Ministerial Inquiry into Retail Crime - Kaitaia
2025-08-12 17:00 - 18:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Kaitaia Digital Hub, 66 Commerce St, Kaitaia, 0410, New Zealand
Are you a business owner, manager, or leader in a retail business? We invite you to join us in this vitally important series of events that will help shape the government’s response to retail crime in Northland.
The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime is seeking your feedback through a series of events around Northland aimed at shaping the Government’s response to rising retail crime in Northland. Retail crime currently costs the country $2.7 billion annually, this is an important conversation. The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime have been consulting with business communities around the country, and now it is Northland’s turn, your feedback will help shape the government’s response to the escalation of retail crime in our communities.
What to expect | There will be a short presentation by representatives from the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Group’s work, followed by a Q&A. Please sign up below to attend an event near you and come prepared, the Advisory Group wants to hear your thoughts and how you’re feeling as a retail business owner. You will also come away with an understanding of the tools and key initiatives that are being put in place to help mitigate against retail crime occurrence.

About Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime | The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime was established by the Minister of Justice, Hon Paul Goldsmith, and the Associate Minister of Justice, Hon Nicole McKee, on 11 July 2024. Besides the Chair, the advisory group comprises four members with extensive expertise across the retail sector. The Advisory Group was established to provide the Ministers with high quality, independent advice, develop practical, evidence-based proposals, policies, and legislative recommendations to tackle urgent issues related to retail crime. The Group’s mandate is to table proposed legislation for the Government to consider as part of its plan to restore law and order including options on how security guards and business owners can better protect themselves.

Ministerial Inquiry into Retail Crime - Kaikohe
2025-08-13 07:30 - 09:00 | Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park, 5449a State Highway 12, Kaikohe, Northland, 0405, New Zealand
Are you a business owner, manager, or leader in a retail business? We invite you to join us in this vitally important series of events that will help shape the government’s response to retail crime in Northland.
The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime is seeking your feedback through a series of events around Northland aimed at shaping the Government’s response to rising retail crime in Northland. Retail crime currently costs the country $2.7 billion annually, this is an important conversation. The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime have been consulting with business communities around the country, and now it is Northland’s turn, your feedback will help shape the government’s response to the escalation of retail crime in our communities.
What to expect | There will be a short presentation by representatives from the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Group’s work, followed by a Q&A. Please sign up below to attend an event near you and come prepared, the Advisory Group wants to hear your thoughts and how you’re feeling as a retail business owner. You will also come away with an understanding of the tools and key initiatives that are being put in place to help mitigate against retail crime occurrence.
This event will be held in the Totara Room at Ngawha Innovation & Enterprise Park, 5449A State Highway 12, Kaikohe 0472

About Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime | The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime was established by the Minister of Justice, Hon Paul Goldsmith, and the Associate Minister of Justice, Hon Nicole McKee, on 11 July 2024. Besides the Chair, the advisory group comprises four members with extensive expertise across the retail sector. The Advisory Group was established to provide the Ministers with high quality, independent advice, develop practical, evidence-based proposals, policies, and legislative recommendations to tackle urgent issues related to retail crime. The Group’s mandate is to table proposed legislation for the Government to consider as part of its plan to restore law and order including options on how security guards and business owners can better protect themselves.

Ministerial Inquiry into Retail Crime - Kerikeri
2025-08-13 17:30 - 19:00 | The Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri, Northland, 0230, New Zealand
Are you a business owner, manager, or leader in a retail business? We invite you to join us in this vitally important series of events that will help shape the government’s response to the escalation of retail crime in Northland.
The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime is seeking your feedback through a series of events around Northland aimed at shaping the Government’s response to rising retail crime in Northland. Retail crime currently costs the country $2.7 billion annually, this is an important conversation. The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime have been consulting with business communities around the country, and now it is Northland’s turn, your feedback will help shape the government’s response to the escalation of retail crime in our communities.
What to expect | There will be a short presentation by representatives from the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Group’s work, followed by a Q&A. Please sign up below to attend an event near you and come prepared, the Advisory Group wants to hear your thoughts and how you’re feeling as a retail business owner. You will also come away with an understanding of the tools and key initiatives that are being put in place to help mitigate against retail crime occurrence.

About Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime | The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime was established by the Minister of Justice, Hon Paul Goldsmith, and the Associate Minister of Justice, Hon Nicole McKee, on 11 July 2024. Besides the Chair, the advisory group comprises four members with extensive expertise across the retail sector. The Advisory Group was established to provide the Ministers with high quality, independent advice, develop practical, evidence-based proposals, policies, and legislative recommendations to tackle urgent issues related to retail crime. The Group’s mandate is to table proposed legislation for the Government to consider as part of its plan to restore law and order including options on how security guards and business owners can better protect themselves.

Ministerial Inquiry into Retail Crime - Whangārei
2025-08-14 07:30 - 09:00 | The Orchard Business & Event Hub, Level one, Cnr Cameron & Walton St, Entrance off Walton St, via carpark, Whangārei, Northland, 0110, New Zealand

Ministerial Inquiry into Retail Crime - Dargaville
2025-08-14 17:00 - 18:30 | The Dargaville Club, 53-55 Victoria Street, Dargaville, Northland

[EVENT CANCELLED] Ministerial Inquiry into Retail Crime - Mangawhai
2025-08-15 07:30 - 09:00
Event Cancelled due to low numbers. Please check for other Ministerial Inquiry into Retail Crime events near your location here.
Are you a business owner, manager, or leader in a retail business? We invite you to join us in this vitally important series of events that will help shape the government’s response to retail crime in Northland.
The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime is seeking your feedback through a series of events around Northland aimed at shaping the Government’s response to rising retail crime in Northland. Retail crime currently costs the country $2.7 billion annually, this is an important conversation. The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime have been consulting with business communities around the country, and now it is Northland’s turn, your feedback will help shape the government’s response to the escalation of retail crime in our communities.
What to expect | There will be a short presentation by representatives from the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Group’s work, followed by a Q&A. Please sign up below to attend an event near you and come prepared, the Advisory Group wants to hear your thoughts and how you’re feeling as a retail business owner. You will also come away with an understanding of the tools and key initiatives that are being put in place to help mitigate against retail crime occurrence.

About Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime | The Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime was established by the Minister of Justice, Hon Paul Goldsmith, and the Associate Minister of Justice, Hon Nicole McKee, on 11 July 2024. Besides the Chair, the advisory group comprises four members with extensive expertise across the retail sector. The Advisory Group was established to provide the Ministers with high quality, independent advice, develop practical, evidence-based proposals, policies, and legislative recommendations to tackle urgent issues related to retail crime. The Group’s mandate is to table proposed legislation for the Government to consider as part of its plan to restore law and order including options on how security guards and business owners can better protect themselves.

Strengthening Workplace Communities One Conversation at a Time - Ruakākā
2025-08-20 09:30 - 16:30 | Ruakākā Fire Station, 58 Marsden Point Road,, Ruakākā, Northland, 0116, New Zealand
Strengthening Workplace Communities One Conversation at a Time – A one-day workshop for creating engaging relationships & having courageous conversations
When did you last review your communication skills?
Communicating effectively is vital to succeeding as a leader and business owner both personally & professionally. Expressing your ideas and views clearly, confidently, and concisely, can be easily learned. When you can get your point across in a considerate manner and really hear and understand others, you have the foundation skills to resolve differences and easily generate win-win results.
Who should attend?
Business owners, leaders, supervisors & team leaders who want to communicate clearly and easily to achieve outcomes in any situation. This is a great workshop for up-levelling skills to support people connection & problem-solving.
Topics and learning outcomes:
This workshop covers the fundamental skills required to create relationships and successful outcomes for yourself, your organisation or business and others. You’ll leave with an understanding of how to communicate with more clarity and impact, in any of your relationships. You’ll learn:

Vital skills to keep connected with others personally and professionally.
How to create a focus for productive conversations.
Ways to support others in need.
How to get what you want while maintaining relationships.
Strategies to effectively deal with disagreement.

