Check out some of the previous webinars we've hosted.

 

2023 Webinars

 

November 2023

 

Social media for small business. 

 

If you’re wondering if social media marketing is right for your business, the verdict is in — it’s a great way to attract new customers and drive repeat business.

Social media has evolved from posting pictures of cats and mundane life updates. It’s now a cost effective marketing tool that can reach a massive audience, an opportunity for small businesses to engage the right customers, and for them to really understand who you are as brand.

Hosted by Michelle Lumsden, Westpac’s Senior Brand Marketing Manager, this webinar features self-confessed data nerd Oli Garside, Training & Campaign Manager at specialty social media agency Mosh, and his insights on trends across various platforms gained over 10 years at roles ranging from Samsung to HELL Pizza. Oli is joined by Shane Barr, owner of Shane Barr Shoe Repairs in Tauranga, who has used the Westpac Digital Smarts Programme to transform his digital presence and boost his sales.

 

 

 

September 2023

 

Embracing net zero - navigating the low carbon transition. 

 

Westpac Group is a signatory to the Net Zero Banking Alliance, requiring us to align our lending portfolio to net zero by 2050 and set emissions reduction targets for material emitting sectors. For listed corporates, and some Crown institutions (via Ministerial letters of expectation), climate related disclosures become mandatory from this year.

Given this backdrop, we will see a lot more focus on climate change for corporates.

Join our upcoming Westpac Smarts Webinar hosted by Kate Gunthorp, Director ESG Advisory, where we will discuss why taking climate action is so important and how businesses can navigate the transition to a net zero world. We have an esteemed industry panel joining us to share their insights, including Kate van Praagh, GM Sustainability, Genesis Energy, Sam Bridgman, Head of Sustainability, Pāmu and Nicola Swan, Partner, Chapman Tripp.

Useful links:

 

 

 

August 2023

 

What should tourism companies be doing to boost their dynamic capabilities? 

 

Having weathered the Covid storm, the future of our tourism sector is now being shaped by advances in technology, changing customer preferences, and persistent supply constraints in the face of rebounding demand issues. How can New Zealand tourism operators navigate this challenging environment?

Join our upcoming Westpac Smarts webinar hosted by Rosalind Stewart, Westpac Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Retail Trade, where we will discuss challenges and opportunities the sector faces with our industry panel including Paul Clark, Westpac Industry Economist, Gavin Oliver, Managing Director of Ecozip Adventures and Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA).

Useful links:

 

 

 

June 2023

 

Agricultural emissions - Can New Zealand rise to the challenge? 

 

Climate change is a hot topic in New Zealand agriculture, with the sector facing risks from both the changing climate as well as through efforts to reduce emissions. So how do farmers adapt and plan for the future?

Westpac Head of Agribusiness Tim Henshaw hosts a panel discussion with Professor Anita Wreford, Lincoln University - Agribusiness & Economics Research Unit, Jo Sheridan, Owl Farm Demonstration Manager, and Agricultural Economist Phil Journeaux. Together they discuss findings from the Westpac NZ Agribusiness Climate Change Report, including what resilience, adaptation and transition options are available to the sector.

Useful links:

 

 

 

May 2023

 

Cyber Security: Being aware and prepared.

 

Scammers are opportunistic and use current events to add legitimacy to their fraud attempts - soliciting donations, taking deposits for repairs that never eventuate, and stealing bank details by pretending to help. Unfortunately, the extreme weather events of the last few months have seen a large increase in cyber fraud and scams that are having real material impacts on people and businesses.

Westpac Industry Head of Retail Tourism and Hospitality Rosalind Stewart hosts a panel discussion with Westpac’s Ray Chow - Cyber Security, and Omar Patron Lopez - Financial Crime Management, along with guest Sam Leggett from CERT NZ.

Useful links:

CERT NZ:

Westpac:

 

 

 

April 2023

 

Business Basics: Turning to your bank for support.

 

Many Kiwi businesses are bracing themselves for 2023 to be a challenging year financially. If you find yourself needing extra help with your cashflow, what options are available and how can you ask for help?

Matthew Gill, Area Manager for the Lower North Island, will be talking with Nick Hale - Director of Credit Restructuring, and Emma Heaps from our Extra Care Team. Together they’ll discuss the steps businesses should take when preparing to approach the bank for cashflow support, and what options are available for those experiencing hardship.

 

 

 

March 2023

 

After the storm: Supporting mental health in the workplace.

