Programme

Programme

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

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