Speaker Date Topic
Ivan Hodgetts Feb 18, 2025
Ensuring Local People Build the Capability Needed to Take Up Current and Future Opportunities
Ensuring Local People Build the Capability Needed to Take Up Current and Future Opportunities

Ivan Hodgetts is a Principal Advisor Secondary Transitions at the Ministry of Education. For the last three years he has been seconded to Murihiku Regeneration to lead the capability strategy Te Ara Aukati Kore (pathways without barriers). Ivan is a former Rotarian and prior to his role at the Ministry was CEO of YMCA Invercargill. 

Sumaria Beaton Mar 04, 2025
Awarua Energy
Awarua Energy

Sumaria is the General Manager of Awarua Energy. She founded Bluff Healthy Homes Research & Education Project which developed into Awarua Synergy serving Southland delivering insulation, heating, hot water solutions, LED lighting solar PV systems, wind turbines. The company employs 15-22 staff seasonally, 14 sub-contractors, and business working relationships with local councils, social services, local & national, and private funders.

Brendan Gray Mar 18, 2025
Engage South
Engage South

Brendan is a proud Southlander and a dedicated professional with over 25 years of experience in civil contracting, local government, and project management. As the General Manager of Engage, Brendan plays a pivotal role in supporting, innovating, and growing the engineering and manufacturing industry in Southland. His focus is on collaboration, connection, new industry, and export opportunities to support the region's economic growth and development.
A family man at heart, Brendan's commitment to Southland is evident in his work and personal life. He is passionate about fostering long-term opportunities for the engineering and manufacturing sector, ensuring that Southland businesses have the support and resources they need to thrive in an evolving landscape.