American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Inc upcoming events

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

The Value of Education in the Age of AI (18 Aug 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Value of Education in the Age of AI

The value of education in the age of AI covering:
Changes in trends of college degrees and their employabilities.
How universities are changing with widespread adoption of AI.
How to future proof your career and vice versa how to spot authentic talent.

Date: 18th Aug
Time: 5.30pm to 7.00pm
Venue: Crimson Education, Level 4 Textile Centre, 125 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052
No cost to attend.

Understanding US FDA regulations seminar with Registrar Corp USA for food & beverage sector (02 Sep 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Understanding US FDA regulations seminar with Registrar Corp USA, for food & beverage sector

Access the United States Market: Regulatory Compliance for Food and Beverage Products

Join Registrar Corp and the American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand for a practical seminar designed for food and beverage companies preparing to enter or expand in the U.S. market.

Registrar Corp experts will explain key U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements and share practical guidance for identifying suitable U.S. business partners. The seminar will conclude with a live Q&A.

Accelerate market entry, reduce regulatory compliance risk, and expand globally with confidence and speed. Registrar Corp is trusted by 35,000+ companies to navigate the world’s most complex food, drug, medical device, and cosmetic regulations.

Date: 2 September
Time: 9.30am to 11.00am
Venue: EMA, 145 Khyber Pass Road Grafton Auckland, 1023
Ticket prices: $45 inc GST

Understanding US FDA regulations seminar with Registrar Corp USA for medical devices (02 Sep 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Understanding US FDA regulations seminar with Registrar Corp USA, for medical devices

Access the United States Market: Introduction to U.S. FDA Medical Device Regulations

Join us as we break down the fundamentals of medical device regulation in the United States. Learn how the FDA classifies devices, what pathways exist for market entry, and the compliance obligations every manufacturer must understand. From registration and labeling to UDI compliance, this session is ideal for medical device companies looking to enter or expand in the U.S. market.

Accelerate market entry, reduce regulatory compliance risk, and expand globally with confidence and speed. Registrar Corp is trusted by 35,000+ companies to navigate the world’s most complex food, drug, medical device, and cosmetic regulations.

Date: 2 September
Time: 11.00am to 12.45pm
Venue: EMA, 145 Khyber Pass Road Grafton Auckland, 1023
Ticket prices: $45 inc GST

Legal essentials for early-stage companies (part 1) (03 Sep 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 05:30:00 GMT

Legal essentials for early-stage companies (part 1)

Co-hosted by the AmCham Women in Business Chapter and From Scratch (a community for women founders). MEMBERS ONLY.

Speaker: Sarah Weersing (Special Counsel at Hudson Gavin Martin, dual-qualified NZ-US lawyer)

Sarah is a dual-qualified lawyer (New Zealand and US) with more than 25 years of experience advising clients on a broad array of corporate and commercial matters. Her background spans leading law firms in both countries as well as senior in-house counsel roles, giving her direct insight into the legal, operational and practical challenges faced by general counsel and business leaders.

Drawing on a career that combines legal precision with commercial pragmatism, Sarah has advised on complex and multi-jurisdictional transactions across Oceania, the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. She acts for clients of all sizes, from founders and early-stage ventures to global multinationals. Regardless of the size or stage, she approaches each matter with integrity, clarity, and a deep commitment to helping her clients achieve their commercial objectives.

Given her experience and deep connections in the US, Sarah has a keen interest in supporting US investors and businesses entering or establishing operations in New Zealand, as well as preparing New Zealand companies to expand into the US market. Her core areas of expertise include M&A and post-acquisition integration, joint ventures, capital raising and investing, shareholder matters, employee share and incentive plans, entity structuring / restructuring, entity governance and compliance and commercialising intellectual property assets.

With a particular passion for innovative and technology-driven businesses, Sarah thrives on partnering with clients whose intellectual property sits at the heart of their value and growth strategy.

‍Date: 3 Sept 2026
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM networking followed by presentation and then networking.
Venue: Hudson Gavin Martin, Level 16, 45 Queen Street, Auckland CBD 1010

Registration fee: FREE to members of AmCham’s Women in Business Chapter and members of From Scratch

*This is a MEMBERS-ONLY event. Attendees must be a member of AmCham and the Women in Business Chapter OR a member of From Scratch. If there is capacity, the registration may be opened up to non-members for a fee. Updates will be posted here.

AmCham/WIB members – please register at https://www.amcham.co.nz/event-6792711

From Scratch members - please register for the event on Luma, through the invitation received via the From Scratch group communications.

Maximum 45 people.

Wine sponsored by

Alcohol free drinks sponsored by

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

Women in business event - Stuff No One Told You About Juggling Careers and Kids (20 Oct 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Women in business event - Stuff No One Told You About Juggling Careers and Kids.

Speaker: Emma McLean, founder of Works for Everyone

I'm on a mission to transform how New Zealand's leading corporates support and develop their working parent talent. Through our innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching, and initiatives like the NZ Part-Time Power List, we're not just developing individuals—we're driving systemic change in workplaces across the country. Partner with us to unlock the full potential of your parent professionals and create a truly inclusive workplace culture.

Date: TBA
Time: 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Venue: TBA
Cost: TBA

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