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1-2 July 2026 | The Pā, University of Waikato

Aka Raupapa National Freight and Supply Chain Superhui

Freight & Supply Chain Superhui

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SPEAKERS

AGENDA

DINNER

TICKETS

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MOVING FROM INTENTION TO ACTION

In an era of geopolitical volatility, climate disruption, and rapid technological shifts, New Zealand’s “last bus stop on the planet” status is both a challenge and a strategic opportunity.

Aka Raupapa is the inaugural Superhui designed to break down silos. We are moving past high-level intentions and into a space of sequenced action. This is where Government policy, Industry operations, and Iwi investment horizons converge to build a supply chain that is not just efficient, but intergenerationally resilient.

Headline Sponsor

KEY THEMES FOR 2026

Building Resilient Supply Chains

Lifting Productivity Across the Freight & Logistics Ecosystem

Investing for Long-Term Prosperity & Intergenerational Outcomes

Collective Action: Aligning Government, Industry and Iwi

Who's in the room?

This is a high-level forum for decision-makers.
You should attend if you are a:

  • C-Suite Executive or Director in Port, Rail, Shipping, or Logistics.
  • Government Official or Policy Architect shaping national infrastructure strategy.
  • Iwi Leader or Strategic Investor looking for long-term commercial and cultural alignment.
  • Supply Chain Strategist ready to move from tactical fixes to systemic resilience.
  • Regional Economic Development & Local Government: Council leaders focused on regional prosperity and infrastructure connectivity.

Speakers

More speakers to be announced check back soon…

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Richard Mahoney

Associate Partner
Argon & Co
Richard Mahoney leads the intralogistics, distribution centre design, and capital projects services at Argon & Co Aotearoa. A professional engineer with deep expertise in automated warehousing and distribution infrastructure, Richard has helped design and deliver some of New Zealand’s most advanced distribution centres. His experience spans DC design, automation strategy, technology procurement, and large-scale project delivery, giving him a practical perspective on how Industry 4.0 technologies are reshaping supply chain performance, resilience, and capability across New Zealand.

Sebastian Doelle

Manager of Trade and Supply Chains
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Sebastian Doelle is the Manager of Trade and Supply Chains at New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). He currently leads a multi-disciplinary team responsible for strengthening New Zealand’s economic security and managing international supply chain partnerships. Sebastian has a broad background in the New Zealand public sector, including previous leadership roles at the Ministry for Primary Industries and The Treasury, where he focused on biosecurity preparedness and health system investment. He has represented New Zealand in various international forums, including the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). Sebastian holds a Master of International Studies from the University of Otago.

Dr Victoria Hatton

Chief Executive
Food HQ
Dr Victoria Hatton is a futures strategist and Chief Executive of FoodHQ, Aotearoa New Zealand’s food systems foresight agency, working with boards, innovators and investors to navigate disruption and design resilient, high-value futures for food and fibre. She has spent more than fifteen years at the intersection of climate, trade and agrifood policy across New Zealand, the UK and multilateral agencies, including roles with the New Zealand Government, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and international climate initiatives. Through FoodHQ and as custodian of E Tipu – the New Zealand Future Food and Fibre Summit – Victoria convenes farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs and financiers to stress-test assumptions, scan weak signals and turn long-term scenarios into near-term strategic moves.
Recognised as a “Top 35 Supply Chain Thought Leader to Follow”, a trustee of Kai Commitment, and VP of the British New Zealand Business Association she is known for asking uncomfortable questions, bringing a futures lens into the boardroom, and helping leaders align their strategy with the future that is actually coming, not the one they wish for.

Rachel Madden

President
Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand (CBAFF)

After earning a degree in International Business, Rachel began her career in logistics with a shipping line before pursuing an overseas adventure. Upon her return from the UK, where she worked for a freight forwarder, Rachel has worked in Freight Forwarding and Logistics in New Zealand since 2007. For fifteen years, she held a senior manager role at a leading E-Commerce based Freight Forwarder. In 2024, she transitioned to her current role as the New Zealand General Manager at KLN Oceania.

