A Chance for Business Owners to Come Together

The evening was co-hosted by Ben Yang and Janet Chen. Tiffany Shan, representing venue sponsor BNZ, welcomed guests and reflected on her years of supporting business customers. She highlighted the value of bringing businesses, government and communities together, helping turn connections into opportunities.

Business North Harbour General Manager Kevin O’Leary spoke about BNH’s growing engagement with the Asian business community. He encouraged business owners to take part in the organisation’s events and expand their networks, while thanking Ben Yang and the organising team for their work.

BNH Ambassador and Boss’ Day co-founder Ben Yang recalled the simple idea behind the event: business owners spend so much time looking after their businesses, customers and staff that they deserve a celebration of their own. He encouraged guests to relax, reconnect with familiar faces and meet new people. He also spoke about BNH’s role in helping Chinese business owners broaden their networks and engage with New Zealand’s wider business community.

Supporting Business Growth and Developing Talent

Guests included Hon Erica Stanford, Minister of Education and Minister of Immigration; Hon Cameron Brewer, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing; Member of Parliament Nancy Lu; and Consul Chengguang Wang, Head of the Economic and Commercial Office at the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Auckland.

Erica Stanford thanked business owners for the risks they take and the jobs they create. Drawing on her education and immigration portfolios, she discussed the importance of developing skills and helping businesses access the talent they need. Nancy Lu thanked BNH and its partners for continuing to create opportunities for face-to-face engagement with the local Chinese business community.

Cameron Brewer outlined resources available to businesses, including business information services, investment support, AI advisory services and the Regional Business Partner Network. He encouraged owners to explore the support available and consider opportunities to improve productivity.

Using the four letters of “BOSS” as a framework, Consul Wang spoke about business development, mutual support, small and medium-sized enterprises, and supply chain collaboration. He encouraged business owners to strengthen their connections and explore opportunities through New Zealand–China trade and commercial cooperation.

Fresh Perspectives from Fellow Business Owners

The business sharing session featured speakers from a range of industries. Representing title sponsor Hanergy, Brandon Liang reflected on the importance of keeping an open mind. Drawing on Hanergy’s experience of expanding its services in response to customer needs, he encouraged business owners to listen carefully to customers and staff, and to recognise opportunities in a changing market.

On artificial intelligence, he suggested that smaller businesses could start with repetitive tasks, exploring ways to improve efficiency and reduce workloads while continuing to value human judgement, customer relationships and teamwork.

Lisa Li of China Travel Service, Joy Wang of UCL, Grace Zhang of SunShine Mortgages and Amy Xu of Fairtax Consulting shared perspectives on tourism, commercial fit-outs, financing and tax management. A company presentation from 3EYES Construction added to the programme, while Yanze Zhang offered a different perspective on space and surroundings through traditional Feng Shui.

Orato Flow provided real-time AI translation throughout the event, helping guests from different language backgrounds follow the presentations and making communication easier. Students from Angelis Music Academy also performed instrumental music, adding an artistic touch to the evening.

Lucky draws brought laughter and applause between presentations. Afterwards, conversations continued over food as guests introduced their businesses, discussed challenges and explored shared interests.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Business North Harbour sincerely thanks title sponsor Hanergy, alongside BNZ, 3EYES Construction, China Travel Service, UCL, Fairtax Consulting, SunShine Mortgages, Turner Hopkins, Raytech, Windsor Medical Centre, JVD Construction Limited, Aiyoyo Shipping and Blue Haven for their support.

Special thanks also go to 55 Café, Nishin Ltd, The Chill Lab and Teaser for their generous support and hospitality; Orato Flow for real-time AI translation; and the students of Angelis Music Academy for their performances. We are equally grateful to the organising team, interns and volunteers whose efforts helped bring the evening together.

Now in its second year, Boss’ Day continues to give busy business owners time to connect, exchange ideas and find people they can learn from and work alongside. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to welcoming you again next year.