Programme

 
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Programme

 
We’re excited to share the programme for the CBAFF 29th Annual Conference - a dynamic mix of keynote speakers, panel discussions, industry updates, and networking opportunities designed to inform, inspire, and connect.
 
 
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Tuesday, 02 September 2025
REGISTRATION OPEN
1.00pm - 2.00pm
 
CBAFF 2025 PORT TOUR
2.00pm : Transfers for Port Tour depart Napier War Memorial Centre
2.30pm : Napier Port Tour, hosted by Adam Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, Napier Port
4.30pm : Transfers from Port Tour to Napier War Memorial Centre
 
CBAFF 2025 CONFERENCE WELCOME RECEPTION
5.30pm
Special Guest: Kirsten Wise, Mayor of Napier, who will officially open conference and talk about challenges in the region
Speaker : CBAFF Welcome
 
CLOSE OF DAY ONE
7.30pm
 
Wednesday, 03 September 2025
REGISTRATION OPEN
8.00am - 9.00am
 
WELCOME & HOUSEKEEPING
9.00am : Hosted by Greg Ward, MC
 
CBAFF WELCOME
9.05am : Speaker, CBAFF President
 
OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS
9.30am
Navigating 2025 - Trade Uncertainty and the New Rules of Resilience
Peter Creeden, MPC International Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia
In 2025, trade certainty is dead, and political uncertainty is becoming the norm. For New Zealand’s freight community, resilience now demands more than managing risk. It requires developing skilled people, building smarter systems, and fostering deeper industry collaboration. Global pressure on capacity and ESG compliance is accelerating the need for digital maturity and sustainable practices. The future will favour those who invest in capability, connectivity, and accountability. I want to challenge all of us to lead with clarity, adapt with confidence, and shape a more intelligent, coordinated logistics ecosystem for the decade ahead. We need to make NZ Inc not just reactive, but strong, strategic, and adaptable.
 
MORNING TEA/INDUSTRY EXHIBITION
10.20am
 
NETWORKING AT SPEED
10.50am
A fast-paced, structured session, in which you'll engage in a series of brief, impactful conversations with fellow delegates - perfect for sparking conversation, exchanging ideas, and building your network quickly and effectively.
 
LUNCH/INDUSTRY EXHIBITION
12.00pm
 
PRIZE DRAWER - DIRECT COURIERS
12.55pm
 
CARRIERS PANEL
1.00pm
This panel brings together leaders from the world’s major carriers—COSCO, CMA/CGM, MSC and NPDL for a candid conversation about the state of global shipping. We'll discuss capacity, service reliability, port congestion, and how regional dynamics are shaping global strategy. With supply chains still recovering and realigning, this session offers direct insights from the bridge of international trade.
Panel Facilitator: Simon Dedman, Managing Director, Kuehne & Nagel
Mark Scott, General Manager, COSCO SHIPPING Lines (New Zealand) Ltd
Gary Carter, General Manager, ANL & CMA CGM
Simon Edwards, General Manager Liner, NPDL Shipping
Leonard Bentley, Managing Director NZ, Mediterranean Shipping Company
 
PORT-TO-PORT PANEL
2.10pm
Join representatives from Ports of Auckland, Napier, Tauranga, and Lyttelton for an in-depth discussion on the current state and future direction of New Zealand’s port network. This session will explore key issues including infrastructure investment, congestion management, and intermodal connectivity all critical to meeting trade demands, enhancing resilience, and supporting national logistics strategies. Adding an international perspective, the Port of Philadelphia will offer a comparative view on these shared challenges and opportunities, providing a broader context on how global port strategies intersect with local ambitions.
Panel Facilitator: Lincoln Hollis, Operations Manager, Hillebrand Gori
Adam Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, Napier Port
Tessa Auelua, General Manager Containers & Engineering, Port of Auckland
Sean Bradley, Group Manager, Inland Ports and Supply Chain, Lyttelton Port Company
Blair Hamill, General Manager Commercial, Port of Tauranga
Dominic Enthoven, Marketing Manager, PhilaPort
 
