Making the Rounds at Conferences, Forums, and Debates

The event will be one of the few opportunities to hear from all major parties specifically on their vision and plans for rural New Zealand ahead of the General Election on 7 November.

B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says the Rural Issues Debate provides an opportunity to shine a light on the issues that impact rural New Zealanders.

“We need predictability and certainty to help navigate the turbulent environment that we operate in, not policy swings. We’re pleased with progress on reforming the Resource Management Act and on climate change policy, and look forward to continuing this work with the incoming Government. As we outlined in our 2026 Election Manifesto, other issues that we want the Government to focus on include safeguarding and improving market access, and managing supply chain disruptions, to support sheep and beef farmers and red meat exporters in navigating global volatility,” Acland says.

Federated Farmers national president Colin Hurst says farmers don’t need more promises – they need certainty about what the next Government will actually do.

“This debate is a great chance for politicians to front up to rural New Zealand and explain how their policies will affect the people who feed the country and drive a big part of our economy.
“Farmers will be listening closely to what each party has to say, so let’s hope the politicians show up with real detail about what their party will do, what it will cost and how it will affect rural businesses.”

DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown says New Zealand's agricultural sector is a major contributor to our economy and rural communities, and farmers need confidence to invest for the future.

“When farming succeeds, rural communities thrive and New Zealand benefits through stronger exports, jobs and economic growth. DairyNZ's election priorities call for practical regulation, a strong focus on science and innovation, and policies that enable productivity growth while continuing environmental progress. The Rural Issues Debate gives farmers a chance to hear how political parties would support those outcomes if elected," Brown says.
The debate will be held in front of a live audience and will be livestreamed from 7.30pm-9pm on the New Zealand Herald website. 

"Join church leaders, community voices, and political representatives for a unique forum on one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most pressing challenges: Housing. Hosted by church and community organisations, the Housing Election Forum 2026 will explore homelessness, housing affordability, social housing, and pathways to secure, safe and dignified homes for all. Hear perspectives grounded in faith and community experience, learn about the housing policies being proposed by political parties, and be part of the conversation about creating a future where everyone has a decent home."

"Join us for the Deloitte and Chapman Tripp Election Conference, hosted by BusinessNZ - the premier business forum of the 2026 General Election campaign.

This full-day event brings together political party leaders, senior ministers and key spokespeople to outline their vision for New Zealand's economy and make their case to the country's business community ahead of the November election.

Hosted by Ryan Bridge, the conference will analyse issues that matter most to business, including economic growth, infrastructure, workforce, sustainability and productivity. Discussion will be informed by insights from this year’s Election Survey, ensuring the conversation reflects priorities of businesses across New Zealand.

As a business leader, this is your opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers, question those who would lead the country, and connect with senior executives from across New Zealand's business community.

Register now to secure your place at the Deloitte and Chapman Tripp Election Conference, hosted by BusinessNZ, on 15 September at Takina, Wellington."

AGENDA
09:00 AM Welcome - Pip England, CEO, Chapman Tripp (10 Minutes)

09:10 AM Economy Panel - Hon. Nicola Willis (N), Hon. Barbara Edmonds (L), Hon. David Seymour (A), Hon. Shane Jones (NZF), Chlöe Swarbrick (G), Qiulae Wong (TOP) (1 Hour 5 Minutes)

10:15 AM Coffee (25 Minutes)

10:40 AM Infrastructure & Growth Panel - Hon. Chris Bishop (N), Hon. Kieran McAnulty (L), Simon Court (A), Hon. Shane Jones (NZF), Julie Anne Genter (G), David Bainbridge-Zafar (TOP) (1 Hour 5 Minutes)

11:45 AM Jobs & Skills Panel - Hon. Erica Stanford (N), Hon. Jan Tinetti (L), Laura McClure (A), Hon. Shane Jones (NZF), Teanau Tuiono (G), Holly Knill (TOP) (1 Hour)

12:45 PM Lunch (1 Hour)

01:45 PM What Does Business Say? - Mike Horne, Chief Executive, Deloitte presents results of the Deloitte-Chapman Tripp Election Survey (15 Minutes)

02:00 PM Leader's Address: Chlöe Swarbrick (G) (15 Minutes)

02:15 PM Leader of the Opposition Address - Rt. Hon. Chris Hipkins (L) (20 Minutes)