Rachel brings a distinctive and insightful perspective to the industry’s challenges. Her time on the council has enabled her to contribute to initiatives such as the Your Logistics Pathway program. Passionate about enhancing the logistics profession, Rachel is committed to supporting and nurturing talent, ensuring that not only new entrants but those in the industry for some time not only thrive but also advance within the field.

Chris Foord

Partner
Argon & Co
A highly experienced supply chain leader with international expertise spanning retail, logistics, and food and beverage value chains. Since establishing the firm’s New Zealand office in 2020, he has led Argon’s supply chain practice across the region. Chris is passionate about leading operational transformation programmes across the end-to-end supply chain covering infrastructure, people, process and systems – driving productivity and resilience for NZ.

Rahui Papa

Kiingitanga

Rahui Papa is a respected Waikato-Tainui leader, gifted orator and recognised authority on Waikato reo and tikanga. He has dedicated his life to serving his people, including at the Waikato-Tainui governance level and through his ongoing leadership across iwi, national and Crown forums.

A trusted voice of the Kiingitanga and an experienced kaiwhakahaere, Rahui brings both gravitas and warmth, guiding the flow of speakers, holding the kaupapa, and ensuring the evening unfolds with purpose and mana. His background in broadcasting and education, alongside decades of governance experience, enables him to connect effortlessly with diverse audiences and bring people together.

As MC for the Aka Raupapa Gala Dinner, Rahui will weave the threads of the evening – connection, collaboration and collective action – creating a space that reflects kotahitanga and leaves a lasting sense of shared direction and possibility.

Hilton Collier

CEO
Tairāwhiti Whenua Collective
Hilton Collier (Ngāti Porou) is a Gisborne-based Agribusiness Advisor and Registered Farm Management Consultant with over 40 years’ experience across land-based industries. Grounded in his upbringing in Te Tairāwhiti, his mahi is guided by kaupapa Māori principles of kaitiakitanga, whanaungatanga, and manaakitanga. As CEO of the Tairāwhiti Whenua Collective—representing over 200,000 hectares of whenua—Hilton works to advance resilient, intergenerational outcomes for whānau, hapū and iwi, connecting whenua Māori to both local and global opportunity.

Dr Hermione Parsons

Chief Executive Officer
Australian Logistics Council
Dr Parsons is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Australian Logistics Council and a supply chain and freight logistics specialist with executive experience across the public and private sectors. Her career spans end to end supply chains, strategy, and problem solving across domestic and international markets. Hermione is a strategic planner working across multimodal import, export, and domestic supply chains. She has led national and international programs and is a member of Ministerial Advisory Councils across most jurisdictions.

Dom Kalasih

Chief Executive
Transporting New Zealand
Dom Kalasih is Chief Executive of the national freight advocacy organisation Transporting New Zealand. Dom has had senior roles at the NZ Transport Agency, the Ministry of Transport and Z Energy with experience in road safety,  policy development, logistics, business development and health and safety. He has co-authored and presented papers internationally on matters including vehicle productivity, driver fatigue, fuel efficiency and performance-based standards. Dom’s voluntary roles include Immediate Past President of IRTENZ and he is a board member of the International Forum for Heavy Vehicle Transport & Technology.

Geoff Rolleston

Chairman
Māori Kiwifruit Growers Limited (MKGL)
Tēnā kōtou, Ko Geoff Rolleston ahau. Ko Te Arawa me Mātaatua ngā waka, no Ngāti Whakaue me Tauranga Moana ahau. Nā reira, tēnā kōtou katoa! Geoff Rolleston is the Chair of Māori Kiwifruit Growers Limited (MKGL) and a representative for Tauranga Moana within Māori Kiwifruit Growers Manatōpū (MKGM). In these governance roles, he works alongside Māori growers and asset holders to support collective outcomes and ensure strong representation of Māori perspectives within the kiwifruit industry. He has a governance background spanning iwi development and local government, with a focus on strengthening connections between Māori enterprise and wider regional and national systems. He draws on these networks to support better outcomes for Māori across economic, social, and primary industry sectors. He brings an iwi and primary sector perspective on the growing role of the Māori economy within New Zealand’s supply chains. His contribution reflects on the importance of Māori-owned businesses and asset holders in strengthening resilience, long-term planning, and value creation across export-focused industries. He also highlights the importance of workforce development within the Māori economy, including building capability, fostering innovation, and supporting pathways that strengthen participation in supply chain and primary sector roles. He is committed to the advancement of Māori economic interests within Aotearoa’s evolving supply chains and the development of future workforce capability.