Cost
FREE for NorthChamber and Business Association Members
$15+GST for Non-members

BA5 Hosted by One NZ
2025-08-20 17:30 - 19:00 | The Orchard Business & Event Hub, Level one, Cnr Cameron & Walton St, Entrance off Walton St, via carpark, Whangārei, Northland, 0110, New Zealand
Being connected to your team is good business practice. It is also good health and safety practice for your team to be connected wherever it is that they are working on any given day.
One NZ Satellite is here and it’s a game-changer, offering a new way to help team members keep in touch even in the most remote parts of New Zealand. As the first and only satellite-powered mobile network in the country, One NZ Satellite provides coverage where traditional cell towers don’t reach – that’s around 40% of New Zealand’s land mass. This is critical for those on farms, on the road, on the water, or even up in the mountains. You can literally TXT in the middle of nowhere. A game-changer for business, especially those who are remote or rural, or have high Health & Safety requirements.
Kieran Byrne, One NZ’s Chief Technology Officer, will discuss the power of the One NZ Satellite service. Discover how connectivity is rapidly changing and revolutionising industries, making us safer and more secure, and supporting a more productive economy.
Also joining us will be Joel de Vetter from Northland’s Ultra Group. Acting as an extended arm of One NZ, Joel brings extensive experience in IT and communications, helping local businesses get connected with the right mobile, broadband, and landline solutions.
Please come along to what will be an informative BA5 and enjoy the usual good chats, drinks and nibbles.

Meet the Mayoral Candidates - Kaipara
2025-08-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Mangawhai Golf Club, 221 Molesworth Drive,, Mangawhai Heads, Northland, 0505
Make your vote an informed one.
Join NorthChamber and The Northern Advocate for a serious chat with Kaipara’s Mayoral Candidates. This is your chance to hear directly from those vying to lead our district about their plans to support the the local community and business owners.
NorthChamber CEO Leah McKerrow and The Northern Advocate’s Chook Henare will be asking candidates what their thoughts and plans are around:

Key business concerns like rates, CBD revitalisation (parking!), and retail crime.
Leading a diverse council to deliver outcomes that benefit the whole community.
Supporting infrastructure, transport, and workforce development to enable economic growth.

In these challenging economic times, it’s vital that our future leaders understand the realities facing local businesses and the wider communities they operate in and have clear and realistic plans on what can be done to us.
Your Kaipara District Candidates:
Jonathan Larsen
Ash Nayyar
Jason Smith
Snow Tane
No Booking Required.
*All candidates have been invited to attend. We cannot guarantee their attendance due to other commitments or personal reasons.

Meet the Mayoral Candidates - Whangārei
2025-08-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Northland Rugby Clubrooms, 136 Riverside Drive, Parahaki, Whangarei, 0112, New Zealand
Make your vote an informed one.
Join NorthChamber and The Northern Advocate for a serious chat with Whangārei’s Mayoral Candidates.
This is your chance to hear directly from those vying to lead our district about their plans to support the local business community.
NorthChamber CEO Leah McKerrow and The Northern Advocate’s Chook Henare will be asking candidates what their thoughts and plans are around:

Key business concerns like rates, CBD revitalisation (parking!), and retail crime
Leading a diverse council to deliver outcomes that benefit the whole community
Supporting infrastructure, transport, and workforce development to enable economic growth

In these challenging economic times, it’s vital that our future leaders understand the realities facing local businesses and have clear and realistic plans on what can be done to support local business to thrive and lift the community.
Your Whangārei District Candidates:
Vince Cocurullo
Ken Couper
Brad Flower
Fiona Green
Marie Olsen
No Booking Required.
*All candidates have been invited to attend. We cannot guarantee their attendance due to other commitments or personal reasons.

