We’re pleased to share The Advantage Head Start, a new initiative from Advantage created to support the next generation of New Zealand businesses.

To celebrate 40 years in business, Advantage is giving one eligible New Zealand startup 12 months of tailored IT and cybersecurity support valued at NZ$10,000, helping them build stronger digital foundations from day one.

The Head Start is open to eligible New Zealand-owned businesses that have been operating for less than 24 months and have a team of six or fewer people. Full eligibility details and terms are available on the application page.

If you know a startup that could benefit from practical technology and cybersecurity support, this could be a valuable opportunity to help them get ahead.

Know someone who should apply?
You might know a customer, supplier, founder, family member, friend or business in your local network with a great idea and the drive to make a positive difference.

If someone comes to mind, please forward this email or share the application link with them.

Applications close on 16 October 2026.

Venue: Indian Consulate in Auckland
Date: Monday 5 October

Meet a diverse delegation of 19 Indian exporters and manufacturers visiting Auckland on Monday, 5 October 2026. Representing sectors including food, agriculture, engineering, textiles, healthcare, packaging, and infrastructure, this business matching forum offers New Zealand buyers the opportunity to explore new suppliers, partnerships, and trade opportunities with leading Indian companies.

Venue: JW Marriott, Auckland
Date: Friday 16 October
Time: 12.30pm – 4.00pm

We look forward to bringing you an afternoon of connection, conversation, and contribution, as we raise funds to support research and ultimately find a cure for ovarian cancer.

Guests will enjoy:

• A welcome drink on arrival and drinks throughout the afternoon
• A generous lunch and petite desserts
• Inspiring guest speakers, hosted by MC Mary Lambie
• Silent and live auctions featuring premium items
• The opportunity to directly support ovarian cancer research in New Zealand

Gather your friends or workmates and get ready for an informative and uplifting afternoon.

Tickets are available now, get in early to secure your table today:

• $229 individual ticket
• $2,290 table of 10

Venue: Queenstown
Date: Friday 16 October
Time: 8.30am – 7.00pm

The rules governing trade, technology, defence and investment are being rewritten. The Aspen NZ Security Forum brings together senior leaders across business, government and defence to examine how this will impact New Zealand, and what we need to get right in the coming decades. Places are limited.

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Date: Tuesday 20 October

Ready to lead in a way that actually lands? This one-day workshop gives you practical leadership tools you can use the next day. Get clear on your style, build stronger relationships, and sharpen your core skills like delegation, feedback, and communication.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid foundation to help you get the result you want, for yourself and your team.

Venue: Grand Millennium Auckland, 71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street, Auckland
Date: Thursday 22 October
Time: Registration from 8.30am, Program 9.00am – 1.30pm

Join us for the Korea-New Zealand Smart Cooperation Forum 2026 on Thursday, 22 October in Auckland, co-hosted by the Korea New Zealand Business Council (KNZBC), the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.

Now in its 4th year, this forum continues the annual dialogue between Korea and New Zealand, bringing together government, industry, and innovation leaders from both countries. Following 2025’s milestone celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (KNZFTA), this year’s forum turns to building the next chapter of bilateral cooperation – with a focus on AI, Infrastructure, and Energy.

The morning session will open with welcome remarks and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlook, followed by keynote and panel sessions on general trade, AI & tech innovation, and energy – closing with a first-ever Korean Women in Leadership panel and wrap-up remarks.

This half-day event is an unmissable platform for networking, insights, and strengthening the bilateral relationship between Korea and New Zealand.

Why Attend?
Join leaders from government and business at New Zealand’s premier Korea–NZ bilateral forum. Gain insights on trade, AI, clean energy, and market entry opportunities. Hear real business stories, discover new partnerships, and connect with the people driving the future of Korea–NZ cooperation.

Venue: Takapuna Boat Club, Auckland
Date: Tuesday 4 – Wednesday 4 November

The Leader Coach is a practical, immersive development programme that equips leaders and business owners with the coaching skills to build more capable, confident and self-sufficient teams. Through a two-day workshop and three follow-up coaching labs, leaders learn how to shift from fixing, firefighting and providing answers to asking better questions, developing others and creating greater ownership and accountability.

This is not your typical training workshop. No PowerPoints, no workbooks, and no fluff. Just hands-on learning and real skills that help you get better results through your people. The workshop is also an approved service under the Regional Business Partner Network (RBPN). You may qualify for up to 50% funding towards the registration fee, and we can guide you through the process.

Date: Thursday 12 & Friday 13 November

Celebrating 100 Years of Unity through Sport

A landmark two-day gathering connecting New Zealand and India through sport, business and innovation.

A nationally significant conversation focused on strengthening connections, sharing insights and creating opportunities for collaboration through sport.