We’re excited to launch Wednesday Matters, a new monthly online session where we unpack the issues that shape the real-world experience of doing business in the South. 

Our first session kicks off on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 from 12:00 – 12:45pm, and we’re diving straight into a hot topic affecting many of our members: energy prices and how to manage their impact on productivity and cost structures.

This session is especially relevant for high-end industrial and commercial electricity users, including manufacturing, processing, data-driven operations, logistics hubs and other high-intensity energy consumers.
 
This month’s presenters
You’ll hear expert insights from:

• Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (ECCA)
• Ben Young: Policy Advisor at the BusinessNZ Energy Council, working with industry and government to shape New Zealand’s energy policy, with a focus on market reform, energy security and sustainable outcomes for businesses.
• Paul Chapman: Manager of Risk and Energy Management Services at Energy Link, with over 25 years’ experience supporting large energy users across procurement, risk management, contracting and carbon emissions reporting.

 
They’ll break down:

• What’s driving energy price increases
• Where the market is heading
• Practical steps businesses can take to mitigate cost escalation
• Best-practice strategies to integrate energy into operational planning and budgeting
• Short-term tactics vs long-term resilience options

 
This is a relaxed and informative session; no pressure, no politics, just pragmatic insights to give you clarity in an area where uncertainty is costly.

How to register

Enter your email address below to secure your spot. Members attend free, non-members are welcome via paid access.
We’ll send the Zoom link and session pack directly to all registered attendees before the event.
Backing business. Backing the South.