They expect behaviour to change without changing the environment people operate in. The result is predictable. Low adoption, unclear outcomes, and limited return.
As First Focus brings its AI-led managed services approach into New Zealand through CNX, the focus is on making adoption measurable and managed. Not just tracking who has access, but how tools are being used, where value is being created, and where barriers still exist. Because AI does not create value when it is available it creates value when it becomes part of how the business actually works.
You can have the best technology in the world, but if your team doesn't adopt it, there is no return. It's that simple.”
Brendan Ritchie Chief Growth Officer
“Innovation doesn't happen in isolation.”
Kernohan has a team of more than 70 engineers focused on solving problems that matter. They know that a core strength of the region is in the blue economy, and they wanted to do their bit to support it.
Nelson has an incredible mix of innovators bringing fresh ideas, alongside established businesses with decades of hard-won experience and know-how. What we needed was a place that brings those people together, helps build trust, and makes it easier for people to collaborate and get things done.
That’s why we backed Blue House, and what better place to do it than right down in the thick of things at Port Nelson.
Delivered in partnership with Moananui, Nelson Regional Development Agency, and Westpac NZ, Blue House is a threeyear pilot centred around a shared physical space. It’s designed to bring together the best our region has to offer, creating a practical place to connect, collaborate, and get things moving within the blue economy.
We’ve backed it in a practical way, providing the building and putting time and resource into getting it up and running. It’s been
awesome to see how quickly people have begun to feel at home in Blue House.
We’ve already seen new conversations happening, connections forming, and opportunities emerging that simply wouldn’t have occurred otherwise. Startups like Maidenfleet and Ocean Intelligence choosing to base themselves here are early signals of what’s possible.
That sense of momentum was clear at the launch, where more than 200 people came together from across the region and around New Zealand, including Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand. There was a real sense of optimism and energy around what could be built together.
For us, that’s what this is about. Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It comes from people coming together, sharing ideas, and working through challenges side by side. It also comes from the unplanned conversations and unexpected connections that happen when people are in the same place. Blue House creates the conditions for that to happen more often. Backing it is an investment in the future of our region, and in the kind of ecosystem that allows businesses like ours to thrive.
Good marketing isn't about doing more. It's about being clear enough, and bold
If you ask Tony Downing, he'll say we're drowning — and that the classic "less is more" rings true when it comes to clear, effective marketing that actually stands out. without being part of the AI slop problem
Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning in content. Do you feel the same?
AI has made it stupidly easy to produce mountains of the stuff—blogs, social posts, emails, ads, most of it forgettable before it's even finished loading. The popular term for this is ‘AI slop:' a murky mess of information that can overwhelm and just fill space.
And right in the middle of all that noise is your business.
So how do we avoid being part of the problem and make sure we produce content that really connects with our customers?
For a start, aim for clarity. When you're not clear on who you're for, what makes you different, and why anyone should care, your marketing just adds to the slop.
Well-known Author Donald Miller says it well. “If you confuse, you lose.”
If your customers cannot immediately understand
what you offer and how you solve their problem, then they move on to the next business.
Here's where you can go wrong. Clarity isn't about stripping everything back to bland, functional messaging. It's not a beige wall with words on it. Content that gets results is built on a strong creative idea. Sharp, memorable, and impossible to ignore.
The sign on the side of the old car on Waimea Rd reads ‘Dead Cars Wanted’ followed by a phone number. I drive past it most days on the way to work. You may have seen it too. It’s a brilliant example of clear and creative communication. Nothing complicated here, it’s clever and crystal clear. That's the winning formula: clarity plus creativity. Not one or the other. Good marketing isn't about doing more. It's about being clear enough, and bold enough, to do what matters.
Ready to shut the fluff up?
Tony Downing Owner | Downing
messaging. Speaks to everyone & lands with no one.
differentiation. Customers default to whoever's cheapest.
conversion. Attention doesn't turn into action.
Scattered execution. Jumping between ads, social, and SEO with no cohesive direction.
Clare North from Pitt & Moore discusses what businesses need to do now more than ever to take opportunities by the horns.
Digital tools continue to play a role, but ‘going digital’ doesn't mean becoming a tech company overnight.”
Across Nelson’s business community, one theme consistently rises to the surface: change.