ChamberChats - Whangārei
2025-08-27 10:00 - 11:00 | The Orchard Business & Event Hub, Level one, Cnr Cameron & Walton St, Entrance off Walton St, via carpark, Whangārei, Northland, 0110, New Zealand
If you’re curious about NorthChamber and want to know more about what we do for our Northland business community, we invite you to an informal chat over coffee (and a muffin!) with our CEO Leah McKerrow.
Leah is keen to share how NorthChamber advocates for our members and wider business community, how we help build business capability and connection through events and workshops, and celebrate our business through promotion, story telling and the Northland Business Excellence Awards. NorthChamber are excellent connectors and have built solid working relationships with our members and strategic partners. We want to hear about your business, your journey so far (even the not so good bits and pain points), so we can work together to get your business to the next level.
Already a member? Great! Leah would love to take this opportunity to catch up with you and you’re welcome to bring a friend in business.

BA5 Hosted by Port Nikau 2.0
2025-08-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Port Nikau, 325 Port Road, Whangarei
Due to overwhelming demand for this BA5, Port Nikau are delighted to be hosting a second event for those that were not able to secure a space for the first time around.
A new, high-quality residential development is coming to Whangārei and the team at Port Nikau are really excited to share it with you.
The future of residential development looks vastly different to that of 10 or even 20 years ago. The days of the quarter acre residential section are evolving, as access to land becomes more difficult and people are choosing to live in more sustainable, connected communities where resources, such as green spaces, can be shared, rather than everyone needing their own backyard.
The Master Plan for Port Nikau’s 100-hectare modern waterfront community has been thoughtfully designed to create a relaxed urban lifestyle offering convenience and connection. Residential Stage 1 Arataki marks the beginning of this exciting development.
Please come along to hear from the team behind Port Nikau about the Master Plan, planned community amenities and connections to Whangārei as well as plans for the future including a town centre and sporting facilities. This development is set to be a great asset to Whangārei and marks an exciting time in the growth of, and investment in, the city.
Please come along to what is sure to be a very informative BA5 and enjoy the usual good chats, drinks, and nibbles.

About Port Nikau | The Port Nikau Development represents over a decade of planning, with the vision to create a new way of living for Whangārei. The development represents 100 hectares of residential, commercial and marine opportunities, which will come to life in the next 5-10 years.
More – www.portnikau.co.nz

ChamberChats - Kerikeri
2025-08-28 10:00 - 23:30 | Bizspace Co-working Ltd, 3 Cobham Road, Kerikeri, 0230, New Zealand
If you’re curious about NorthChamber and want to know more about what we do for our Northland business community, we invite you to an informal chat over coffee (and a muffin!) with our CEO Leah McKerrow.
Leah is keen to share how NorthChamber advocates for our members and wider business community, how we help build business capability and connection through events and workshops, and celebrate our business through promotion, story telling and the Northland Business Excellence Awards. NorthChamber are excellent connectors and have built solid working relationships with our members and strategic partners. We want to hear about your business, your journey so far (even the not so good bits), so we can build a mutually beneficial relationship.
Already a member? Great! Leah would love to take this opportunity to catch up with you and you’re welcome to bring a friend in business.

Personality, Purpose and Play - A One-Day Seminar to Reignite Your Spark (Kaikohe)
2025-09-09 09:30 - 15:00 | Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park, 5449a State Highway 12, Kaikohe, Northland, 0405, New Zealand
Ready to reconnect with what makes you you — and have some fun doing it?
Join us for a dynamic, one-day experience designed to help you:
🧠 Understand the different personality types, and what makes you, you and what’s needed to better engage with others
💡 Reconnect with your purpose — your inner compass for clarity and impact
🎈 Rediscover the power of play — through curiosity, creativity, and a little cheek
When times are tough, knowing our strengths and those of others is important to help us build resilience and connection. You’ll learn how to use your gifts, know what others need, and hear how purpose can drive us to new directions.
This is not your average seminar. It’s interactive, energising, and full of insights you can use right away — in life, work, and relationships.
Meet Your Facilitators
Leah McKerrow | CEO of NorthChamber, Leah is a seasoned change leader with deep expertise in organisational culture, leadership, and transformation. She’s a certified in a range of profile tools like Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Team Management Index. As a facilitator, she’s known for her ability to make complex ideas accessible and actionable. And she’s tried her hand at Stand Up in Las Vegas in 2024!
🗣 “Leah brings clarity, warmth and insight to every room she’s in. Her sessions are always engaging, practical and full of lightbulb moments.”

