Speakers

KEYNOTE: 
Liam Dann | Business Editor at Large for the New Zealand Herald

Liam has been a journalist for nearly 30 years, covering business for more than 20. He writes news, opinion pieces and commentary covering markets, economics and politics. He is host of the Money Talks podcast series and author of the best-selling book BBQ Economics. 

From his unlikely origins as a surfer, part-time DJ and self-described bogan, Liam worked in London's banking sector and travelled extensively before evolving into one of New Zealand’s most respected commentators. He spends his money on records and sneakers and lives with his family in Auckland.

Masami Sato | Founder | Author | Speaker

Masami Sato built what most leaders call impossible: a global movement of over 395 million acts of giving, woven into the everyday operations of thousands of businesses worldwide.

Founder and CEO of B1G1, she is one of the world's most original voices on impact, leadership, and the future of business - positing that joy, radical simplicity, and small daily actions are the most powerful forces for lasting change.

Endorsed by Paul Polman, Former CEO of Unilever, and recognised by INSEAD, Fast Company, International Chamber of Commerce and the World Expo, Masami speaks to leaders who are ready to become impact-driven to make a real and lasting difference to their businesses and to our world.

Cameron Brewer - Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Minister of Small Business and Manufacturing and Associate Minister of Immigration

Cameron Brewer is the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Minister of Small Business and Manufacturing and Associate Minister of Immigration. He has been the MP for Upper Harbour since 2023.

Born and raised in South Taranaki, Cameron has a Bachelor of Arts from Massey University. He established and ran a community newspaper in the 1990s called Inside Otago, before working as a press secretary in the National Party's parliamentary research unit and Leader's Office. He was also press secretary to a former Auckland City Mayor.

Cameron was the chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association and served as an Auckland Councillor from 2010 to 2016. He has also served on the Rodney Local Board, where he chaired the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee, and ran his own communications consultancy for eight years.

Originally a graduate Mechanical Engineer, Steve accumulated over 40 years in CEO roles in Manufacturing companies.

In tandem he has had extensive governance experience with over 40 Director roles of technology, manufacturing, and venture capital companies.

He is currently Chair of the New Zealand Product Accelerator and acting Chair of The Bio Factory GP Ltd.

Steve was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Industry, and is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management.

Andrew Fairgray, 2 Degrees - Technology Update
Andrew Fairgray has been Chief Business Officer at 2degrees since September 2019. A telecommunications and IT industry veteran, he brings over 30 years experience, including international roles with Alcatel in Paris and senior positions across New Zealand.

Andrew is also a Director of NZ Thoroughbred Racing and previously ran JETA Group. He leads his team in delivering value and improving productivity for New Zealand businesses through 2degrees mobile and fixed networks.

Jacky James, The Shine Collective, Rotorua - Reputation Management
Jacky James is the Managing Director of The Shine Collective, an award winning strategic communications agency.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Jacky is widely recognised for her expertise in issues and crisis management – including at NZ Police – helping organisations navigate intense scrutiny with calm, clear and credible communication. 

In the rapidly changing global environment, she us particularly focused on helping businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber  and AI related crises.

Hon Barbara Edmonds is the proud Member of Parliament for the Mana Electorate, as well as the Finance Spokesperson for the Labour Party.

Barbara has served as the Minister of Internal Affairs, Economic Development and Minister for Pacific Peoples as well as Associate Minister for Health, Housing and Cyclone Recovery.

Before her promotion to Cabinet, she also served as the Associate Whip for the Labour Caucus and Chair of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee. 

Matt Browning and Stephen Johnson - Incredible AI
Incredible AI is a New Zealand-founded, globally distributed software agency helping organisations move beyond AI hype into meaningful transformation.

Led by Matt Browning and Stephen Johnson, the team is known for delivering sharp, practical insights that challenge how businesses think about operations, automation and scale.

Working with leaders across government and industry, Incredible builds AI-enabled software, alongside strategic insights and training that unlock entirely new ways of working.

Their approach blends strategic clarity with hands-on execution, turning complex problems into systems that drive measurable impact.

Louise Upston is the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Disability Issues, Minister for Social Development and Employment, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Leader of the House and Minister for Child Poverty Reduction. She has served as the MP for Taupō since the 2008 election.

Louise held a number of Ministerial roles in the Fifth National Government, including the portfolios of Corrections, Education, Land Information, Local Government, Women, and Tertiary Education Skills and Employment.  She also served as Government Chief Whip.

Prior to entering Parliament in 2008, Louise was self-employed as a project management consultant. She also held directorships in a number of trusts and companies involved in property, tourism, management, and consulting. Louise holds an MBA from Waikato University.

Louise lives in Karāpiro, south of Cambridge, with her partner Hamish and her children.