Whether it’s shifting customer expectations, new technologies, or economic uncertainty, the pace of change can feel relentless.
Yet for many local businesses, this environment also presents opportunity.
Strong businesses are rarely those that chase every new trend. Instead, they focus on adaptability — being clear on what they do well, staying close to their customers, and making thoughtful improvements over time. This might be as simple as reviewing pricing annually, investing in staff capability, or streamlining a process that’s grown inefficient.
Digital tools continue to play a role, but “going digital” doesn’t mean becoming a tech company overnight. For some, it’s adopting online booking. For others, better use of accounting software or improving how they communicate with customers. Small, practical steps often deliver the biggest return.
Equally important is connection. Businesses that engage with their networks — through the Chamber, industry groups, or peer conversations — tend to feel less isolated when challenges arise. Shared experiences lead to better decisions and, often, unexpected collaboration.
Finally, resilience comes from looking beyond short-
term pressures. A clear understanding of cash flow, realistic planning, and the confidence to seek advice all help business owners move forward with greater certainty.
Nelson’s strength has always been its people and its diversity of enterprise. By staying adaptable, connected, and focused on sustainable growth, local businesses can continue not just to survive change — but to use it as a platform for long-term success.
At NMIT, the focus is on realworld learning, supportive environments, and qualifications that translate directly into opportunities.
Starting something new, whether it's a complete career change or simply taking the next step in your current role, can feel daunting.
The good news? There are local study options that are designed to fit your real-world situations.
For those already working or looking to move into leadership, administration, or entrepreneurship, NMIT’s business study options provide a strong foundation. With programmes ranging from entry-level certificates to diplomas and degrees, learners can build skills in management, accounting, marketing, and organisational leadership. These programmes are designed to be applied, not just theoretical, meaning what you learn can be used immediately in the workplace.
That applied approach is reflected in the experiences of graduates like Altamash Mulla, who gained nearly 20 years of international experience in logistics, operations, and business management before choosing to study at NMIT.
The master's programme really helped me take my skills to the next level.
After completing a Master of Applied Management, majoring in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, he found the programme helped him take the next step in his career.
“The master’s programme really helped me take my technical and managerial skills to the next level,” he says. “Courses like Managing in a Digital World added so much to my understanding and helped me to develop new knowledge and a skillset for managing digital transformation in the workplace.”
If your goal is to support others in their career journeys, or to formalise experience you already have, the New Zealand Diploma in Career Development (Level 6) offers a
flexible, largely online pathway. It equips learners with practical and theoretical skills to guide others in career planning.
For those at an earlier stage, perhaps without the formal school qualifications needed for tertiary study, the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways provides a supportive starting point, helping learners build confidence, develop essential study skills, and explore future options.
With on-campus, blended, and online delivery available, NMIT makes it easier to balance study with work and family commitments. Dedicated support teams and Study Navigators are also on hand to help you choose the right path. A new career, or a step up in your current one, is more achievable than it might seem, with the right support and a clear place to begin.
15–19 JUNE
Experience what student life is all about with interactive workshops for anyone aged 15 and over – all are welcome!
I'm writing this while hunched over my phone flying back from Retailfest 2026, the Gold Coast ecommerce trade show.
This year felt … different. There was an unspoken comradery amongst merchants — a sense of "we're all in the same boat" — in response to the fast and vast changes in online sales. Between macro-economic uncertainty (mildly put) and rapidly developing tech, there sure was a lot to discuss. We used the opportunity to take the pulse on how merchants view their current marketing efforts with a highly scientific poll, the E-Commerce Crap Check®. (Entirely un-coincidentally, an excellent conversation starter.)
The pattern is clear: ‘owned channels’ are still the lowest-friction money makers. The moment third parties enter the picture — social algorithms, ad platforms, AI search — things get gnarly and less lucrative.
• Email marketing: still the ecom darling in 2026. Only one merchant struggled with profitability; only one other called it a hassle.
• Social & content: often profitable, always hard work.
• Paid advertising: all over the map. Does it work? "It depends."
• CRO & web dev: in a surprisingly happy place. Maintaining a site felt smooth and profitable for most. Improving conversion rates was harder, but still worth it.
• AI/LLM search optimisation: few merchants put a dot down, and those who did landed in "crap to do" or "crap results."