 

It’s been a challenging few weeks with recent weather events leaving many feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Mark will be talking with our wellbeing ambassador Sir John Kirwan along with Health Psychology Specialist Dr Fiona Crichton, where they’ll discuss how to look after your own mental health, support your staff, and where you can turn to for help.

Useful links if you or someone you know needs support:

Mental Health and wellbeing support:

Flood relief for businesses:

 

 

 

February 2023

 

Building houses in New Zealand: simpler, better and faster.

 

How can builders best navigate an expected slowdown in residential building activity over the coming year? And how can they position themselves for sustainable long-term growth?

In his latest industry research paper, Westpac's Industry Economist Paul Clark shares why the wholesale industrialisation of residential building activity is not a given, and where the industry is headed in the future.

Join us on this Westpac Smarts Webinar, hosted by Westpac Industry Head of Construction, Transport and Forestry, Warrick Gibbs. We will discuss these key findings, along with industry experts Julien Leys, CEO NZ Building Industry Federation, and Andrew Crosby, CEO Universal Homes.

 

 

 

2022 Webinars

 

November 2022

 

Wholesale Trade: pushing the digital limits.

 

In this webinar, David Hope will host an expert panel to discuss how the wholesale trade industry can adapt to compete and win in an increasingly digital world.

Westpac Economist Paul Clark will talk about the key findings in his latest Industry research paper “Wholesaling in New Zealand – pushing the digital limits” and he will share the 4 critical success factors of wholesaling in New Zealand. Joining the discussion to give us their industry perspective will also be, Scott Hawkins of Hawkins Watts, one of New Zealand most significant food ingredient wholesalers, and Richard Higham from Hi-Q, a family owned electronic and plastic component wholesaler.

 

 

 

October 2022

 

Help your business survive and thrive in tough times.

 

In this webinar, Rachel Wilson, Westpac Senior Leader, will host a panel discussion who will share a variety of perspectives and give practical tips you can apply to your business. 

Debra Chantry-Taylor will tell her story of having a successful business and then losing it all. She now uses her experiences, along with her formal qualifications in leadership to help Business Owners lead their best lives….both professional and personally. Michael Jackson, a highly skilled Chartered Accountant, has seen significant changes over the last 35 years and has helped his clients navigate the impacts of change. Kim Bone, 4th generation of F L Bone & Son Ltd, has had to navigate many ups and downs over the years and despite the challenges continues to grow and expand the family business. 

 

 

 

September 2022

 

How Professional Services can thrive in changing times.

 

In this webinar, Amber McKnight, Westpac Head of Professional Services, leads an international panel featuring Westpac economist Paul Clark, who shares key findings from his latest Professional Services Insight report, along with Professional Services experts Emily Morrow (Executive Consultant to NZ firms, large and small) and Andrew Jacka (Owner of Value Squared Pty Limited, a specialist professional services advisory firm) giving practical tips on focussing your strategy, rethinking your client service approach and engaging and retaining your staff. 

 

 

 

August 2022

 

How well do you really understand your customers?

 

In this webinar John Machell, Westpac Head of Retail & Hospitality, leads an insightful discussion about the importance of truly understanding your customers. 

Zhi-Ying Barry, Senior Analyst from Forrester starts the conversation with intel on what thriving Small Businesses have in common. You also hear from 2 leading companies who have customer obsession in their DNA, Lawrence Railton, Founder AS Colour, and Bruce Reid, Director World Moving & Storage Ltd who share practical things businesses of any size can do to learn about, and improve their offering to customers.

 

 

 

June 2022

 

How SME's can operate more sustainably.

 

In this webinar, Warrick Gibbs, Westpac Head of Construction, Transport & Forestry, leads a discussion with a group of trail blazers about why sustainability is important to SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprise) and how they are integrating it into their business.

We cover key learnings from other organisations who have been on the sustainability journey and how SME’s can make meaningful changes to operate in a sustainable way. We're joined by CoGo CEO Julie Lindenberg, The Warehouse Group Chief Sustainability Officer David Benattar and Owner of Recreational Services Keitha Turner

 

 

 

May 2022

 

Accelerate your business with Westpac Digital Smarts.

 

We’re proud to be part of Digital Boost Alliance Aotearoa. And now, as part of our commitment to inspiring small Aotearoa businesses and helping them succeed, we’ve launched Westpac Digital Smarts.

Through this program, 100 Westpac customers will win one to one digital advisory services from New Zealand experts, Digital Journey. After analysing your current use of digital tools, our winners will receive personalised and independent advice and recommendations on areas to improve and focus on in order to optimise business performance.

