American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Inc upcoming events

2026 AGM (11 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

NOTICE OF AGM

The 57th Annual General Meeting of The American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Inc.

on Thursday 11th June 2026 at 5.00pm

Venue: Russell McVeagh's offices, Level 30, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland, 1010

1. Apologies

2. Confirmation of the Minutes of the 56th Annual General Meeting

3. Matters arising from the Minutes

4. Presentation of the Presidents Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31/12/25

5. Election of officers of the Board

6. Election of Honorary appointments

Honorary Auditor: REB Group Ltd

Honorary Solicitor: Minter Ellison Rudd Watts

7. General Business

Please advise if you are able to attend or wish to submit an apology.

For those attending, we will email the Presidents Report, the 2025 AGM Minutes and the 31/12/25 audited accounts just before the meeting.

We thank you for your continued support.

A reception will directly follow on from the AGM and a separate invite will be sent shortly

2026 New Member reception (11 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:30:00 GMT

2026 New Member reception

New members will be introduced to the membership and will receive their membership certificates from US Consul General Melissa Sweeney

by invitation only

11 June 2026

5.30pm to 7.30pm

Venue: Russell McVeagh's offices, Level 30, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland, 1010

Sponsored by

Ion Man: The Life and adventures of Bill Buckley (01 Jul 2026)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Ion Man: The Life and adventures of Bill Buckley, ONZM

Bill Buckley invites readers on an extraordinary journey through his life, showcasing the indomitable spirit and relentless innovation that have defined his successful business career. From humble beginnings to becoming a leading entrepreneur and business owner of Buckley Systems Ltd, Bill has always been at the forefront of engineering design in New Zealand.

Bill is particularly known for designing and manufacturing precision electromagnets, used in more than 90% of the world’s silicon chips, and developing products used in boron neutron capture therapy, which is expected to revolutionise cancer treatment. He has made a significant impact as a major exporter for the New Zealand technology sector.

Bill’s story is not just one of business acumen but also a testament to pursuing passions with unparalleled dedication. Whether it’s speedway, sailing or motorcycle racing, Bill invests his time, money and expertise with an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Known for his hands-on approach and preferring the shop floor over the boardroom, Bill’s unique character and drive for success have earned him many accolades, including the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011 and the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for services to technology, business and motorsport.

Ion Man is a compelling narrative of innovation, perseverance and passion, offering readers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark on his industry and beyond.

Some of Bill's achievements:

2012 - Bill Buckley, 2011 EY Entrepreneur of the Year nominated as a finalist in the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Monte Carlo

2013 - Bill Buckley awarded New Zealand Order of Merit

2013 - Bill Buckley awarded NZ Hi-Tech Hall of Fame - Flying Kiwi

2018 - Bill Buckley inducted into New Zealand Business Hall of Fame

2020 - Bill Buckley wins New Zealand Innovator of the Year

Date: 1 July
Time: 5-7 pm presentation followed by refreshments and networking
Venue: TBA
Cost: TBA

CEO lunch with Miles Hurrell, CEO, Fonterra (21 Jul 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AAP Washington Doorknock debrief (23 Jul 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

AAP Washington Doorknock debrief

Each year a group from the AmChams of Asia Pacific visit Washington to provide feedback to senior Administration officials, members of Congress, influential think tanks, other political and economic experts, on priority issues from the region as well as hearing from inside the beltway.

This year AmCham is being joined by the NZ US Council, Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, Fonterra and Beef + Lamb for the doorknock and we are holding a briefing for members and others to provide an insight into the current situation there.

Speakers
Sarah Salmond, Partner, Minter Ellison Rudd Watts & AmCham Board member

Fiona Cooper, Executive Director, NZ US Council

Frances Duignan, Senior Manager International Trade, Beef + Lamb NZ

Date: 23 July
Time: 5.00pm to 7.00pm, presentation followed by refreshments
Venue: TBA
Cost: Sustaining Member -free , Members $40 inc GST, Non-Members $50 inc GST

Women in business event - Inspired to Lead, Driven to Innovate (05 Aug 2026)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Women in business event

Inspired to Lead, Driven to Innovate

Date: 5 August
Time: 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Venue: University of Auckland, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Unleash Space, 20 Symonds Street, Auckland
Cost: TBA

2025 EY Entrepreneurs of the Year, Hengjie Wang & Alliv Samson, co-founders of Kami (13 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

2025 EY Entrepreneurs of the Year, Hengjie Wang & Alliv Samson, co-founders of Kami

Kami, an interactive learning platform, was co-founded in 2013 by chief executive Hengjie Wang and chief operating officer Alliv Samson, after developing their first interactive educational tool while still studying at The University of Auckland.

Today, Kami's educational products are used by 70 million teachers and students around the world, including 90 percent of US classrooms.