Arjern Ramnarayan

Director of Retail Services and Enablement
Woolworths New Zealand
Arjern Ramnarayan is the Director of Retail Services and Enablement at Woolworths New Zealand, having stepped into this role in May 2025. With over 23 years of experience within the Woolworths group, he previously served as the Director of Supply Chain (2021–2025) and has held various senior supply chain roles in both NZ and South Africa.  Arjern Led the Supply Chain Transformation team, shaping the future of Woolworths NZ’s logistics

Tonille Crombie

GM – Group Supply Chain and Procurement
Talley's Group Limited
Tonille Crombie has 20 years of executive level tenure across food manufacturing, dairy, export logistics, and cold chain operations. She has held CEO and General Manager roles at Hall’s Group and Open Country, leading large, complex, multi‑site export and domestic organisations through periods of growth, disruption, and transformation.  Tonille is currently General Manager Supply Chain and Procurement at Talley’s Group Limited.

Emma Parsons

Chief Executive Officer
Kotahi
Emma Parsons is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the logistics, dairy, and business strategy sectors. Currently, Emma serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Kotahi Logistics LP in Auckland, New Zealand, a role held since December 2024. In addition, Emma holds part-time directorships at Pro Kinetics (Aust) Pty Ltd in Melbourne, Australia and at Coda Group, a position maintained since 2023. From 2023 to December 2024, Emma also served as a director for Global Dairy Trade. Previously, Emma was with Fonterra for many years, culminating in a position as Managing Director of Strategy and Optimisation. In this role, Emma played a pivotal role in the company’s strategic direction. Prior to this, Emma was the GM of Capital Strategy at Fonterra from 2020 to 2022. In terms of academic background, Emma holds an MBA with First Class Honours from Massey University (2016–2018) and completed the Te Hono Bootcamp at Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2019.

Traci Houpapa

Chair
Federation of Māori Authorities
Traci is an award winning company director and a recognised industry leader.  She is a trusted advisor to Maori, Government and industry on strategic and economic development, and is known for her strong and inclusive leadership and her clear focus on building the wealth and prosperity of New Zealand. A Chartered Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors, Traci is named as one of the top ten most influential women in NZ agribusiness and the Listener’s top ten influencers in NZ.  She won the Westpac Fairfax Media Women of Influence Board and Management award and named on Westpac’s NZ Women Powerbrokers list.  Traci was awarded the Massey University Distinguished Alumni Service Award for services to NZ agribusiness and Maori, and named amongst the BBCs 100 Most Influential Women in the World. Traci is a Member of the NZ Order of Merit, a Justice of the Peace and a Marriage Celebrant. s

Justin Tighe-Umbers

Chief Executive
National Road Carriers
Justin is Chief Executive of National Road Carriers, joining the team in August 2022. Prior to joining NRC, Justin was Executive Director at the Board of Airline Representatives NZ, where he helped steer the airline industry through the international border closure during the pandemic, and the jet fuel pipeline outage in 2017. He has extensive experience working on infrastructure of national significance at the government-private sector interface. Before joining the transport industry Justin worked in senior management roles in the telecommunications industry for 13 years, including working on the Telecom demerger and the Chorus ultra-fast broadband project. Justin is a post-graduate from the University of Auckland business school with a master’s degree in International Business.