I'm not surprised. Even our own specialists need almost constant retraining just to keep their edge. I don't envy merchants trying to do all this with a small in-house team, on top of everything else they're already juggling.
Sounds like an easy sell for a marketing agency, doesn't it? Well, here's where merchants ranked their current agencies:
Agencies can be yuck. There's a clear need to engage one at some stage, but too many of us are a little too eager to sell into this space. Merchants get burned and stop trusting agencies — which isn't good enough, especially when the landscape shifts every week.
So how do you make it work? Agencies need to do better — full stop. But while the industry sorts itself out, here are a few things merchants can do to avoid getting burned:
• Understand the metrics your agency is chasing. A healthy "ROAS" means nothing if you don't know the business impact. Work out what's actually profitable, and share it with them.
• Ask how they keep up. If they can't tell you what they're testing, abandoning, and learning each quarter, that's a flag.
• Stay close to the work, and let your agency stay close to your work. The merchants who get the most from
agencies treat them as a partner, not a vendor to manage at arm's length.
You might just end up like this guy — happy with your agency.
The plane's about to land and I'm still thinking about that comradery on the show floor.
Maybe that's the real takeaway from Retailfest 2026: nobody has this fully figured out and we’re all in this together.
The merchants showing up at an event like this are already ahead just for being curious. They’re seeing an opportunity where others see a threat. They ask hard questions, and accept that "it depends" might be the most honest answer in ecommerce right now.
Mike Martel Co-Founder | Keetrax.
I wasn't super thrilled about mentoring. I've had some mentors before, and it just felt like a waste of time.”
Lisa Campbell, founder/owner of Moxie Travel is being honest. And probably for many people, relatable.
She started her travel business four years ago but has had a split focus for most of that time, keeping the cash flowing with other work while she built her business.
This year, she and her husband talked about her committing full time to Moxie Travel and getting some support instead of ‘trying to DIY it myself.’
“One of the people that ended up in my team was Stephen. I wasn't super thrilled about mentoring because I've had some mentors before, and it just has felt like a waste of time," she says. "I didn't really get much out of it."
But then when she saw you get three free sessions*, she told herself, ‘It's not going to cost anything, so I’ll just give it a go...'
"And it's been so great. It's been such a good connection, and it feels like his style of mentoring and what he brings to the table is just exactly what I need at this time.”
“His skill set is a really good match to what I need," Lisa says.
"From a professional standpoint, I've really appreciated how I'll come to him confused and I'm just like, 'there is so much going on, I don't know how to deal with all of it.' And somehow, within the hour , he'll manage to consolidate it down to a pretty pragmatic way forward with a To Do list, and I'll come out of it feeling like I know what I'm doing and feeling good about it.”
Moxie Travel is a destination management company that caters for the independent overseas traveller who is looking to see our most amazing sights but doesn’t want the ‘cookie cutter’ itinerary to do it. Lisa explains that Moxie Travel is ‘at the intersection of outdoors and the adventuring, and also health and wellness’, her primary skill sets.
The Strong Business Mentoring Programme helps businesses feel supported, confident, and equipped for sustainable growth.
Led by our resident expert business advisor Stephen Broad-Paul, we help provide the strategic guidance you need to take the next step in your business journey.
With Stephen’s help, Lisa has repositioned Moxie Travel, introducing event management while she still maintains the core elements.
Stephen’s career has spanned senior leadership and governance roles, giving him insight across industries, strategy, operations, and growth planning. He brings a grounded, strategic perspective to the mentoring programme, equipping business owners with clarity, confidence, and direction at every stage of their journey.
*Anyone can access one complimentary mentoring session. Chamber members receive three complimentary mentoring sessions as part of their membership.
