Wellington Chamber of Commerce and New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Inc.
Media Statement
Thursday 13th October 2016
Wellington hosts national Chambers conference
Wellington is to host the 2016 New Zealand Chambers of Commerce annual conference tomorrow.
The organisation represents 30 Chambers with a national and international business membership of more than 22,000.
The event coincides with the 160th year of the Chamber in both Wellington and Auckland. It will be held at the Majestic
Centre.
The conference has a stellar cast of speakers, starting with keynote speaker Peter Biggs, of Assignment Group, one of
New Zealand’s most distinguished business leaders. As well as being the National Chief Executive of advertising agency
Assignment Group, he is Chair of the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency. He and his companies have won
numerous accolades down the years, including being named one of the top five agencies in the world.
Other speakers are:
· NZ Trade and Enterprise General Manager Customers Tim Green will speak on international trade and the role Chambers
play in it. He is a former General Manager International at NZTE.
· The Chief Executive of Local Government NZ, Malcolm Alexander, will discuss the landscape for the next triennium for
local government.
· Sir Wira Gardiner (Lieutenant-Colonel retd), a renowned senior public servant, will give a review of Maori
entrepreneurship and its contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand.
· NZ Tourism Board Chair and former Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast will speak on tourism’s place in the economy and
the next challenge.
· NZ Racing Board CEO and former CEO and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade John Allen will speak on leadership.
Wellington Chamber Chief Executive John Milford says he’s delighted his organisation is hosting the conference in its
160th year.
“It’s a special year for us, and it’s good to be able to host our fellow chambers at the same time as we celebrate our
long service to business in Wellington.
“We’re delighted to be able to present such a great line-up of speakers, and I’m sure delegates will come away with much
food for thought from the event.”
About the NZ Chambers of Commerce
The 30 member Chambers represent more than 22,000 business members across New Zealand. As not-for-profit membership
associations, they promote, support and encourage sustainable, profitable business growth by positively influencing the
environment in which businesses operate, by providing training, advice, information and support. The Chambers of
Commerce also acts as a voice and advocate to help members; to provide a range of opportunities, products, services and
membership savings; and to support businesses in their growth and success. The organisation is divided into four hubs:
Northern, Central, Canterbury and Southern. They are affiliated with 22,000 Chambers internationally through the
International Chamber of Commerce.
ends