AFTERNOON TEA/INDUSTRY EXHIBITION
3.20pm
 
SHOWCASE PRESENTATION
3.50pm
Seagliders & the Future of Coastal Freight
A game-changing innovation in freight transport is on the horizon.
Ocean Flyer is set to introduce fully electric seagliders to New Zealand’s coastal routes, unlocking a new era of zero-emission, high-speed freight movement. This presentation will showcase how seagliders offer an unprecedented opportunity to move cargo smarter, faster, and cleaner, especially along key domestic coastal corridors. Operating at speeds of up to 300 knots per hour, these seagliders combine the efficiency of marine access with the speed of aviation, flying just metres above the water. Unlike airports, which are often on the city outskirts, seagliders use existing harbour infrastructure, placing freight right where it needs to be, in the heart of our CBDs and regional centres.
Ocean Flyer will walk us through, from 2022 and beyond, the operational model and expected cargo capability, infrastructure and safety considerations for port access, how this technology aligns with ESG and decarbonisation goals, opportunities for regional connectivity and agile, just-in-time logistics.
This is more than a transport innovation, it’s a bold step toward the future of low-impact, high-performance coastal freight. Be among the first to see how New Zealand is positioned to lead the way.
Introduced by: Simon Dedman, Managing Director, Kuehne & Nagel
Shah Aslam, CEO, Ocean Flyer
John Hamilton, Operations Director, Ocean Flyer
 
INFRASTURE: CONNECTING THE DOTS PANEL
4.20pm
Efficient freight movement relies on a well-connected, multi-modal network supported by the right enablers, technology, policy, and engagement. With a government inquiry now underway into the New Zealand maritime industry, this session takes on added relevance. KiwiRail, National Road Carriers, NZ Transporting, and Port Connect come together to explore how infrastructure planning and key enablers are shaping a more sustainable and resilient freight system. From carriers to ports, and road to rail, we’ll examine the challenges, opportunities, and long-term strategies needed to strengthen New Zealand’s supply chain and keep it moving.
Panel Facilitator: Peter Creeden, MPC International PTY Ltd
Dan Cowie, General Manager, PortConnect
Alan Piper, Executive General Manager Freight Markets, KiwiRail
Justin Tighe-Umbers, Chief Executive Officer, National Road Carriers
Billy Clemens, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Transporting New Zealand
 
CLOSE OF DAY TWO
5.20pm
 
Thursday, 04 September 2025
REGISTRATION OPEN
8.00am -9.00am
 
WELCOME BACK
8.20am
 
PRIZE DRAW - DIRECT COURIERS
8.25am
 
BIOSECURITY AT THE BORDER - PROTECTING NEW ZEALAND'S FUTURE
8.30am
Introduced by: Emma Hope, Customs Manager, Toll Global
Diane McDermott, Manager TET, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Sina Waghorn, Manager TET, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
 
TECH, TALENT & TERRITORY (AI,SOFTWARE & THE OFFSHORING DEBATE) PANEL
8.45am
Software is reshaping how we work, but where should the work be done. Join us as we dive into the evolving tech landscape, explore the role of AI, and ask the big question: to offshore, or not or perhaps use both offshore and new tech. This session looks at the real-world impact of automation, outsourcing, and smart platforms on local talent, compliance, and the future of freight forwarding.
Panel Facilitator: Rachel Madden, General Manager, KLN Oceania
AJ Smith, Executive Director & CEO, TradeWindow
Matthew Brown, Commercial Director, The Compliant Group
Matthew Abercromby, Senior Program Manager, WiseTech Global
Logan Pritchett, Vice President, Bravotran

MORNING TEA/INDUSTRY EXHIBITION
9.55am
 
SECURING THE SKIES - AIR CARGO COMPLIANCE & THE PATH FORWARD
10.25am
With aviation security under increasing scrutiny, this session brings together CAA and CBAFF to unpack the evolving cargo threat environment, risk management expectations, and the broader regulatory framework shaping air cargo security. From RACA responsibilities to Known Customer processes, we’ll explore how industry can stay compliant, accountable, and prepared in a rapidly changing landscape. A timely discussion on risk, regulation, and readiness across the supply chain.
Facilitator: Katrina Jenner, CEO, Jenners Worldwide
David Willing, Head of Security Certification, Monitoring & Response, Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand
Marcus Linnell, Lead Analyst, Aviation Security Threat and Risk, Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand
 
