NZ energy leaders heading to Hawke’s Bay for business energy summit
20 May 2026
Media release: Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce | Some of New Zealand’s most senior energy sector leaders are heading to Hawke’s Bay next month for a business summit focused on the energy transition and what it means for regional industry.
The Hawke’s Bay Energy Summit, hosted by the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce and proudly supported by principal partner Unison Networks, will take place on Tuesday 9 June 2026 at Functions on Hastings, Toitoi Arts and Events Centre, Hastings.
Confirmed speakers include James Kilty from Transpower, Gary Holden from Lodestone Energy, and Jaun Park from Unison Networks, alongside representatives from EECA, the Sustainable Business Network, Pan Pac and a range of Hawke’s Bay businesses from across food processing, horticulture, manufacturing, construction and infrastructure.
The half-day event — running from 8.30am to 1.30pm — will explore the current energy landscape for Hawke’s Bay businesses, including gas cost and availability, electricity supply and pricing, and infrastructure capacity. It will also cover smarter energy use, local generation options such as solar and biomass, and available funding pathways, alongside practical advice to help businesses manage energy costs, get the most from their energy spend, and navigate the range of options to find the right package for their business.
“Energy has come up consistently as one of the top concerns for Hawke’s Bay business leaders when we ask them about the future of their industries. This summit is our direct response to that. We’ve brought together national energy leaders and local businesses to have a frank, practical conversation about what’s changing and what businesses can do now," says Karla Lee, chief executive, Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce.
“The energy transition is real and it is already shaping investment and operational decisions for businesses across our region. We want Hawke’s Bay businesses to be well informed and well positioned — this summit is an important step towards that and we’re pleased to partner with the Chamber in delivering it,” says Jaun Park, Group Chief Executive, Unison.
The event is also supported by Transpower, Centralines, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council and Wairoa District Council, with MediaWorks as advertising partner.
Registrations are now open. The event is expected to attract 120 to 150 business leaders from across the region.
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