We continue to work on the conference programme but are excited to confirm the following speakers who will inform and inspire our 2025 conference delegates.
Ross Blackman – our MC
Ross started his career as a sailmaker in Sydney, Canada and US and then joined Tom Schnackenberg to bring the North Sails brand to New Zealand.
His involvement with the America’s Cup began with the ‘Big Boat’ challenge in 1988 and in subsequent campaigns his roles ranged from sailmaker to business manager to chief executive of Team New Zealand.
Ross has also held key roles with Far North Holdings, Sir Peter Blake Trust, SoftBank TeamJapan America’s Cup Challenge and Japan SailGP team.
Justin Flitter
Justin Flitter is a a sought-after emcee and speaker for corporate and industry events, with the ability to share, inspire and amaze audiences with the latest AI-powered technology and practical advice.
Justin Flitter founded New Zealand AI in 2017 to help business leaders discover why, where and how to leverage Artificial Intelligence. Today NewZealand.AI is where Kiwi companies start their AI Journey with workshops and practical advice. He’s a sought after speaker, educator and commentator on AI and its impact on people, business and society.
Mahe Drysdale, Mayor of Tauranga
Mahé Drysdale MNZM is a two-time Olympic champion and a five-time world champion in the single sculls. He is also a seven-time New Zealand national champion and five-time recipient of New Zealand Sportsman of the Year.
He was inducted as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (M.N.Z.M) in 2009.
Mahe was elected mayor of Tauranga in 2024 and we look forward to him opening our 2025 Conference.
Sharon Zollner, ANZ Chief Economist
Sharon Zollner started her career at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in 1998, and has also worked at the Central Bank of Norway. She moved to the New Zealand banking sector in 2006.
She joined the ANZ economics team in 2010 and became Chief Economist in late 2017. Sharon manages a team of six around New Zealand.
Sharon is a forecaster, a modeler, and a commentator informing better decision-making. She specialises in communicating economic topics in an accessible way.
Sir Peter Maire
Founder of Navman, past owner of Fusion Electronics, past board member of Callaghan Innovation, and part owner of new company Power Concepts NZ, Sir Peter Maire has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Sir Peter joins us to share what he has learned from his many business ventures, on developing new products and successfully exporting and international marketing /distribution methods.
We look forward to Sir Peter joining us again after last addressing our delegates at our 2013 Conference in Queenstown.
Joshua Tan, Business New Zealand
As Executive Director for Export New Zealand and Manufacturing New Zealand, Josh advocates on a broad range of domestic and international policy issues that impact New Zealand’s exporters and manufacturers.
Josh sits on the NZ US Council, and the New Zealand International Business Forum.
Outside of work, Josh is a member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network and is on the Network Advisory Board. He is also the Deputy NZ Chair for
the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum Emerging Leaders Programme.
Conrad Colman
Conrad Colman is a Kiwi yachtsman known for his single-handed sailing and dedication to sustainable practices in offshore racing.
He’s the first New Zealander to race the Vendée Globe and the only sailor to finish it without fossil fuels.
Colman is now launching Aotearoa Ocean Racing, a campaign to bring New Zealand back into The Ocean Race in 2027. The Ocean Race is considered the toughest race in all of sport. Colman and his team are
setting out to win it.
Andrew Colgan
Andrew Colgan leads the McElroys marine team, recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading specialist maritime, admiralty, transport and marine insurance law practices. McElroys provides advice on Marine Cargo, Hull and Machinery and P&I Risks, and has an active subrogated recovery team.
Andrew regularly represents the interests of marine insurers and operators following maritime accidents, including through regulatory investigations and prosecutions.
Chris van der Hor, MAST Academy
Chris spent over 25 years as a qualified boatbuilder, managing the build of power boats, sailboats, and superyachts, and also leading the fabrication of masts and rigs for America’s Cup and Volvo campaigns. Chris joined the Boating ITO in 2005 as Field Officer and has found his niche as CEO of MAST Academy where he can apply his experience and passion for developing people and helping them gain the skills they need to succeed.
Stacey Cook, NZ Marine
Stacey has been a part of the NZ Marine team for 15 years. As the Event Manager
and Export Manager, Stacey manages the Auckland Boat Show, NZ Millennium Cup superyacht regatta and members’ promotion/exhibition and attendance at key international boat shows and events.
Stacey will provide an update on key
marine events in 2025.
Peter Busfield, NZ Marine
Peter is the Executive Director of the NZ Marine Industry Association, the CEO of the NZ Marine Export Group and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. He is currently on the NZ Government’s Business Reference Group advising on Government Procurement policies, a founding member of Hanga-Aro-Rau Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics Workforce Development Council Industry Stakeholder Group and deputy chairperson of Wynyard Quarter Transport Management Association board.