Climate Change and Business Conference
Viaduct Events Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
September 8-9, 2025New Zealand’s premier climate conference presents two days of critical discussions for sustainability professionals navigating the evolving landscape of climate action. A number of the BraveGen team will be attending, and here’s a quick preview of some of the sessions we’re excited about that address the challenges and opportunities facing organizations across Australia and New Zealand. In person registrations have ended but you can still attend the conference live stream.
AI and Climate Change
Monday, 3:10 pm – 3:20 pm Speaker: Oliver Bruce, Director, Uush Capital
Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping climate solutions, from energy optimization to emissions identification. Bruce will examine AI’s dual role – addressing its significant energy demands while unlocking its potential to accelerate climate action across complex operations.
BraveGen customers have seen the value of AI with BraveGen’s Clive AI alerts. Find out more about AI in sustainability at this session.
The Built Environment of the Future
Monday, 11:30 am – 12:15 pm Speaker: Andrew Eagles, CEO, New Zealand Green Building Council
Critical insights for organizations managing property portfolios. Eagles will address sustainable construction, building optimization strategies, and the integration of rating systems including NABERS, Green Star, and emerging frameworks that drive both compliance and operational value.
With building operations representing 28% of organizational emissions, this session offers essential guidance for maximizing building performance alongside carbon reduction.
Climate Disclosures: What Are They Good For?
Tuesday, 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm (Sponsored by Atticus) Speaker: Amelia Sharman, Director Sustainability Reporting, External Reporting Board
Move beyond basic compliance to understand how quality climate reporting drives business value and stakeholder confidence. Sharman will explore the real-world impact of disclosure requirements and what makes reporting truly effective.
Essential viewing for organizations preparing for audit-ready disclosure processes.
CBAM, CSRD, ISSB
Tuesday, 1:50 pm – 2:30 pm Speaker: Aisha Daji Punga, CEO, Toitū Envirocare
Navigate the complex landscape of international reporting standards and their implications for ANZ organizations. Daji Punga will address how global frameworks like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, and International Sustainability Standards Board requirements translate to local implementation.
Critical for organizations operating across international markets or supply chains.
Making the Business Case for Adaptation Investment
Monday, 2:05 pm – 2:45 pm Speaker: Prageeth Jayathissa, GM Sustainability, Vector Limited
Learn how leading organizations build compelling business cases that move beyond environmental benefits to demonstrate quantifiable returns, risk mitigation, and competitive advantages from sustainability investments.
Jayathissa will share practical approaches for securing executive buy-in and demonstrating measurable value.
Driving Decarbonisation Across the Value Chain
Tuesday, 11:20 am – 12:00 pm Speaker: Carolyn Cox, Sustainability Manager, City Rail Link
Address the complexities of Scope 3 emissions and supply chain engagement. Cox will explore systematic approaches to comprehensive carbon reduction, including supplier engagement strategies and data collection across complex networks.
Valuable insights for organizations tackling their full carbon footprint beyond direct operations.
Climate Risk, Insurance, and Liability
Monday, 12:20 pm – 1:05 pm Speaker: Emily Grace, Principal Policy Advisor, New Zealand Planning Institute
Examine how climate risks are reshaping insurance markets and liability landscapes. Grace will address risk management strategies and the evolving regulatory environment affecting business operations.
Important context for organizations developing climate adaptation and resilience strategies.
The Net Zero Transition: What Role is Finance Playing?
Tuesday, 10:10 am – 10:50 pm Moderator: Joanna Silver, Head of Sustainable Finance, Westpac
Understand how financial institutions are adapting to support the net-zero transition. The panel will explore ESG investment trends, sustainable finance products, and how financial markets are balancing climate risks with investment opportunities.
Key insights for organizations seeking climate-focused funding or managing financial climate risks.
Voluntary Markets for Carbon and Nature
Tuesday, 11:20 am – 12:00 pm Speaker: Anne Haira, Deputy Secretary, Ministry for the Environment
Anne will explore opportunities in carbon and nature markets, including voluntary carbon credits and emerging nature-based solutions. She’ll address market developments and regulatory frameworks affecting participation.
Relevant for organizations considering carbon offsetting strategies or nature-based investments.
Parliamentary and Ministerial Addresses
The conference features addresses from key political leaders including:
- Hon Chris Hipkins, Leader of the Opposition (Monday, 4:00 pm)
- Hon Simon Watts, Climate Change Minister (Tuesday, 3:50 pm)
These sessions will outline policy directions and government priorities affecting business climate action across New Zealand.
International Keynotes
Pacific Leadership Perspectives (Monday, 8:50 am): Hon Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister, and Cynthia Houniuhi, President of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, offer crucial regional perspectives on climate justice and global responsibility.
Mobilising Finance for Low-Carbon Future (Tuesday, 9:00 am): Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission, will share insights on financing the net-zero transition and unlocking capital for clean technology.
Networking Opportunities
- Monday Networking Luncheon: 1:05 pm – 2:05 pm
- Monday Evening Drinks: 5:40 pm – 6:30 pm
- Tuesday Networking Luncheon: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Why Attend
The conference addresses the critical intersection of policy, technology, and business strategy in climate action. For sustainability professionals, it offers essential insights into:
- Emerging regulatory requirements and compliance strategies
- Technology integration opportunities in sustainability management
- Business case development and ROI demonstration
- Supply chain and value chain decarbonization approaches
- Financial sector trends affecting climate investment
- International framework implementation in ANZ context
The program reflects the maturing sustainability landscape, where organisations are moving from basic compliance to integrated strategies that deliver both environmental and business value.
BraveGen team members will be participating throughout the conference, available for discussions on integrated approaches to carbon accounting and building optimisation.