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JUNE | JULY | AUGUST
June 09 10 11 16 17 18 18
YOUNG CHAMBER WITH MASON FITZGERALD
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Burger Culture Beer House
WELLBEING WEDNESDAYS: MANAGING PRESSURE
9:00am - 10:00am
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua
JAS WELCOME TO YOUR CHAMBER - MAPUA
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua 24 26 30
YELSA EVENT LAUNCH
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Mahitahi Colab Nelson
KNOWLEDGE @ NOON: WEARING ALL THE HATS
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua
GETTING PAID FASTER: NELSON SESSION
9:30am - 10:30am
Mahitahi Colab Nelson
BUSINESS WOMEN'S NETWORK: RACHEL REESE
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Mahitahi Colab Nelson
WELLBEING WEDNESDAYS: TAKE BACK YOUR TIME
9:00am - 10:00am
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua
ASPIRE CONFERENCE 2026
8:30am - 6:00pm
Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
FINDEX BA5: FINELINE ARCHITECTURE & BRIDGE ST STUDIOS
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Bridge Street Studios, Nelson
PROJECT MANAGEMENT 101
2-day course: 1-2 July
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua
AI IN MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
9:00am - 1:00pm
Mahitahi Colab Nelson
YOUNG CHAMBER: AI & THE FUTURE OF WORK
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Mahitahi Colab Nelson
WELLBEING WEDNESDAYS: EMOTIONAL AWARENESS
9:00am - 1:00pm
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua
BUSINESS AWARDS INFO
SESSION: TASMAN
3:00pm -4:00pm
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua
BUSINESS AWARDS INFO SESSION: NELSON
11:00am - 12:00pm
Mahitahi Colab Nelson
GETTING PAID FASTER: MAPUA SESSION
9:00am - 10:00am
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua
RETAINING TALENT: TEAM MAINTENANCE
9:00am - 1:00pm
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua
KNOWLEDGE @ NOON: UNDERSTANDING XERO
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua 05 11 19 20 20 26
LEADING SALES TEAMS: IMPROVE PERFORMANCE
9:00am - 1:00pm
Mahitahi Colab Nelson
BUILDING BETTER BUSINESS: KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
9:30am - 10:30am
Mahitahi Colab Nelson
SUCCESSION IN FAMILY BUSINESS
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Mahitahi Tasman, Māpua
WHERE IS MY MONEY GOING?
9:00am - 1:00pm
Mahitahi Colab Nelson
Our members and speakers snapped in special moments at events over the past few weeks.
Advocacy remains one of the Chamber's most important priorities, and recently we have continued to ensure the voice of our business community is being heard at both regional and national levels, Ali Boswijk writes.
One of the highlights was hosting Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, where more than 100 attendees gathered to hear directly from New Zealand’s leader. The event provided a valuable opportunity for Chamber members to put their questions to the Prime Minister, with many of those questions submitted directly by local businesses.
It was an engaging session and an important example of the Chamber’s role in creating direct connections between decision-makers and our members.
In early May, we welcomed Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins, who also spoke to a full room of business leaders and community members. The event gave attendees the opportunity to hear Labour’s perspectives and policy priorities for the business sector. These engagements are part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining strong relationships across the political spectrum as we head towards the General Election in November.
To further support informed discussion and engagement, we have partnered with Business Canterbury on the inaugural South Island Election Conference, taking place on August 5th. This landmark event will bring together
leaders from across New Zealand’s political landscape, including the Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins and leaders from the minority parties. The conference will also include two panel discussions – on the economy and workforce and a South Island Infrastructure debate. As a Chamber member, be sure to select the Associate Member ticket price.
The conference will provide South Island businesses with a unique opportunity to hear directly from political leaders and key influencers ahead of the election. We are pleased to be able to offer Nelson Tasman businesses access to member pricing through our partnership with the Canterbury Business Chamber.
At a national level, we continue to represent our region through the Minister for Small Business’s
Advisory Group. The recent appointment of Cameron Brewer as Minister for Small Business and his immediate engagement with this group, reinforces the importance of this work. We meet with the minister on a quarterly basis, and hold regular online discussions to ensure business concerns and emerging issues are communicated quickly and effectively to Government.
Kim and I also recently attended the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference in Rotorua. The conference provided valuable opportunities to engage with national leaders, including, Minister Louise Upston, Cameron Brewer MP, and Opposition Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds.
A key discussion point was the ChamberWorks partnership, a national initiative connecting businesses with qualified job seekers. The programme is providing employers with access to a growing pool of skilled candidates
and represents a valuable recruitment pathway for businesses looking to fill vacancies. We encourage members with staffing needs to explore the opportunities available through ChamberWorks.
Closer to home, we continue to advocate for opportunities with significant regional impact.
We remain closely involved in the Nelson Hospital redevelopment project through representation on the Community Liaison Group. This involvement allows us to stay informed about progress and identify opportunities for local businesses to participate in and benefit from this major regional investment.
