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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.
- Tuesday, 02 September 2025
- REGISTRATION OPEN1.00pm - 2.00pmCBAFF 2025 PORT TOUR2.00pm : Transfers for Port Tour depart Napier War Memorial Centre2.30pm : Napier Port Tour, hosted by Adam Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, Napier Port4.30pm : Transfers from Port Tour to Napier War Memorial CentreCBAFF 2025 CONFERENCE WELCOME RECEPTION5.30pmSpecial Guest: Kirsten Wise, Mayor of Napier, who will officially open conference and talk about challenges in the region
Speaker : CBAFF WelcomeCLOSE OF DAY ONE7.30pm - Wednesday, 03 September 2025
- REGISTRATION OPEN8.00am - 9.00am9.00am : Hosted by Greg Ward, MCCBAFF WELCOME9.05am : Speaker, CBAFF PresidentOPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS9.30amNavigating 2025 - Trade Uncertainty and the New Rules of ResiliencePeter Creeden, MPC International Pty Ltd, Sydney, AustraliaIn 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 EXHIBITION10.20amNETWORKING AT SPEED10.50amA 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 EXHIBITION12.00pmPRIZE DRAWER - DIRECT COURIERS12.55pmCARRIERS PANEL1.00pmThis 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 & NagelMark Scott, General Manager, COSCO SHIPPING Lines (New Zealand) LtdGary Carter, General Manager, ANL & CMA CGMSimon Edwards, General Manager Liner, NPDL ShippingLeonard Bentley, Managing Director NZ, Mediterranean Shipping CompanyPORT-TO-PORT PANEL2.10pmJoin 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 GoriAdam Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, Napier PortTessa Auelua, General Manager Containers & Engineering, Port of AucklandSean Bradley, Group Manager, Inland Ports and Supply Chain, Lyttelton Port CompanyBlair Hamill, General Manager Commercial, Port of TaurangaDominic Enthoven, Marketing Manager, PhilaPortAFTERNOON TEA/INDUSTRY EXHIBITION3.20pmSHOWCASE PRESENTATION3.50pmSeagliders & the Future of Coastal FreightA 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 & NagelShah Aslam, CEO, Ocean FlyerJohn Hamilton, Operations Director, Ocean FlyerINFRASTURE: CONNECTING THE DOTS PANEL4.20pmEfficient 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 LtdDan Cowie, General Manager, PortConnectAlan Piper, Executive General Manager Freight Markets, KiwiRailJustin Tighe-Umbers, Chief Executive Officer, National Road CarriersBilly Clemens, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Transporting New ZealandCLOSE OF DAY TWO5.20pm
- Thursday, 04 September 2025
- REGISTRATION OPEN8.00am -9.00amWELCOME BACK8.20amPRIZE DRAW - DIRECT COURIERS8.25amBIOSECURITY AT THE BORDER - PROTECTING NEW ZEALAND'S FUTURE8.30amIntroduced by: Emma Hope, Customs Manager, Toll GlobalDiane 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) PANEL8.45amSoftware 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 OceaniaAJ Smith, Executive Director & CEO, TradeWindowMatthew Brown, Commercial Director, The Compliant GroupMatthew Abercromby, Senior Program Manager, WiseTech GlobalLogan Pritchett, Vice President, Bravotran
MORNING TEA/INDUSTRY EXHIBITION9.55amSECURING THE SKIES - AIR CARGO COMPLIANCE & THE PATH FORWARD10.25amWith 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 WorldwideDavid Willing, Head of Security Certification, Monitoring & Response, Civil Aviation Authority of New ZealandMarcus Linnell, Lead Analyst, Aviation Security Threat and Risk, Civil Aviation Authority of New ZealandINSIDER THREATS & BORDER SECURITY - CONFRONTING ORGANISED CRIME IN OUR SUPPLY CHAIN11.10amIntroduced by: Emma Hope, Customs Manager, Toll GlobalJared Nicholson, Manager Intelligence, NZ Customs ServiceBruce Berry, Manager Integrated targeting and Operations Centre, NZ Customs ServiceLUNCH/INDUSTRY EXHIBITION12.10pmON THE GROUND & IN THE AIR PANEL - THE FUTURE OF NEW ZEALAND'S AIR CARGO INFRASTRUCTURE1.15pmThis 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, FliwayJustin Bailey, Managing Director, Wymap GroupTraci Cox, Cargo Manager, Menzies AviationHarrison Kennedy, Cargo Manager, Swissport New Zealand LtdJames Reddy, Head of Cargo Operations, Air New ZealandBillie Moore, Chief Executive, NZ Airports AssociationNAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY PANEL - TRADE, PRODUCTIVITY & NEW ZEALAND'S GLOBAL POSITION2.20pmIn 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, IFCBAASarah Salmond, Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWattsPaul Smith, Partner, Indirect Tax & Global Trade, Ernst & YoungCarolyn Tremain, Chief Executive, MBIEJoshua Tan, Executive Director, ExportNZ/ManufacturingNZJames Medina, Customer Manager, NZTEStu Horne, Divisional Manager Economic Division and Climate Change Ambassador, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & TradeAFTERNOON TEA/INDUSTRY EXHIBITION3.30pmSHIFTING GEARS PANEL - GENERATIONAL CHANGE, INDUSTRY RENEWAL & FUTURE PATHWAYS3.45pmThis 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 FreightGlenn Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Sneddens Global LogisticsHayden Travers, General Manager, Star PersonnelCarina Voigt (2024 Young Archivers Winner), Manager Ocean Freight, ExpeditorsRachel Madden, General Manager, Kerry OceaniaGeneration Future Young Achievers 2025 FinalistsCLOSE OF CONFERENCE4.45pmGALA DINNER6.30pm - 11.30pmSpecial Guests:Hon. Casey Costello - Minister for CustomsHon. Andrew Hoggard - Minister for Biosecurity and Food SafetyKirsten Wise - Mayor of Napier
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