Trade on Toast – 2026 Breakfast Event Series
Join us for the second Trade on Toast breakfast event of 2026 as we explore a timely and thought-provoking question: “Attitudes shape perception | Is New Zealand too down on itself?”
Business confidence, consumer sentiment, and economic outlook continue to dominate conversations across New Zealand. But are we viewing our future through an overly pessimistic lens, or are there genuine reasons for concern?
We’re pleased to welcome David Farrar, New Zealand blogger and pollster, as our keynote speaker, alongside a panel of senior industry leaders:
Andrew Fairgray | Chief Business Officer, 2degrees
Jarrod Kerr | Chief Economist, Kiwibank
Cecilia Robinson | Founder and Co-CEO, Tend Health
Together, they will examine the attitudes shaping New Zealand’s economic narrative and discuss questions including:
- Are we too down on ourselves, particularly in Auckland?
- What factors are driving relatively low business and consumer confidence?
- Is there a compelling case for greater economic optimism?
- Why are some regions performing more strongly than others, and what can Auckland learn from them?
- What will it take to shift sentiment and unlock growth?
This engaging breakfast discussion will provide valuable insights into the forces influencing confidence, investment, and economic performance, while exploring what lies ahead for Auckland and New Zealand. As always, attendees will have the opportunity to put their questions directly to the panel during an interactive Q&A session.
Join us for a morning of informed debate, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Time: 7:00am – 9:00am
Location: Pullman, Auckland
Your ticket includes a hot plated breakfast, served during the session.
Agenda
7:00am – 7:30am: Registration
7:30am: Seated for main event
Panel Discussion followed by a Q&A session
Brought to you by
Sponsor Address
Roger Gray
CEO, Port of Auckland
Roger Gray is the CEO of Port of Auckland and an experienced business leader with a strong track record in growth and operational performance. He leads the port’s operations and brings extensive experience in trade, logistics, and business leadership.
Keynote Speaker
David Farrar
New Zealand blogger and pollster
David Farrar is the founder and owner of Curia Market Research. He has provided polling services to five Prime Ministers and seven Opposition Leaders. He also is a regular political commentator in the media, and the Editor of Kiwiblog.
Panel Discussion
Andrew Fairgray
Chief Business Officer, 2degrees
Andrew Fairgray was appointed Chief Business Officer at 2degrees in September 2019. Following the merger of 2degrees and Vocus in June 2022 was reappointed to Chief Business Officer. Andrew is an industry veteran with over 30 years’ experience in Telecommunications and IT. Previous he has had international experience with Alcatel in Paris, France, along with other Telecommunication companies in New Zealand.
Jarrod Kerr
Chief Economist, Kiwibank
Jarrod Kerr is Kiwibank’s Chief Economist. Jarrod has a passion for the environment, financial markets, and everything economics. Although born and schooled in New Zealand, he cut his teeth in US, Swiss, and Australian banks, and has spent most of his career overseas. Jarrod started off as an economist at JP Morgan in Sydney. He then moved into financial markets as an interest rate strategist for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, before moving to Credit Suisse in Singapore as Head of Australian and New Zealand fixed income and economic research. After 16 years abroad, Jarrod returned home to the mighty Kiwibank in 2018.
Cecilia Robinson
Founder and Co-CEO, Tend Health
Cecilia Robinson ONZM is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Tend Health, one of New Zealand’s largest primary healthcare providers, and the founder of My Food Bag. A serial entrepreneur, innovator, director and business leader, she serves on several governance boards and is a regular commentator on innovation, healthcare and business. Cecilia was named New Zealand Innovator of the Year in 2024 and was appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2026.