Tania McInnes | A respected leader, strategist, and facilitator, Tania has a proven track record across government and community, in advocacy and project management. She believes leadership is most powerful when authentic, inclusive, and purpose driven. Her approach is grounded, values-led, and committed to empowering people and communities to thrive.
🗣 “Tania is an incredible advocate and leader — compassionate, visionary, and deeply committed to empowering others.”

[Event Postponed] BA5 hosted by Forsyth Barr
2025-09-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Forsyth Barr, L2, 120 Bank Street, Whangarei, 0110, New Zealand
Due to circumstances beyond the hosts control, they have chosen to postpone this event. This event will now happen in May 2026.

BA5 Hosted by NorthChamber and Mr Monopoly!
2025-09-10 17:30 - 19:00 | The Orchard Business & Event Hub, Level one, Cnr Cameron & Walton St, Entrance off Walton St, via carpark, Whangārei, Northland, 0110, New Zealand
Take a trip around Te Tai Tokerau Northland at our next BA5!
Join us in celebrating the launch of our very own Te Tai Tokerau Northland edition of Monopoly, a fun, family friendly celebration of our region and some of its unique places, spaces, and businesses.
Meet Mr Monopoly in person and take one of our bespoke playing tokens for a whizz around the board. We would love for our business community and project stakeholders to join us for this fun and interactive event and enjoy the usual good chats, drinks and nibbles. We’d love to see you there!

Northland Business Connect with Hon. Chris Bishop
2025-09-12 10:00 - 11:00 | The Orchard Business & Event Hub, Level one, Cnr Cameron & Walton St, Entrance off Walton St, via carpark, Whangārei, Northland, 0110, New Zealand
NorthChamber are pleased to bring the Hon. Minister Chris Bishop to connect with Northland businesses in Whangārei.
Proving that Northland is at the top of minds, Hon. Chris Bishop will be visiting Northland. Minister Bishop will be updating us on his key reporting areas that affect Whangārei and Northland businesses including Infrastructure, Transport and RMA reform.
Given Minister Bishops broad range of portfolios, this is an excellent opportunity to engage directly with the Minister and other business leaders to discuss the priority and focus of the Government. It is also an opportunity to explore key concerns around infrastructure and other areas affecting small businesses in our region.

About Hon. Chris Bishop | Chris Bishop is the Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Minister of Transport, Leader of the House, Associate Minister of Finance and Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation. 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.

BA5 Hosted by Boffa Miskell
2025-09-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Boffa Miskell, Level 1, BDO Business Centre, 15 Porowini Ave, Morningside, Whangārei, Northland, 0110
Curious about how great design and collaboration can transform communities? Join NorthChamber and the inspiring team at Boffa Miskell for our next BA5, hosted at their Whangārei offices.
Boffa Miskell is a proudly employee-owned New Zealand business with 50 years of experience in landscape architecture and environmental design. Their work spans Aotearoa, with a strong legacy right here in Te Tai Tokerau.
This is more than just a catch-up — it’s a chance to:

Explore how thoughtful design is shaping better places from town centres, and public spaces to blue-green networks, ecological restoration and ecological restoration projects across Northland.
Learn about exciting local initiatives like the Taipā Bridge & Main Street upgrades, Te Amo Pūtoro playspace in Kerikeri, and Te Ara Hikoa A Kauika Bridge.
Connect with professionals passionate about sustainability, community impact, and creating better places.
Support a local business making a real difference in our region.

BA5 | Hosted by Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) and Northern Rescue
2025-10-08 17:30 - 19:00 | NEST, 59 Handforth Street, Onerahi, Whangārei, Northland
Exciting times! The wonderful team at Northland Emergency Rescue Trust (NEST) and Northern Rescue would like to invite you along to this very special BA5. They are finally at their new base in Onerahi and can’t wait to show you around and update you on what has been happening.
Location | Whangarei Airport in the blue hangar at the very end of Handforth Street. 59 Handforth St is the Whangarei Airport Terminal building, walk to the very end of the road to reach the big blue hangar. See map below.
Parking | Parking will only be available on the road or in the Airport Public Carpark.