Adele Wilson

Chief Customer & Growth Officer
KiwiRail
Adele Wilson is the Chief Customer & Growth Officer at KiwiRail responsible for sales, marketing, customer experience and customer delivery across KiwiRail’s rail freight, Interislander and Great Journey’s New Zealand businesses. Adele is an experienced senior leader, who along with the executive team at KiwiRail is leading a transformation of KiwiRail, driving growth through Customer centricity.

Barney Riley

Manager Trade Policy, Engagement and Implementation Division, Trade & Economic Group
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Barney has a legal background and practiced commercial law in New Zealand and the United Kingdom for six years before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2001. During his time in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington, Barney has worked on a wide range of issues from trade policy to climate change and international law.  In his current role he manages the Trade Policy, Engagement and Implementation Division in the Ministry’s Trade and Economic Group, and is New Zealand’s Senior Official for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). He has previously been New Zealand’s International Trade Law Advisor, and Chief Negotiator responsible for New Zealand’s trade negotiations with China, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Outside Wellington, Barney has had postings to the New Zealand embassies in Tehran and Geneva, and served as Ambassador to Egypt in 2014-2018 (where he was also non-resident Ambassador to Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and New Zealand Representative to Palestine) and Saudi Arabia in 2021-2024 (where he was also non-resident Ambassador to Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Yemen).

Santiago Aon

Director Global Supply Chain
Fonterra
Santiago Aon Ratto is a dairy industry executive with experience spanning a cumulative 28 years. He joined Fonterra in 2008 from SanCor – largest dairy Coop in Argentina and has worked globally across Fonterra in roles including GM MEA&CIS and Sales Director, Middle East to Mexico where he was responsible for sales. His current role, based at Fonterra in New Zealand is as Director Global Supply Chain. Prior to this Santiago was Director, Product Portfolio Optimisation, where he led the enterprise-wide Product Optimisation Strategy. Notable achievements include leading the consolidation of Fonterra’s operations in the Middle East, establishing several strategic partnerships and being part of the think-tank that led Fonterra’s long-term strategy, “Long Term Aspirations”. Earlier in his career, Santiago worked in the leather and meat industries, before joining SanCor, where he was their Global Sales Manager before joining Fonterra. Santiago holds a Bachelor of International Trade and an MBA degree from IPADE (Mexico). He is married with two children. Outside work, Santiago enjoys practising a variety of sports, travelling the great outdoors, cooking and music.

Leonard Sampson

Chief Executive
Port of Tauranga

Leonard Sampson is the Chief Executive of NZX listed, Port of Tauranga, New Zealand’s largest and most efficient seaport. Leonard joined Port of Tauranga in 2013 as General Manager Commercial, leading commercial strategy, and customer growth. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2019, with responsibility for operational performance and capability across the Port’s activities and became Chief Executive in 2021. With a strong background in supply chain and logistics, Leonard has held senior roles across transport, supply chain, and industrial sectors, including KiwiRail, Carter Holt Harvey, and Mainfreight. He is known for a practical, customer-focused approach and for driving performance through strong operational discipline and long-term planning.

Dr David Skilling

Director
Landfall Strategy Group

Dr David Skilling is the founding Director of Landfall Strategy Group, a research and advisory firm established in 2011 that provides insights on global economic, geopolitical, and policy developments to firms, investors, and governments.  David serves clients in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US.

David served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand between 2011 and 2015, providing insight on global economic and political developments.  David also served as Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Co from 2011 until 2017, and was a Fellow at Singapore’s Civil Service College for several years.

Prior to founding Landfall Strategy Group in 2011, David was an Associate Principal with McKinsey & Company in Singapore, as well as being a Senior Fellow with the McKinsey Global Institute, McKinsey’s in-house economic think-tank.  Before joining McKinsey, David was the founding Chief Executive of the New Zealand Institute, a privately-funded think-tank.  Until 2003, David was a Principal Advisor at the New Zealand Treasury, advising on various strategic economic policy issues.

David writes a widely read note on global economic and political issues, and has written op-eds in publications such as the Straits Times, the Wall Street Journal, Project Syndicate, The Times, Foreign Affairs, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, and the Nikkei Asian Review.