02:35 PM Coffee (25 Minutes)

03:00 PM Leader's Address - Hon. David Seymour (A) (15 Minutes)

03:15 PM Leader's Address - Rt. Hon. Winston Peters (NZF) (15 Minutes)

03:30 PM Prime Minister's Address - Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon (N) (20 Minutes)

03:50 PM Closing remarks - Katherine Rich, CEO, BusinessNZ (10 Minutes)

04:00 PM Drinks & Social Hour

Desription:
As Aotearoa heads toward the 2026 General Election, Pride Pledge in partnership with Auckland Rainbow Lawis hosting a cross‑party Pride Panel to support open, respectful dialogue about the future of rainbow wellbeing and inclusion in New Zealand post election.
We are inviting our political parties to send one representative to speak to their policies, commitments, and priorities for rainbow communities — including trans, non‑binary, intersex, takatāpui, New Zealanders. A full line up of confirmed representatives will be released soon.
The panel will be hosted by Auckland Rainbow Law Sponsors, Russell McVeagh, in person in Auckland and will be moderated by Aziz Al‑Sa’afin (1News Journalist).
This event is an important opportunity to bring together political representatives and rainbow communities for a conversation grounded in manaakitanga, safety, and constructive engagement.
Event details:
Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
Time: 5pm – 7pm (Arrive 5pm for mix and mingle. 5.20pm welcome and opening. Panel 5.30pm – 6.30pm. 630pm – 7pm networking drinks.)
Venue: Russell McVeagh, Level 30, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street Auckland 1010
Audience: Pride Pledge Clients and Auckland Rainbow Law Members only. There will be no external media invited and no other invitees outside Pride Pledge and Auckland Rainbow Law. It will be a closed, private event. No online attendees. Limit to max of 5 per attending organisation please unless by arrangement.

Ahead of the 2026 General Election, business leaders from across Te Wai Pounamu South Island will gather in Christchurch to engage directly with political leaders on the issues shaping the South Island economy.

This is a focused half-day conference bringing together South Island business leaders, political representatives, and sector voices ahead of the 2026 General Election.

Attendees will hear from speakers during panel discussions on the economy and workforce, along with a dedicated debate on infrastructure priorities and challenges across the South Island.

This is a rare opportunity to step into the conversation shaping the region’s economic future - not just hear about it afterwards.


The programme outlines the key discussions shaping the South Island economy and the decisions that will matter most in the 2026 General Election. This programme is subject to change.

9.30am On Arrival - Tea, Coffee & Networking

10.00am
 •  Welcome and Introductions
 •  National Party Leader's Address – Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
 •  Economy Panel – Productivity, innovation, economic agenda, tax settings ...David Seymour (ACT), Chlöe Swarbrick Greens), Mark Patterson (NZ First), Nicola Willis (National) and Barbara Edmonds (Labour)

11.00am Morning Tea Break

11.30am
 •  Labour Party Leader's Address – Rt Hon Chris Hipkins
 •  Workforce Panel – Immigration, health & safety, industrial relations, education ...Laura McClure (ACT), Francisco Hernandez (Greens), Mark Patterson (NZ First), Jan Tinetti (Labour) and Erica Stanford (National)
 •  South Island Infrastructure Debate (Labour & National)...Chris Bishop (National) and Kieran McAnulty (Labour)

1.15pm Lunch & Networking

2:00pm Conference Ends

•    There was broad support for improving infrastructure planning and delivery.
•    Energy security emerged as a major issue across the political spectrum.
•    Several panellists highlighted the need for long-term infrastructure and energy strategies.
•    Building resilience to climate impacts remains a growing challenge.
•    Planning, consenting and regulatory reform featured prominently.
•    Workforce capability and apprenticeships were identified as critical priorities.
•    There was support from multiple parties for greater transparency around building energy performance.

"The debate tackled some of the country’s biggest energy and economic questions, from electricity market structure and the role of the gentailers, to the proposed LNG import facility, subsidies, ratepayer support, electrical apprenticeships, and the future resilience of New Zealand’s economy.

"Mat Woods, chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, said: 'What stood out today was the breadth of the discussion. This was not just a debate about electricity; it was about affordability, resilience, productivity, equity, fairness, and the kind of energy system New Zealand needs for the future.'"