In 2017 the company won the Exporter of the Year to the USA $500k to $1m and in 2020 they won a recognition award for resilience during Covid, at the AmCham-DHL Express Success & Innovation awards.

In 2024 US private equity firm Boston Ventures took controlling interest in the company at a valuation of $300m.

Hengjie & Alliv recently set up a family office called Hiraya Ventures and made their first investment as well as a $30,000 gift to establish the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) Alumni Fund.

Hengjie & Alliv will have recently returned from competing with the other country winners at EY's Global event to be held in Monaco and will talk about their business and experiences.

Date: 13 August
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:15 PM, presentation followed by refreshments and networking
Venue: Ernst & Young's offices. 2 Takutai Square, Britomart Auckland 1010
Cost: Members $55 inc GST, Non-Members $65 inc GST

2026 AmCham-DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

2026 AmCham-DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards
in conjunction with United Airlines

We invite you to join us celebrating the 27th Annual AmCham-DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards
for companies doing business with the USA.

The awards honour companies using entrepreneurship and innovation in achieving success in the fast moving, highly competitive U.S market.

This years awards categories are:-

Defence, space and security with the USA: Celebrating innovation and collaboration in critical security and aerospace sectors. Sponsored by Lockheed Martin.

Innovation and frontier technology (inc fintech) with the USA: Recognizing leadership in cutting-edge technological advancements and financial innovation. Sponsored by Ironside McDonald IP/Buckley Systems.

Health, life sciences & FMCG with the USA: Highlighting achievements in the health, biotechnology, and fast-moving consumer goods industries. Sponsored by ANZ Bank.

Sustainable trade and climate with the USA: Honouring contributions to environmental stewardship and the development of sustainable business practices and climate solutions. Sponsored by Insprie Labs.

Cultural connections and inclusion (inc Tourism) with the USA: Acknowledging efforts that bridge communities and promote diverse cultural exchange and inclusive practices. Sponsored by United Airlines.

Emerging exporter to the USA: Recognizing new and high-growth exporter demonstrating imagination and entrepreneurship in the US market. Sponsored by DHL Express.

Investor of the year to or from the USA: Honouring significant investment activity, either inbound and outbound, that strengthens the economic ties between the two nations. Sponsored by Sweeney Vesty.

AmCham Supporter of the Year

We look forward to a fantastic evening celebrating the success of our winners who continue a proud tradition of partnership with the United States

Keynote speaker: TBA

When: 17th September 2025
Where: Pullman Hotel, Princes Street, Auckland 1010
Timing: Pre-dinner drinks 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm
Dress code: Black tie
Tickets: $295 inc GST per person or $2,950 inc GST for a table of 10

Lead sponsor- DHL Express
Airline sponsor - United Airlines
Gold sponsors - ANZ Bank, Insprie Labs, Lockheed Martin New Zealand and SweeneyVesty.
Silver sponsors - Ironside McDonald Intellectual Property, Buckley Systems Ltd

Media supporter - The Business.
Wine sponsor - Constellation Brands
Event Manager and sponsor - Event Revolution

2026 AmCham Stableford Golf Tournament (16 Nov 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

2026 AmCham Stableford Golf Tournament

Monday 16th November

Akarana Golf Club, 1388 Dominion Rd, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041

Come along, enter a team or play as an individual and network with our members and guests.

Stableford competition for:

Senior – US Embassy Trophy
Intermediate – REBiz Trophy
Junior – 3M Trophy
Best non handicap score

The above groups will be decided when all players are registered and handicaps are known.

You must have an official handicap to qualify for Senior, Intermediate & Junior trophies.

Non handicap golfers are welcome to play but will not eligible for the main trophies You will be playing against other non-handicap golfers for an individual prize.

Cost:
Hole Sponsor $1,150 inc GST (includes a team of 4)
Team Entry $900 inc GST
Individual Entry $225 inc GST

What you get: Green fee, bbq at the start, two drinks, platter of food after your round and everyone wins a prize.

Longest Drive sponsorship 18th hole $172.50 inc GST
Nearest the Pin sponsorship 8th hole $172.50 inc GST
Nearest the Pin sponsorship 15th hole $172.50 inc GST

We are also looking for prize donations.

11.00pm	Registration & bbq lunch
12.30 Noon	Depending on field size, shotgun start or 2 tee start
4.30pm	Refreshments & food
5.00pm	Trophy prize giving
6.00pm	Finish

Entries close: 7th November

End of year celebration reception (23 Nov 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT

End of year celebration reception

by invitation only

23th November 2026

5.00pm to 7.30pm

Venue : Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010

Supported by

The 2026 United States Business Summit (04 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

NZ INC. and Auckland Business Chamber present

★★★★

The 2026 United States Business Summit

Date: 4th December

Time: 7.00am to 5.30pm
Venue: Cordis Hotel, 83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland 1010