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Speakers
Reliable, affordable energy supports business growth, job creation (and retention), and productivity gains. As renewable electricity becomes increasingly cost effective, the case for electrification strengthens, increasing industrial efficiency and cost competitiveness.
This session will explore the opportunity for New Zealand to build out its energy system with abundant, reliable renewable energy, how that can drive economic growth and productivity, the role of technology, and what is needed to move industry and consumers away from fossil fuels. Investors will gain a deeper understand of how these trends will play out, how can they seize opportunities and benefit from the transition to renewables without compromising returns.
Minister of Finance, Minister for Economic Growth and the Minister for Social Investment and Deputy Leader of the National Party
Hon. Nicola Willis is the Minister of Finance, Minister for Economic Growth and the Minister for Social Investment, as well as the Deputy Leader of the National Party.
Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament in 2018, Nicola held a number of senior management roles at Fonterra, and served on the boards of Export NZ and policy think-tank The New Zealand Initiative.
Nicola was a senior advisor to Prime Minister Rt Hon. John Key during his first term in Government, and prior to that a researcher for Rt Hon. Bill English.
Co-CEO, Chief Investment Officer of Harbour Asset Management
Andrew is a founder, Co-CEO and CIO of Harbour. He holds responsibility for our Australasian equity growth portfolios, and works closely with the investment teams on market strategy. As Co CEO and CIO, Andrew focuses on the overarching management of the business, helping the Harbour team work towards a core vision of being the most trusted investment manager. Prior to founding Harbour Asset Management, Andrew spent 10 years with AllianceBernstein New Zealand as Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager responsible for portfolio construction of all Australasian equity mandates. In that role Andrew and his team were consistently recognised by the industry for excellence in funds management. Andrew has over 40 years’ investment management experience including roles with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the Bank of England, AMP and with Merrill Lynch Global Asset Management (UK) as Managing Director of Global Equity Products. With Merrill Lynch, Andrew managed global equity accounts for pension funds in Japan, Sweden, Spain, Chile, England, the US, Germany and South Africa.
Chief Executive at Mercury NZ
Stew became Mercury’s Chief Executive in September 2024. He joined Mercury in 2021 as the Executive General Manager, Generation, and was responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of our electricity generation assets.
Before joining Mercury, Stew was the Chief Executive at New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd and has over 25 years’ experience working for industrial energy customers in mining, minerals processing and manufacturing in Australia, New Zealand and Africa.
Stew has a Chemical Engineering degree from Auckland University and an MBA from Melbourne University. With a proven track record of success in leading large, complex businesses, he is well placed to ensure Mercury capitalises and builds on its strong platform for growth.
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