In this webinar, Helen Ryder, Westpac Head of Business Connect, Tech Entrepreneur and Digital Wonderwoman Claudia Batten talk about why small businesses need to be digitally savvy and Stuart Dillon-Roberts, General Manager at Digital Journey share key insights and tips around how you can get the most out of digital tools as well as an overview of the topics covered in the Westpac Digital Smarts packages.

 

 

 

March 2022

 

Retail: How to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

 

The retail environment is changing rapidly. Not only do retailers have to contend with the demands of increasingly savvy consumers, but they face competition from local and global entrants, supply chain challenges and constant change in digital technologies.

Westpac Industry Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Retail Trade, John Machell leads a powerhouse panel featuring Westpac economist Paul Clark, who shared key findings of his latest retail report. Greg Harford (Chief Executive of Retail NZ), Brett Wells (Retail Operations Director for the Rockshop Group & KBB Music) and Juliette Hogan (Director/Founder of Juliette Hogan Limited) discussed how to navigate the changing world for retailers, how digital technologies and data insights are a retailer’s best friend and why an omnichannel approach is becoming even more necessary.

 

 

 

2021 Webinars

 

December 2021

 

The summer rethink: business succession planning.

 

If you are thinking of selling, retiring, or taking a step back from your role in your business, it is important to have a business succession plan in place. The summer break can be a useful time to reflect and consider what this may look like.

Westpac Head of Construction, Transport & Forestry, Warrick Gibbs discusses business succession planning with Felicity Hill (Greenlion Ltd) and Chris Small (Managing Director and Shareholder, ABC Business Sales), including what you need to think about if you decide to sell, how can you maximise your business value, and what are buyers looking for?

 

 

 

December 2021

 

A business 'health check' for success in 2022.

 

As you prepare to head into the summer break, what should you be thinking about and what actions can you take to position yourself and your business for success in 2022 and beyond?

Westpac Head of Manufacturing & Wholesale Trade, David Hope hosts Doug Haines (Deputy Chairman BDO New Zealand and Business Advisory expert), Fleur Caulton (CEO of hospitality group Go To Collection) and Rachel Taulelei (Co-founder of Oho Cultural Design, Director of The Warehouse and Chair of Sky Stadium) as they discuss the importance of a business ‘health check’ while sharing their own experiences.  

 

 

 

December 2021

 

Your career and your business - thinking about what's next.

 

We all know how easy it is to get caught up in the day to day demands of work and life. However, as business owners it is important to take time to step back and consider your wider goals and aspirations, both for yourself and for your business. 

In this Westpac Smarts Seminar, Westpac Head of Industry Amber McKnight leads a panel featuring Dr Iain McCormick (founder of Executive Coaching Centre) and Dr Angela Lim (CEO and co-founder of Clearhead) who discuss how to discover what you want, how to change directions, and ultimately how to lead yourself – alongside a successful business.

 

 

 

October 2021

 

Planning and forecasting admist uncertainty.

 

With uncertainty at levels higher than most of us have ever experienced, how do businesses plan for the future and what value does this actually add?

John Machell, Westpac Head of Industry hosts Business Advisor Zac de Silva (Business Changing) and Gavin Oliver (EcoZip Adventures) as they discuss the challenges of forecasting in the current environment and how businesses can prepare for the future.

 

 

 

October 2021

 

The HR challenge - looking after your people.

 

The uncertainty of the last 18 months has brought about a new set of HR challenges for businesses – staff wellbeing through lockdowns, the global “great resignation”, and the vaccination debate.

Amber McKnight, Westpac Head of Industry hosts Samantha Gadd (Founder/Director Humankind and EX Design School) and Gillian Service (Employment Lawyer and Partner MinterEllisonRuddWatts) as they discuss these new challenges, and how businesses can adapt to meet evolving expectations and ensure their employees are happy and safe.

 

 

 

October 2021

 

Covid-19 and the supply chain issue.

 

Supply chains in New Zealand and globally have been hit hard as a result of the pandemic and various lockdowns. What are the key issues and how can Kiwi businesses build resilience in their supply chain?

In this session David Hope, Westpac Head of Industry is joined by expert panellists Julian Leys (CEO Building Industry Federation), Scott Wilson (CEO Oceanbridge Shipping), Steve Thompson (Head of International Business, Westpac NZ) and Trevor Farrell (International Trade Manager, Westpac NZ), who together discuss three key themes:

  • The fundamental causes of the current supply chain congestion
  • How Logistics Managers across different industries are dealing with supply chain bottlenecks
  • Potential solutions, including banking solutions