A Day of Connection: Inside Our First Connect & Inspire (思享会)
On Friday 22 May 2026, Business North Harbour brought around 40 local business owners together at Sunrise Garden Suites Hotel in Albany for our first Think & Share (思享会) — a new, small-format event built around a simple idea: give every person in the room a real chance to be heard.
Rather than one large dinner, the day ran across three sessions — a midday gathering, a late-afternoon session, and an evening cocktail — so attendees could join whenever suited them. In each, owners had two minutes to introduce themselves and their business, followed by open networking and an interactive lucky draw that kept the energy high.
The line-up reflected just how diverse our business community is. Across the day we heard from accountants, commercial real estate specialists, an office-supplies leader, an aesthetics clinic, business consultants, hospitality operators, a homegrown skincare brand, children’s education providers, travel and digital businesses, and more. Two themes came up again and again: the practical ways businesses are beginning to adopt AI — often starting small, with tools they already use — and the lasting value of turning up to network consistently, even when the payoff isn’t immediate.
That spirit is exactly why we ran it. With Chinese-owned businesses making up a significant share of enterprises in our area, Business North Harbour is committed to creating regular, high-quality spaces for owners to connect, share knowledge, and find local opportunities they’d otherwise miss.
This event was proudly sponsored by RSM New Zealand LP, whose backing made the day possible — thank you. Our thanks also to the caterers who looked after everyone across all three sessions — Seven Hills Café Bar & Eatery for savoury mains, Nishin Ltd for premium fresh-caught seafood, Mrs Bun and Dumpling for freshly steamed buns, and Fields Café for irresistible desserts — and to Sunrise Garden Suites Hotel for hosting us in their elegant space. Most of all, thank you to every owner who showed up and shared.
This was the first of many. Watch this space for what’s next.