David has a Ph.D. in Public Policy, and a Master in Public Policy degree, from Harvard University, as well as a Master of Commerce degree in Economics from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.  David was named as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2008.

Roger Gray

CEO
Port of Auckland
Roger is the CEO of Port of Auckland and was appointed in March 2022. During his career he has led businesses across the Maritime, Aviation, FMCG and Private Equity sectors in both New Zealand and Australia. Before joining the Port of Auckland, Roger was the CEO of Lyttleton Port Company for two years. Lyttleton is the main import and export hub of the South Island. Prior to Lyttleton Port Company he worked at Air New Zealand for 6.5 years where his last role was Group General Manager Airports, overseeing all ground handling and lounge operations at 55 airports around the globe, covering 2,800 staff who handle 18 million passengers annually. In his time at Goodman Fielder he held several senior leadership positions, including Managing Director of Quality Bakers – New Zealand. Earlier in his working life Roger served for 20 years in the Australian Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Roger holds bachelor degrees in arts and economics, a Masters of Business in Integrated Logistics and an MBA. More recently Roger has completed executive education at INSEAD and Kellogg School of Management. Roger joined the Board of NZ Post in July 2024.

Geoff Cooper

Chief Executive
New Zealand Infrastructure Commission | Te Waihanga
Geoff Cooper is the Chief Executive at Te Waihanga. He has a background in global policy having worked for the United States Federal Reserve, the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development and the United Nations. He is a former Chief Economist for both PwC and Auckland Council, where he worked on infrastructure, housing, regulation and financial policy, including business case development for Auckland’s City Rail Link. At Te Waihanga, Geoff was previously the General Manager of Strategy where he had purview over research capabilities, the National Infrastructure Pipeline, and development of the New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy. He holds a Master of Economics with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland and a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University.

Hon Chris Bishop

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Chris Bishop is the Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Minister of Transport, Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation, Associate Minister of Finance, Leader of the House and he is the MP for Hutt South. Chris was born and raised in Lower Hutt where he lives with his wife and two children. He has a first-class Honours degree in Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington, and was the 2006 Young Wellingtonian of the Year. Before serving as an MP, Chris worked as a researcher for the National Party in Opposition and was later an advisor to Ministers in the John Key-led Government. Chris was the National Party Campaign Chair for the 2023 General Election.

Nick Leggett

Chief Executive
Infrastructure New Zealand
Nick Leggett commenced in the role of Chief Executive of Infrastructure New Zealand in April 2023. Previously Chief Executive of the road transport industry peak body, Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand, Nick’s professional career has always centred around the need for quality and sustainable infrastructure. As Mayor of Porirua City between 2010-2016 he understands the need for great infrastructure to power opportunities for people and provide a bedrock for economic growth and social progress. Nick is strongly of the view that Aotearoa New Zealand must be bolder in its funding, investment and scale of world leading infrastructure projects. We must collectively encourage and welcome a more diverse range of people into the industry to deliver on this.

Event Agenda

Day 1

8:00

Registration and coffee

08:30

Mihi Whakatau

9:00

Welcome from Waikato Tainui

Tukoroirangi Morgan, Chairman, Te Arataura (Executive Committee of Te Whakakitenga)

9:10

Welcome remarks from the Chair

Pierre Tohe, General Manager Engagement, Tainui Group Holdings

9:20

Supply chains to the last bus stop on the planet: An international perspective on strengthening New Zealand’s supply chain resilience

  • How a highly productive and resilient supply chain is a source of competitive advantage and critical part of Aotearoa-NZ’s national economic security

  • Understand New Zealand’s global position and unique supply chain challenges, including remoteness, connectivity risks, and vulnerability to global tensions

  • Explore our national strengths and where the opportunities lie to collaborate and design a system that is resilient, productive, and fit for future generations

  • Explore how Aotearoa could move towards a more strategically cohesive and co-ordinated long-term view of New Zealand’s supply chain

