Empowering Local Businesses: Innovate Napier Returns in 2024

Napier City Council, Napier City Business Inc, and Napier Port are pleased to announce the return of the Innovate Napier for 2024 – a business breakfast series for people in business.

Designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to multinationals, Innovate Napier aims to spark inspiration and empower business owners, managers and teams throughout Hawke’s Bay.

Following a sold-out series in 2023, it became clear that there was a strong demand within the business community for this type of event, says NCBI General Manager Pip Thompson. “We were delighted with the overwhelming response last year and are thrilled to be able to bring back the series this year. 

This year’s series kicks off with a bang as we welcome ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner to the stage at MTG’s Century Theatre, Wednesday 20 March 7-9am.”

Sharon will be delivering an economic pulse check and offering insights to navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2024. With the rising cost of living and business expenses at the forefront of everyone’s minds, Sharon’s expertise promises to shed light on the road ahead.

Sharon is a forecaster, modeller, and commentator, informing better decision-making. She specialises in communicating complex economic concepts in a clear and accessible manner. 

Hailing from a farming background near Methven, Sharon holds a Master of Commerce from the University of Canterbury. She started her career at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in 1998, and also worked at the central bank of Norway. She moved to the New Zealand banking sector in 2006. In 2010 she joined the ANZ economics team, assuming the role of Chief Economist in late 2017. She currently oversees a team of six economists based across New Zealand.

“My guiding principle is that while economic forecasting is inherently pretty challenging, economists can help businesses and individuals see themselves in the bigger picture of the forces shaping the economy, and appreciate risks and opportunities that may entail”, says Sharon.

When she’s not crunching numbers, you’ll find her happily juggling the busy life of a mum to two teenage boys. She loves hitting the pavement for a run and exploring new languages whenever she gets the chance.

Sharon is in Napier, thanks to the generous support of ANZ. Tickets are $30pp which includes breakfast. Secure your tickets by clicking here.  

The series will showcase four sessions, running between March to August 2024. Stay tuned for additional speaker announcements.

ENDS
Media contact: Arlene Crispin, Marketing & Communications Manager
arlene@napiercbd.co.nz