Family Business Association proudly presents the Family Business Insights Conference in New Zealand on Wednesday 25 September 2024.
Bringing together the New Zealand family business community, immerse yourself in this half-day premier event as you connect, share and grow with your peers.
Boasting an unrivalled conference program, be inspired by high calibre speakers and a keynote presentation which will explore topics including leadership, sustainability in family businesses and looking at business through an intergenerational lense.
Family Business Excellence Awards
This year we will also be announcing and celebrating your local Family Business Excellence Awards winners over a two-course seated lunch before the program begins.
Master of Ceremonies (MC)
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| Julian Wilcox Broadcaster, Director & MC |
Julian's expertise extends to hosting major national events, including the Christchurch Earthquake memorials, showcasing his skill as a seasoned MC. He also served as Chief Officer of Operations for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Known for his leadership, informed optimism, and bilingual proficiency, Julian is a true stalwart of Māori media.
Keynote: A brewing success - A fourth generation family venture
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| Rae-Lee Fleming Director Bundaberg Brewed Drinks |
John McLean CEO Bundaberg Brewed Drinks |
In the realm of family business success, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks stands out for its perseverance, innovation, and generational continuity. From its modest beginnings in Bundaberg, Australia, to becoming a global player, Bundaberg's journey exemplifies dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.
Founded in 1968 by the Fleming family, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is now led by third-generation family member Rae-Lee Fleming and her husband John McLean. The business remains true to its roots while embracing growth. Quality and craftsmanship are central to Bundaberg's ethos, guided by the principle: "If it’s worth brewing, it’s worth brewing well." This dedication has driven significant growth, with profits soaring over twentyfold in 24 years.
What started as a local soft drink business has evolved into an international enterprise, exporting to over 60 countries. While Bundaberg Ginger Beer is its most iconic product, the company offers a range of brewed non-alcoholic beverages.
New Zealand holds a unique significance in Bundaberg's journey, boasting over 30 years in the market and achieving the largest sales outside of Australia. The company's dedication is reflected in their New Zealand distribution centre located in Sylvia Park, Auckland. Bundaberg Brewed Drinks continues to grow and innovate, inspiring family businesses and entrepreneurs globally. Rooted in tradition, integrity, and a commitment to quality, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks embodies the excellence of family-owned enterprises today.
Rae-Lee and John will share their rich family business story and future plans.
Session 2: The strong connection to family values and company values
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| Sophie Cooper Founder Anihana |
Aden Cooper CEO Anihana |
Most people would think that it's bonkers to be expecting their first baby and to buy a business, but Sophie Cooper is not most people! In 2016, the unstoppable creative brain behind Ahhh was pregnant with her daughter Beau, so naturally she decided to breathe new life into another baby.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Sophie purchased the soap manufacturing company she’d been working in for 2 years and poured her passion and love into soap and bath bomb making. Two years later, her vision became Ahhh. Along with her expert team, Sophie has grown Ahhh to include a suite of safe and sustainable goodies for people of every age to luxuriate in. When Sophie was busy juggling the demands of motherhood and running a business, her escape at the end of the day was to relax in a hot bath for that much needed “me time.”
In 2020, Sophie’s husband Aden joined the family business full-time, and whilst discussing a re-imagination of the Ahhh packaging and brand, they decided to make a big change and rename! This was a big deal for Sophie as it felt like renaming her toddler. So, the new name had to be something meaningful and special to both Aden and Sophie to celebrate the next step in their business journey. In the end, they decided on Anihana which in itself has a rich meaning and a very strong link to whanau.
Since rebranding to Anihana they have gone from distribution to around 300 stores in New Zealand to 8,500 with export to Australia and the US.
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Aneil Balar Managing Director Service Foods |
Ross Buckley Chairman Service Foods |
Darren White |
Service Foods is widely recognised as one of New Zealand's largest privately family-owned and operated food service distribution businesses. With a product portfolio that includes over 14,000 items sourced from over 20 countries and locally produced offerings, the company is committed to delivering quality, innovation, sustainability, and differentiation to its customers.
Founded from a family superette in 1983 in Christchurch by Stan Balar, the family business has grown significantly through organic and inorganic strategies, strongly focusing on solving customer needs, building a great team under the collaborative leadership of Stan and his son’s, Aneil and Nikul Balar.
Currently employing over 800 team members and operating a fleet of more than 220 trucks, Service Foods has established 16 strategically located branches across New Zealand. The company's ambition extends beyond being a premier food service provider.
With this growth the family determined the need for strong corporate governance. Ross Buckley joined Service Foods as Chairman of the Board after 38 years at KPMG New Zealand compounding his belief in family businesses being the backbone of NZ, and balances this alongside other directorship roles.
Joined by Darren White, FBA Accedited Advisor and Forum Group Faciliatator, Aneil and Ross will share how strong governance can help to build a successful family business and a legacy with future generations in mind.
Keynote: Intergenerational thinking - empowering the rising generations and leaders of tomorrow
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| Ranjna Patel Co-Founder and Director Tamaki Health and Founder Gandhi Nivas |
Born and raised in Auckland, Ranjna is no stranger to family business s having grown up working in the family 'joint' fruit and vegetable shop in Herne Bay, owned by her parents, uncle, and aunt. As the second of seven siblings, she lived in a joint family home with her extended family, during a time when Herne Bay was a far cry from the affluent community it is today. She credits her early experiences serving customers in the shop for the foundation of her business skills.
Ranjna initially studied industrial chemistry in Auckland before traveling to India, where she met and married her husband, Kantilal, a newly qualified doctor. After 50 years of marriage, they reflect on the challenges they faced upon returning to New Zealand, where they sought to establish a GP clinic but encountered resistance from the conservative health system. Undeterred, the couple co-founded East Tamaki Healthcare in 1977, a small solo GP practice in Otara, with Ranjna managing the administrative and receptionist duties while Dr. Patel cared for patients. Over time, this modest practice grew into Tāmaki Health, New Zealand’s largest private primary healthcare network, with over 50 clinics and 300,000 patients.
Beyond healthcare, Ranjna's influence extends to her founding of Gandhi Nivas, an initiative focused on preventing family harm. Her strong connection to South Auckland's Indian community and her leadership in various roles have earned her significant local and National recognitions, including the Queen’s Service Medal and the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Ranjna’s journey as a wife, mother, businesswoman and patron exemplifies her dedication to empowering future generations and driving positive change. As a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, her commitment to social equity and community well-being continues to inspire.
Program Outline
Please note: Program is subject to change.
Networking Drinks
Networking drinks will round off the celebrations, so we hope you will stay for this wonderful opportunity to connect with other members.
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Conference and Family Business Excellence Award Lunch Registration
Registration includes the seated two-course lunch, afternoon tea and post-event networking drinks and canapes.
Early bird pricing ends on Wednesday 11 September.
* Prices include GST.
Venue
Located at the ANZ Pavilion, guests are invited to join us at this stunning architectual designed venue in the heart of Auckland CBD at 24 Albert Street.
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Please contact our office on 0800 249 357 or at events@familybusiness.org.nz if you have any questions or require assistance with your registration.
For information regarding cancellation and substitutions, please click here.
