The Profit Unleashed - August

Seven sellouts. Zero keynote slides. One night that always delivers.
The Profit Unleashed is Hawke's Bay's most talked-about business event — and it's back.
Hosted by The Profit editor Damon Harvey and wine writer and entrepreneur Yvonne Lorkin, the format is simple: get extraordinary people on stage, ask the questions no one else asks, and see what happens. No panels. No polished presentations. Just candid, high-energy conversation with people who've genuinely done the work.

This edition features:
Emma Slade — one of New Zealand's most acclaimed film and television producers and founder of Velvet Moss. Credits include Mister Organ, Uproar, Come to Daddy and Nude Tuesday. Bold stories. Global reach. A career built on backing distinctive Aotearoa voices. And in 2026, Emma and Velvet Moss will premiere what may be the most anticipated New Zealand documentary in years — the story of rugby's biggest ever star, Jonah Lomu.
Blair Tickner, Hawke's Bay born Blackcap, is a right arm medium fast bowler who's played all three international formats and captained the Central Stags. Part of the Blackcaps Test squad that beat England 2-1 this year, with an ODI career-best 4/34 against them too. Off field, he and wife Sarah own Hastings cafe 13th Stag.
Mike Petersen — 35 years of Hawke's Bay sheep and beef farming, followed by a decade reshaping New Zealand's agribusiness at the highest level. Former Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, NZX board chair, and the man driving Hawke's Bay's water security future. Straight talk. Big picture. Hard earned.

Make it a full day — pair it with the CREATE Symposium
The Profit Unleashed has partnered with the CREATE Symposium, produced by Ngā Toi Creative Hawke's Bay in partnership with Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc and supported by Creative New Zealand.
The symposium theme is Harness the Power of Collaboration — bringing together creators, innovators and community leaders to explore how collaboration can strengthen your business, your creative practice and your community.
Anchoring the programme are two remarkable leaders: David Trubridge, one of Aotearoa's most visionary creatives, and Dr Jeremy MacLeod (Ngāti Kahungunu), a leader in Māori language revitalisation whose work connects language, culture and wellbeing in ways that are both deeply grounded and practically transformative.
The day also includes hands-on masterclasses and expert roundtables — real knowledge from local innovators on what genuine collaboration looks like in practice. You'll leave with resources, new connections and a few ideas you didn't expect.
Start the day at the CREATE Symposium. End it at The Profit Unleashed.

Find out more: ngatoihawkesbay.co.nz/symposium-2026/