Whangārei Export event - Accelerate Your Business into New Export Markets

Learn how to how to explore and validate new export markets, overcome common growth challenges, mitigate risk when dealing with new international partners, access finance, and leverage letters of credit or guarantees to expand your export operations and build momentum in 2026.

This event is highly recommended for established Northland-based exporters, as well as businesses with clear ambitions to export. 

Event details

Venue - The Orchard, Level 1, 35 Walton Street, Whangārei
Date & Time - Thursday 26 February 2026, 3.30pm – 5.30pm (Includes networking opportunities over light refreshments)

Presented in partnership with EMA, NZ Export Credit, NZTE and BNZ, this not to be missed event has limited capacity. Please make sure you Register by COB Monday 23 February to secure your spot. 

Featured Speakers 

Nitin Chib
Nitin Chib is a finance professional helping New Zealand businesses grow through trade, export, and commercial finance solutions. At New Zealand Export Credit, he works with exporters, financiers, and government partners to open global opportunities. With a strong background in relationship management and business origination, Nitin is known for delivering practical financial solutions that drive real results. 

Hannah Gillespie
Hannah Gillespie is Business Advisor to NZTE’s GM Export Customers, helping translate NZTE’s “double export” strategy into execution through programme oversight, reporting, and leadership representation. Based in Northland within the GM Office Export Customers, Hannah blends strategic planning and stakeholder engagement with programme and change management to support exporters nationwide. She previously led People & Capability at Kaipara District Council and held relationship and HR roles with QBE and AMP in Australia. 

Lauren Cadogan
Lauren Cadogan is an International Trade Finance Specialist with over 21 years experience in the banking sector. She began her career in trade operations, where she developed a strong foundation in the practical and operational aspects of international trade. Over the course of her career, she has worked closely with a broad range of importers and exporters across multiple industries, gaining a deep understanding of the risks associated with cross-border transactions. Lauren brings extensive expertise in trade finance structures and risk mitigation tools, supporting businesses to trade confidently in global markets. 

Jason Reeves
Jason is the Northland Regional Manager and Export Lead at the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). Prior to joining the EMA, Jason led the Bank of New Zealand’s (BNZ) engagement with the export/international sector. In earlier roles Jason was employed by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) holding the position of New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Japan based in Tokyo and with Fonterra holding leadership positions in the Supply Chain and Sales Network, with a focus on the Asia Pacific region. 

Mike Murphy
Mike Murphy is a Customer Manager for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the Regional Manager for the Northland region. He works with a mixed portfolio of Northland-based exporters, connecting them with offshore opportunities whilst building business capability. Prior to joining NZTE Mike was the Managing Director of Kōkako Organic Coffee, a specialty coffee business supplying cafes and hospitality businesses across Aotearoa. 

Registering for EMA events:

In our updated system, everyone needs to create a new profile, even if you’ve attended events with us before. This two-minute process means you can register for any EMA events and courses, and access our resource library. Simply, when you click Register for this event, proceed through the “Sign up now” option, then follow the instructions on the page. Any issues? Try out FAQ page: https://learn.ema.co.nz/w/support/ or email events@ema.co.nz or your EMA Membership Manager and we’ll get you sorted.