BA5 Hosted by GJ Gardner Whangārei / Kaipara (Marsden Cove)
2025-10-22 17:30 - 19:00 | GJ Gardner – Marsden Cove, 64 Maturiki Drive, Marsden Cove, Northland
Our next BA5 networking event is hosted by the incredible team at G.J. Gardner Homes Whangarei / Kaipara at their showhome in Marsden Cove. Please come along and check out this beautiful show home and hear the latest news from GJ’s – New Zealand’s most trusted home builder!
Of course there will also be the usual good chats, drinks and nibbles.

Westpac Smarts: Navigating Credit Trends
2025-10-23 10:30 - 11:30 | The Orchard
What’s really happening in the New Zealand economy, and what does it mean for your business.
Join us for an exclusive Westpac Smarts session featuring Keith McLaughlin, one of New Zealand’s most trusted voices in finance and credit. With over 30 years of experience including leading Baycorp through its growth era and now heading Centrix, NZ’s leading credit bureau, Keith brings unmatched insight into the financial forces shaping our business environment.
In this session, Keith will break down the latest Centrix credit data to reveal:

Consumer spending and borrowing patterns: What they signal about confidence and demand
Business credit trends: Who’s borrowing, who’s struggling, and what that means for your cash flow and growth
Financial stress indicators: How to spot early warning signs in your market or customer base

Whether you’re managing risk, planning for growth, or simply want to stay ahead of economic shifts, this session will give you the data-backed clarity to make smarter decisions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insights that could directly impact your business strategy.

About Keith McLaughlin | A highly experienced Senior Executive and Director, Keith started Centrix with a vision to offer New Zealand businesses a superior and cost-efficient credit offering. Previously the Founder and Managing Director of Baycorp Holdings Limited, Keith has a wealth of finance experience and holds a number of awards, including Deloitte / Management Magazine NZ Executive of the Year.
About Centrix | As New Zealand’s national credit bureau, Centrix knows New Zealand better than anyone, with the most comprehensive consumer account payment data and credit information on 95% of Kiwis, or 4 million consumers. Centrix also has a Commercial Bureau, with data on most credit-active businesses, to help Kiwi businesses manage risk and protect their cashflow.

Retail Crime Prevention
2025-10-30 17:00 - 19:00 | The Orchard Business & Event Hub, Level one, Cnr Cameron & Walton St, Entrance off Walton St, via carpark, Whangārei, Northland, 0110, New Zealand
NorthChamber recently hosted the team from the Ministerial Inquiry into retail crime. As a result of those sessions, we are partnering with our local Police team to provide some support and assistance to our retailers in Whangarei ahead of our busy summer shopping season.

Retail Crime Prevention Seminar – Practical Tools for Retailers
Retail crime affects businesses of all sizes, but small, independent retailers often feel the impact more directly. This seminar is designed to help you and your team understand the common patterns behind shoplifting and retail theft, and what you can do to reduce the risk. You’ll learn how to spot early warning signs, respond safely and effectively, and make simple changes to your store layout and routines that can make a big difference.

Focused, Practical, and Staff-Friendly
We know your time is valuable, so this session provides you with practical tools you can use straight away. From staff training tips to low-cost deterrents, you’ll leave with some clear steps you can take. The seminar also covers how to build a safety-first culture that supports your team and helps prevent incidents before they happen. Whether you’re on the shop floor or managing the operations, this is a chance to strengthen your approach to retail crime prevention.

Our Facilitators:
Leanne Wakelin – One of the Police Sergeants working in the Area Prevention Team at the Whangarei Police Station. Portfolios include Retail Crime and Community Partnerships. With the Police for 24 years stationed in Whangarei, Wellington, and Kaikohe and spent 18 years as a Detective in the Criminal Investigation Branch.
Dave Wilkinson – Senior Sergeant Area Prevention Manager Whangarei/Kaipara, 28 years in the NZ Police, 20 plus years in the CIB Prevention teams include Retail Crime and Community Partnerships.
Matthew Tierney – Manager, National Retail Investigation Support Unit (NRISU) Police National Headquarters (Auckland based).

