Snapshots: In the spotlight

Labour leader Andrew Little will address investors at the Shareholders Association Investor Conference. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Labour leader Andrew Little will get an opportunity to impress the business community as investors gear up for the annual Shareholders Association Investor Conference and AGM to be held on Saturday in Hamilton. Little is the main speaker, with others including Devon Funds Management executive chairman Paul Glass, economist Shamubeel Eaqub and NZ Superannuation Fund head of investments Fiona Mackenzie.The event will focus on investing in a low-interest world.

Rising diversity

Diversity was the word of the night at AUT on Thursday with the launch of the Superdiversity Centre, hosted by Mai Chen from Chen Palmer. Sir Tipene O'Regan addressed the more than 100 business leaders in attendance, saying: "Even the mighty English are learning now what it's like to be colonised", referencing the changing face of Europe and New Zealand, which needed to embrace diversity and have a healthy discussion about immigration policy. The need for companies to have management structures that reflect diversity was also highlighted, with speakers saying New Zealand's diverse population should be reflected at all levels of business.

Sir Tipene O'Regan spoke at the launch of the Superdiversity Centre.

Clear run

Kathmandu chief executive David Kirk will be breathing a sigh of relief after Briscoe Group's announcement that it will not be extending the deadline for its takeover offer for the outdoor clothing retailer. Kirk's reasoning for this may be as much personal as commercial. As a former captain of the All Blacks, Kirk has complimentary tickets and flights to the Rugby World Cup. The offer period for Kathmandu closes on September 17 just two days before the World Cup kicks off. With the period not extended, Kirk can enjoy the tournament without the stress of a hostile takeover battle. Either way, the outcome will be decided before he jets off to England.

David Kirk.

Banking charity

Bank of New Zealand shut up shop last Wednesday for its sixth annual charity day, Closed for Good. More than 3200 staff spent the day working on 509 community projects, with everyone from tellers and marketing through to the chief executive, Anthony Healy, volunteering. Healy spent the day at Plunket Manurewa alongside its staff helping with business and fundraising strategies. Other projects included community planting, painting and cleaning, as well as volunteering at charities such as the SPCA.

Igniting technology

Incoming Microsoft NZ managing director Barrie Sheers used this year's annual Microsoft tech conference, Ignite, to network up a storm. More than 100 guest speakers and 2500 people attended for the week, which included a performance from singer Jordan Luck and a women in technology event. Sheers is taking up the role left by Paul Muckleston, who is leaving for Microsoft's international headquarters in Redmond. The general consensus seems to be that the company has chosen a good replacement.

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