Dr David Skilling, Director, Landfall Strategy Group

10:00

Morning break

10:30

Shaping the playing field – NZ government agency perspectives


  • Hear from government agencies as they outline their vision for the future of New Zealand’s supply chain and its role in economic growth and resilience

  • Gain perspectives of how different parts of the supply chain system are managed and overseen across the public sector

  • Key strategies and policy settings shaping freight, logistics, trade, and infrastructure

  • Priority focus areas for each department and planned actions over the next 3–5 years to lift performance, sustainability, and collaboration

Barney Riley, Divisional Manager of the Trade Policy Engagement and Implementation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade


Sebastian Doelle, Manager Tade & Supply Chains, Ministry Business, Innovation and Employment


Geoff Cooper, Chief Executive, Te Waihanga, New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

11:50

Optimising supply chains through collaboration: Lessons from Australia

  • Government and business working together to optimise supply chains and lessons for New Zealand from comparable economies

  • Overview of strategic policies and frameworks used to help drive improved productivity, resilience and prosperity

Dr Hermione Parsons, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Logistics Council

12:30

Lunch

13:30

Panel – Reimagining New Zealand’s supply chain: Productivity, resilience and prosperity for the decade ahead

  • Perspectives on key challenges, opportunities and strategic priorities to better align industry, government and Iwi to support New Zealand’s supply chain future

  • Explore the critical levers available to achieve greater resilience in New Zealand’s supply chain

  • Examine opportunities for immediate improvements in time, cost, quality and value versus longer term systemic change

  • The role innovative technologies play in future export growth opportunities and strengthening Aotearoa’s supply chain position

  • Long-term strategic visions for sustainability and environmental protection, and workforce capacity and capability building for future generations

Facilitator - Chris Foord, Partner, Argon & Co


Adele Wilson, Chief Customer and Growth Officer, KiwiRail

Justin Tighe-Umbers, Chief Executive, National Road Carriers

Tonille Crombie, GM – Group Supply Chain and Procurement, Talley's Group Limited

Arjern Ramnarayan, Director of Retail Services and Enablement, Woolworths New Zealand

14:20

Case study - Supply chain strategy: Driving efficiency and resilience

  • Overview of supply chain approaches and strategic priorities in complex operating environments

  • Insights into hub-and-spoke models and how they drive efficiency, resilience, and responsiveness

  • Balancing cost, service levels, and network design to strengthen supply chain performance

Santiago Aon, Director Global Supply Chain, Fonterra

15:00

Afternoon Break

15:30

CEO Panel: Ports, shipping & the future of freight

  • Hear directly from port and shipping line CEOs on the biggest challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s maritime supply chain — from global volatility to changing customer expectations

  • Explore how different ownership models, capital structures, and potential changes to regional governance including the impact of regional councils being disestablished could reshape investment, strategy, and accountability

  • Examine the role of automation, technology, and operational efficiencies in improving productivity, resilience, and competitiveness across New Zealand’s port and shipping network

Facilitator - Nick Leggett, Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure New Zealand


Roger Gray, CEO, Port of Auckland

Leonard Sampson, CEO, Port of Tauranga

Emma Parsons, CEO, Kotahi Logistics

16:15

Case study - Ruakura Inland Port: Transforming freight and supply chain connectivity

  • Case study of Ruakura Inland Port’s impact on regional and national supply chains

  • Economic logic of intermodal logistics hubs – impacts of co-locating importers and exporters

  • Integrating new logistics infrastructure with legacy infrastructure assets

  • Role of strategic partnerships in developing strategic supply chain infrastructure

  • Role of productivity, sustainability and resilience in location decisions

  • Intergenerational thinking and the impact on investment horizons

Dave Christie, Strategic Supply Chain Director, Tainui Group Holdings

16:55

Closing comments

Pierre Tohe, General Manager Engagement, Tainui Group Holdings

17:00

Networking Drinks

18:30

Aka Raupapa Superhui Dinner - The Atrium, Wintec

Dinner MC - Rahui Papa, Kiingitanga


Please note this is a separately bookable event.