Northland Business Excellence Awards Celerbration 2025
2025-11-07 18:00 - 22:30 | McKay Stadium, 97 Western Hills Drive, Whangārei, Northland
Awards Presentation & Celebration Evening
The 2025 Awards Presentation & Celebration evening will showcase local food, wine and entertainment while offering plenty of opportunity for networking and celebrating before and after the formalities of the event.
Don’t miss the black-tie event of the year!
Ticket prices includes:

Welcome drink & canapés.
Entree, main and dessert served shared style to your table.
Two bottles of wine per table | Additional beverages will be available via the bar (note the bar is cashless – Eftpos and major credit cards accepted).
Awards programme and entertainment.

Hear from the 2025 winners and their success stories.
Opportunity for networking | Bar available | Music and dancing to follow.
Please get in touch if you would like a ticket office@northchamber.co.nz
Note: Entry to the Presentation & Celebration Evening is by ticket only. No ticket, no entry.

BA5 Hosted by Hot Spring Spas Whangārei
2025-11-12 17:30 - 19:00 | Hot Spring Spas Whangārei, 4/10 Gumdigger Place, Raumanga,, Whangārei, 0110
Join us for a vibrant BA5 evening hosted by Hot Spring Spas Whangārei, where wellness meets innovation, in a relaxed and social setting.
Hot Spring Spas are the world’s number one selling spa and New Zealand’s most trusted spa pool brand. Hot Spring Spas has had a presence in Northland for the last 15 years and one year ago moved into their impressive new 500sqm showroom. The company is NZ owned and operated with the head office and warehouse located in Auckland.
Hot Spring spas and Endless Pools swim spas specialise in creating ultimate relaxation and wellness experiences with innovative, energy-efficient products.
Discover the latest in luxury spas, swim spas, and cold plunge therapy — designed to help you relax, recover, and perform at your best. You will have a chance to learn more about the latest in hot and cold therapies and the many benefits they bring to your overall physical health and wellbeing.
You will also get hands-on with the products, hear from passionate experts, and enjoy a great evening of conversation, drinks, and nibbles. We’d love to see you there!
P.S. Feeling brave? Take on the Cold Plunge Challenge in the lead-up to the event! Contact Rebecca at rebecca.varley@hotspring.co.nz to get involved — there are prizes for those who give a cold plunge a go!

Making Safety Work 3.0
2025-11-26 10:00 - 14:30 | The Orchard
Making Safety Work 3.0 – Workshop Invitation
Join NorthChamber for the third session in our Making Safety Work series — a practical, interactive workshop designed to help you turn workplace events into opportunities for learning and improvement. This is particularly relevant for small businesses, and you do not need to have attended our earlier Making Safety Work events.
Led by international Human and Organisational Performance (HOP) specialist Matt Schlapfer, this half-day session goes beyond traditional investigations. You’ll explore modern root-cause analysis tools and learn how to uncover why events happen, not just what happened.
What You’ll Gain
• A clear understanding of HOP principles
• Tools to analyse events and near misses effectively
• Practical ways to identify real causes and system impacts
• A structured approach to sustainable improvement
Who Should Attend
Business owners, managers, and safety professionals ready to move from reactive compliance to proactive performance. Whether you’re a small retailer or a large operator, this workshop will help you make safety make sense — and add real value.
Your Takeaway
Leave with fresh insights, practical tools, and a better way to build safer, smarter workplaces.

Proudly supported by:

BA5 Hosted by Sport Northland
2025-11-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Sport Northland, McKay Lounge Room 1, McKay Stadium 98 Western Hills Drive, Whangārei
Sport Northland is one of 14 Regional Sports Trusts across Aotearoa, with a core purpose to enrich Northlanders’ lives by inspiring and enabling more movement. The team is excited to showcase how the Northland business community can make the most of McKay Stadium’s full facilities — including lounges, the stadium, and Kensington Fitness — to support team building and workplace wellness.
This BA5 is also an opportunity to hear how sponsors play a vital role in helping Sport Northland continue delivering on its mission. Their support enables impactful community programmes, events, and initiatives that promote healthier, more active lifestyles across Te Tai Tokerau.
Join us for a fun and interactive evening! Expect the usual great conversations, drinks and nibbles.
🎁 Plus, be in to win some awesome prizes:

2 x Family Passes to the Harcourts Hātea Loop Challenge – with a splash of colour!
1 x 3-Month Membership to Kensington Fitness
1 x Free Hire of the McKay Lounge

We’d love to see you there!

