Strong connections and clear insights at NZ Business Connect and EMA Waikato event at Hamilton's Innovation Park

It was a pleasure to bring Waikato business people together at Waikato Innovation Park on Wednesday 28 October for our latest NZ Business Connect sponsored by EMA and Innovation Park.

These events are built around a straightforward purpose: helping business owners and leaders make useful connections, share knowledge and better understand the issues shaping their operating environment.

Our keynote speaker, Simon Devoy, Head of Membership and Export at the EMA, gave attendees a timely update on some of the major policy and regulatory developments facing employers as they look towards 2027.

The discussion covered employment relations legislation, health and safety reforms, changes to the Holidays Act and the EMA’s wider advocacy priorities ahead of the election. These are practical issues that can directly affect employers’ costs, workforce decisions and confidence to invest.

Simon Devoy also outlined the EMA’s 2026 Election Policy Directives, which were developed following extensive engagement with its members. The directives call for greater certainty and stability in government policy, recognising that businesses need confidence to invest, expand and create jobs.

Among the priorities are improving infrastructure delivery and consenting, strengthening New Zealand’s energy security, modernising employment legislation and encouraging greater investment and innovation.

Workforce challenges were another important part of the conversation. Improving the work readiness of young people, creating effective pathways for skilled workers and preparing for the impact of artificial intelligence are all issues that will influence how businesses build capability in the years ahead.

These conversations are especially relevant in the Waikato. The region has a strong and growing EMA membership base, supported by a local team at Waikato Innovation Park. The EMA provides employment relations and health and safety advice, professional development, advocacy and practical workplace support.

We also heard from Sarah Powell of Waikato Innovation Park, which hosted and co-sponsored the event alongside the EMA. Sarah spoke about the Park’s role in bringing businesses, researchers and entrepreneurs together, and creating an environment where ideas, expertise and connections can help businesses innovate and grow.

With its strong focus on technology and agri-technology, Waikato Innovation Park plays an important role in supporting business growth and economic development across the region.

“At NZ Business Connect, we believe business success is strengthened by trusted relationships and access to useful knowledge,” said NZ Business Connect CEO and Founder Phillip Quay, of Hamilton.

“Events such as this give local business people an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and hear directly from organisations engaging with the issues that matter to employers,” Quay said.

“Our focus also extends beyond business growth. Through our Social Giving programme, we encourage members to contribute their time, expertise and resources to community organisations, including Waikato Women’s Refuge and the Graeme Dingle Foundation.

“We are grateful to Simon Devoy and the EMA for sharing their insights, to Waikato Innovation Park for hosting us, and to everyone who took part,” he said.

“As we continue to grow the NZ Business Connect network, we look forward to creating more opportunities for businesses to connect, learn from each other and contribute to stronger local communities,” Quay said.