Coaches will be provisioned to transfer delegates who are registered to attend the dinner directly to Wintec.

8:00

Registration and coffee

9:00

Welcome remarks from the Chair

Pierre Tohe, General Manager Engagement, Tainui Group Holdings

9:05

Future-proofing freight: Investing in resilient and sustainable supply chains

  • Investment outlook for freight and ports including capital availability, emerging capital models, and how investor expectations are shaping resilience and sustainability decisions across logistics network

  • Building investor resilience and how extreme weather, climate risk and network disruption are changing asset design, risk pricing and long-term returns across ports, shipping and domestic distribution


9:45

The Maaori economy and its impact on NZs supply chains

  • Exploring the growth and diversification of the Maaori economy and its implications for New Zealand’s supply chains

  • Exploring the role of Maaori-owned businesses and asset holders in strengthening supply chain resilience

  • Exploring workforce shifts within the Maaori economy and their impact on skills, innovation and supply chain capability

Facilitator - Traci Houpapa, Chair, Federation of Māori Authorities


Geoff Rolleston, Chairman, Māori Kiwifruit Growers Ltd.

Hilton Collier, Agribusiness Advisor

Craig West, Chief Executive, Tainui Group Holdings

10:30

Morning break

11:00

Keynote - Ministerial address

  • Government priorities for transport, ports, rail, and logistics infrastructure to improve freight efficiency, connectivity, and export competitiveness

  • Creating the policy, planning, and investment settings that enable collaboration and long-term development of New Zealand’s freight and supply chain system

Hon Chris Bishop, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

11:45

Industry 4.0 across NZ supply chains: Technology showcase

Quick fire presentations showcasing Industry 4.0 technologies transforming supply chains, including solutions like:

  • Quick fire presentations showcasing Industry 4.0 technologies transforming supply chains

Facilitator - Noel Thompson, Co-Founder / Director, Synergic Technologies


Artificial intelligence - Janke van der Vyver, Co-Founder / Director, Synergic technologies

Visibility & Traceability - Brian van Ginkel, Country Manager, Zebra Technologies

Robotics and Physical Automation - Richard Mahoney, Associate Partner, Argon & Co

12:45

Lunch

13:30

Collective action: Aligning industry for a stronger supply chain

  • Perspectives from industry associations across supply chain and logistics on shared priorities and future requirements

  • Where alignment is critical: cohesive strategy, workforce capability, infrastructure investment and decarbonisation

  • Balancing modal strengths – road, sea, and logistics networks working together

  • What industry needs from government and each other to unlock productivity, resilience and long-term growth

Facilitator - Warren Head, Editor, Shipping Gazette


Dom Kalasih, Chief Executive, Transporting New Zealand

Rachel Madden, General Manager New Zealand KLN Oceania and President, NZ Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand Inc. (CBAFF)

Lyel Brady, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer, The Warehouse Group


14:15

The Opportunity at the edge: Reimagining Aotearoa’s supply chain future

  • How New Zealand is viewed globally — and why our geography, reputation and renewable potential create unique competitive advantages

  • The opportunity to design a low-emissions, resilient supply chain system that strengthens trade, productivity and national prosperity

  • What bold, connected action across industry and government could unlock for freight, logistics and infrastructure in the decades ahead

Dr Victoria Hatton, Chief Executive, Food HQ

14:50

Summary remarks from the Chair

Pierre Tohe, General Manager Engagement, Tainui Group Holdings

15:00

Conference close and Karakia

Rahui Papa, Kiingitanga

15:00

Conference close

Aka Raupapa Advisory Panel

Guiding the growth of this living network is an esteemed advisory panel dedicated to weaving a national logistics system that is resilient, productive, and future-fit.

Nadia Trent

Senior Lecturer in Supply Chain Management at the University of Waikato

Justin Tighe-Umbers

Chief Executive
National Road Carriers

Traci Houpapa

Chair
Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA)

Ian Bonnar

Chair New Zealand Port Company
CEO Group

This Superhui is born from a landmark collaboration:

Tainui Group Holdings: Providing intergenerational stewardship of the Waikato’s critical freight networks.

Brightstar: Bringing 30 years of B2B connection and capability building.

Together, we are creating a catalyst for organisations that put people and long-term health – environmental, cultural, and economic – at the center of success. Click here to learn more about this partnership and Aka Raupapa.

Don't just watch the future of freight happen. Shape it.

Aka Raupapa Superhui Dinner | More than a dinner

This evening reflects the kaupapa of Aka Raupapa – where connection, organisation and people come together to move Aotearoa forward.

The Aka Raupapa Superhui Dinner will mark two important moments for Aotearoa New Zealand’s supply chain future: the launch of the refreshed next chapter of the Ruakura Superhub story brand, and the announcement of a new tertiary scholarship to help grow the next generation of supply chain talent.

Set in The Atrium, just a short walk from Hamilton city’s hotels, the dinner is a relaxed and welcoming space to unwind after the day’s sessions, strengthen relationships, and continue the conversations that matter over great food, good company, and common goals.

1 July, The Atrium, WinTec, 110 Tristram street, Hamilton

Drinks and canapes from 6:30pm
Dress code, smart business

Rahui Papa
Aka Raupapa Gala Dinner MC

Meet your MC for the evening

Rahui Papa is a respected Waikato-Tainui leader, gifted orator and recognised authority on Waikato reo and tikanga.

He has dedicated his life to serving his people, including at the Waikato-Tainui governance level and through his ongoing leadership across iwi, national and Crown forums.

A trusted voice of the Kiingitanga and an experienced kaiwhakahaere, Rahui brings both gravitas and warmth, guiding the flow of speakers, holding the kaupapa, and ensuring the evening unfolds with purpose and mana. 

His background in broadcasting and education, alongside decades of governance experience, enables him to connect effortlessly with diverse audiences and bring people together.

As MC for the Aka Raupapa Gala Dinner, Rahui will weave the threads of the evening – connection, collaboration and collective action – creating a space that reflects kotahitanga and leaves a lasting sense of shared direction and possibility.

Tickets

Looking for accommodation? Enjoy 15% off the Best Available Rate at both Novotel Hamilton Tainui and ibis Hamilton Tainui exclusively for attendees of the Aka Raupapa event. BOOK NOW

Double Pass

CONFERENCE
$ 1499 per person +gst
  • Min Purchase 2 tickets - Must be from the same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 1 July, 2026.
Buy Ticket

Early Bird

CONFERENCE
$2099
$ 1899 +gst
  • Save $200 with Early Bird. For valid ticket, payment by 12 June, 2026.
Buy Ticket

Dinner Ticket

$ 230 +gst
  • Dinner only.
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Early Bird

CONFERENCE & DINNER
$2329
$ 2129 +gst
  • Save $200 with Early Bird. For valid ticket, payment by 12 June, 2026.
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Super Saver

CONFERENCE & DINNER
$2329
$ 2029 +gst
  • Save $300 with Super Saver. Conference & Dinner bundle ticket. For valid ticket, payment by 22 May 2026.
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Super Saver

CONFERENCE
$2099
$ 1799 +gst
  • Save $300 with Super Saver. For valid ticket, payment by 22 May 2026.
Buy Ticket

Last Minute

CONFERENCE
$ 2099 +gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 12 June, 2026.
Buy Ticket

Last Minute

CONFERENCE & DINNER
$ 2329 +gst
  • Conference & Dinner bundle ticket. For valid ticket, payment by 1 July 2026.
Buy Ticket
Registration Conditions

Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
Pre-Sale Tickets are valid only for the specific event for which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to other events. To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.

For full terms & conditions, please visit https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions

Headline Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

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Notepad & Pens

Session/Speaker Sponsor

Barista Sponsor

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Networking Drinks Sponsor

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Lunch Sponsor

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Day 2 Lunch Sponsor

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Supporting Organisations

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NZ Trucking Media Logo WHITE on BLACK
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