NorthChamber Christmas Connection 2025
2025-12-05 12:00 - 14:30 | Northland Rugby Clubrooms, 136 Riverside Drive, Parahaki, Whangarei, 0112, New Zealand
Get your diaries out now! The NorthChamber Christmas Connection sponsored by Oxygen8 Business Consulting is back and the NorthChamber would love to wrap up the year in style with you. Join us for a delicious Christmas lunch and inspiring guest speakers – it’s all about Connection, Kai and Kōrero!
We have brought together some inspirational guest speakers, organised a delicious lunch, and are assembling a bunch of fantastic people to hang out with. Make sure you get your tickets quick; we reached capacity last year and would hate for you to miss out this year. Your ticket includes Christmas lunch, drink on arrival and festive frivolity!
Your ticket includes Christmas lunch plus drink on arrival.
Gifts for you…
🎁 An Air New Zealand voucher ($500) for a NorthChamber member
🎁 We’ve also managed to get hold of some epic spot prizes from our friends at One NZ.
🏆 We will also announce our 2025 Chamber Champion, awarded in recognition of a Chamber member’s outstanding engagement and support of our work.
12.00 | Doors Open for networking and mingling.
12.30 | Event kickoff.
12.45 | Lunch served.
1.15 | Most Excellent Panel
1.45 | Prizes!
2.00 | Event ends (approx).
Many thanks to our valued sponsors: Oxygen8 Business Consulting, One NZ, and Air NZ.

Westpac Smarts | Quiz - Brains, Brews, and Banter
2025-12-11 16:00 - 18:00 | The Orchard
The end of year wind down just got competitive! Are you game? 🍕 Pizza, Beer, Wine – and plenty of finance-related Brain Teasers are on the cards!

Join us with a team of 4-6 and test what’s left of your collective brain cells after the epic year of mahi we have all had. If you’re solo business operator (or even a bit of a Nigel-no-mates because you neglected your social connections this year to drive your business), you can still join us and we will connect you into a team, and potentially with some amazing new business contacts for 2026!
Our Finance Quiz Master (a former Chief Economist!) is ready to put your money knowledge to the test. Can you outsmart the expert? There’s only one way to find out! Questions may or may not include; What is the OCR? What does EBITDA stand for? Or even What year did ABBA’s Money Money Money come out?
Bring your A-game, your team spirit, and your appetite. It’s going to be a great way to celebrate the year and connect with friends and colleagues.
Spaces are limited – book your spot now and let’s make this a quiz to remember!

Chamber Chats | Feb 2026
2026-02-12 10:00 - 11:00 | The Orchard Business & Event Hub, Level one, Cnr Cameron & Walton St, Entrance off Walton St, via carpark, Whangārei, Northland, 0110, New Zealand

BA5 Hosted by House of Travel
2026-02-18 17:30 - 19:00 | House of Travel Whangārei, 25 Rathbone St, entrance via Laurie Hall Carpark Lane, Whangarei, 0110, New Zealand
We’re excited to kick off the 2026 Business After 5 networking event series with our good friends at House of Travel Whangārei.

For 35 years, the locally owned team at House of Travel has supported Northlanders with personalised travel planning—and importantly, 24‑hour on‑call assistance when things don’t go quite to plan. From missed connections in the middle of the night to weather‑related cancellations, their team steps in so travellers don’t have to navigate the stress alone.
Join NorthChamber and the House of Travel team to reconnect with our local business community and get a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the team at House of Travel support clients every step of the journey.
We look forward to seeing you there and having a new year catch up over drinks and nibbles.