INSIDER THREATS & BORDER SECURITY - CONFRONTING ORGANISED CRIME IN OUR SUPPLY CHAIN
11.10am
Introduced by: Emma Hope, Customs Manager, Toll Global
Jared Nicholson, Manager Intelligence, NZ Customs Service
Bruce Berry, Manager Integrated targeting and Operations Centre, NZ Customs Service
 
LUNCH/INDUSTRY EXHIBITION
12.10pm
 
ON THE GROUND & IN THE AIR PANEL - THE FUTURE OF NEW ZEALAND'S AIR CARGO INFRASTRUCTURE
1.15pm
This session brings together key players from New Zealand’s air cargo ecosystem - Air New Zealand Cargo, Auckland Airport, Menzies Aviation, New Zealand Airports Association, Swissport and Wymap - for a focused discussion on infrastructure, capacity, and engagement. From freight terminals to tarmac operations, the panel will explore current challenges, future opportunities, and what’s needed to build a more resilient and efficient air logistics network across Aotearoa.
Panel Facilitator: Dean Moore, Cargowise Specialist & Project Solutions Manager, Fliway 
Justin Bailey, Managing Director, Wymap Group
Traci Cox, Cargo Manager, Menzies Aviation
Harrison Kennedy, Cargo Manager, Swissport New Zealand Ltd
James Reddy, Head of Cargo Operations, Air New Zealand
Billie Moore, Chief Executive, NZ Airports Association
 
NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY PANEL - TRADE, PRODUCTIVITY & NEW ZEALAND'S GLOBAL POSITION
2.20pm
In a shifting global landscape, how is New Zealand positioning itself for sustainable economic growth? This session, featuring insights from MFAT, MBIE, NZTE, and guest speakers, will unpack the big-picture forces shaping our productivity and trade future. From Free Trade Agreements to the "Trump effect," we’ll explore the strategic choices facing Aotearoa in a time of geopolitical tension, supply chain disruption, and opportunity.
Panel Facilitator: Andrew Hudson, Partner, Rigby Cooke Lawyers & Director, IFCBAA
Sarah Salmond, Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Paul Smith, Partner, Indirect Tax & Global Trade, Ernst & Young
Carolyn Tremain, Chief Executive, MBIE
Joshua Tan, Executive Director, ExportNZ/ManufacturingNZ
James Medina, Customer Manager, NZTE
Stu Horne, Divisional Manager Economic Division and Climate Change Ambassador, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade
 
AFTERNOON TEA/INDUSTRY EXHIBITION
3.30pm
 
SHIFTING GEARS PANEL - GENERATIONAL CHANGE, INDUSTRY RENEWAL & FUTURE PATHWAYS
3.45pm
This session turns our focus firmly to the future - generational change, industry renewal, and the education pathways shaping what comes next. We’ll hear from Lisa Coleman on her journey and showcase how CBAFF is investing in talent, through school outreach, cadet registers, shadowing opportunities, and industry starter packs. You’ll hear directly from our Generation Future working group, alongside last year’s Young Achiever, Carina Voigt. We’ll touch on current and future training opportunities, before spotlighting our award finalists and their inspiring submissions. This forward-looking session closes the Conference with purpose and momentum, celebrating what’s ahead and who will lead us there.
Panel Facilitator: Lisa Coleman, Director, Rocket Freight
Glenn Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Sneddens Global Logistics
Hayden Travers, General Manager, Star Personnel
Carina Voigt (2024 Young Archivers Winner), Manager Ocean Freight, Expeditors
Rachel Madden, General Manager, Kerry Oceania
Generation Future Young Achievers 2025 Finalists
 
CLOSE OF CONFERENCE
4.45pm
 
GALA DINNER
6.30pm - 11.30pm
Special Guests:
Hon. Casey Costello - Minister for Customs
Hon. Andrew Hoggard - Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety
Kirsten Wise - Mayor of Napier