There is a great deal happening in the advocacy space, and the Chamber remains committed to ensuring our region's voice is represented wherever decisions are being made.”
There is a great deal happening in the advocacy space, and the Chamber remains committed to ensuring our region’s business voice is represented wherever decisions are being made. As we move towards the General Election 2026, we will continue to champion the issues that matter most to our members and work to create meaningful opportunities for engagement with those shaping New Zealand’s future.
Mahitahi Tasman in Māpua provides flexible spaces, co-working plans, and meeting/event spaces. It's more than a workspace, it's business connections and community in a custom-built environment.
Pomeroy has been working from her Māpua home for several years now, but she has been quick to benefit from the new presence of the Mahitahi Tasman Colab. Since the doors first opened in January this year, Janine has attended several of the workshops and presentations that have been held at the Māpua-based colab. She enjoys being able to upskill after a short drive from home rather than heading into Nelson, acknowledging less travel time equals increased productivity. But Janine’s benefits also extend beyond the learning.
“If I had to narrow it down to one word, it's connection," she says. "I feel more connected to my local community. I've made more connections.”
That includes plans for going on regular walks with another hot desker.
“She works in a totally different space to me, but I'm hoping we can have those kind of water cooler discussions and bounce things off each other.
"And I met Danielle from Keetrax, and we ended up using them for a whole rebranding exercise, so connection with local businesses and individual professionals has been a huge advantage. Basically, keeping it local and strengthening local connections, for me is where the Colab has been magical.”
Keeping it local and strengthening local connections for me is where the Colab has been magical.”
If you're interested in making the most of the facilities in Māpua, drop by on workdays to view, or arrange an informal tour with Community Manager Trina Zimmerman, trina@commerce.org.nz.
03 359 9145
info@isaac.co.nz
Since 1950 Isaac Construction has helped shape the South Island by delivering infrastructure that supports communities and the environment. As part of the Isaac Group, we focus on having the right people for the right result. From residential driveways to airport runways, we provide civil construction services across projects of all sizes and complexities. With modern plant, experienced teams, and strong technical capability, we deliver practical, reliable solutions that stand the test of time.
03 546 6085 office@aquafresh.co.nz
At Aquafresh, we provide the finest fresh and smoked locally caught seafood. Aquafresh has been #1 in New Zealand for smoked greenshell mussels for over two decades. We are committed to sustainability and waste reduction, ensuring that every part of the fish is utilised. Beyond smoked seafood, Aquafresh has a key role as a Licenced Fish Receiver (LFR) supporting local independent fishers, with a team of 20 staff members.
027 910 1093
Dan.mcivor@davidreidhomes.co.nz
At David Reid Homes Nelson/Tasman, we specialise in crafting homes that balance luxury, comfort, and individuality. Our premium, client centred approach blends design expertise with a warm, personalised experience, ensuring every decision is supported and every detail is thoughtfully considered. Our focus is on clarity, connection, and craftsmanship, delivering a building experience that feels effortless and a home that feels truly tailored.
022 358 6830 kiaora@circleliving.nz
At Circle Living, we believe housing should be more than four walls, it should be the foundation for a thriving life. Our intergenerational cohousing neighbourhoods are designed with one goal: to bring people together, creating places where neighbours aren’t strangers and where care, friendship, and support are part of everyday life. By rethinking the traditional development model to include shared spaces and resources, we create neighbourhoods intentionally designed for connection.
021 730 938
sue.law@xtra.co.nz
If your business needs help navigating how to successfully implement a business improvement change, we are here to help. Obtaining the benefits you seek from a business improvement initiative doesn’t just happen. From full strategy development and onsite delivery of business change management implementation, through to one off advice, contact Sue Lawrence, your local, experienced and down-to-earth change management consultant.
021 041 0282
hello@padelcentre.co.nz
We’re proud to bring padel, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to the Nelson/Tasman region. At Padel Centre, we’ve created a welcoming, purpose-built space where anyone—whether brand new or experienced — can get active, have fun, and connect. We offer courts, rackets, coaching, and social play, all designed to make padel accessible for all. We are open from 5am-11pm daily. For us, it’s about building a vibrant, social community around movement and shared experiences.
Plus lots of great local discounts with member-to-member offers, including:
