Want to cut costs, scale your business, and future-proof for a changing climate?
2 Oct 2025
We’re proudly helping local businesses to achieve their financial and environmental goals as part of our Sustainable Spring programme.
The following events and workshops are aimed at supporting business owners and operators to take their business to the next level by embracing smart energy use, scaling sustainably, and turning climate challenges into a competitive advantage.
These events are free-of-charge, but registration is essential for the workshops with Brianne West and Sustainable Business Network. Book now to secure your spot!
Powering Change: rethinking energy at home, on the farm & in business
2-4:30pm, Sunday 5 October
Ōtaki Memorial Hall, Main Road
Cost: free
This expo event explores how businesses and homeowners can embrace smarter energy use to reduce emissions and slash their energy bills at the same time. There’ll be electric vehicles on show and stalls with information about solar panels, heat pumps, insulation and more.
The event features a range of expert speakers including Mike Casey, an Otago cherry farmer who’s fully electrified his farm and is saving tens of thousands of dollars year. Mike also leads Rewiring Aotearoa, a not-for-profit charity that has demonstrated how electrification could lead to total savings of almost $100 billion across New Zealand over the next 15 years. Hear Mike speak about the benefits of going electric.
Mike will be speaking alongside panellists from Energise Ōtaki, the Sustainability Trust and Electrify Kāpiti. Doors open 2:00pm and the panel discussion kicks off 2:10pm.
Scaling Sustainably with Brianne West
2:30pm - 4:00pm, Wednesday 8 October
Sunday Cantina, Raumati South,
Cost: Free (registration essential)
Learn how to sustainably scale your business with Brianne West, New Zealand entrepreneur extraordinaire and founder of Ethique, the world's first zero-waste beauty brand.
Brianne will share her journey of scaling a business, offer practical insights about breaking into new markets without compromising your values, and introduce her latest venture, the plastic-free drinks brand Incrediballs.
Brianne West is a judge for the Pegasus Startup World Cup held on 9 October 2025 at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, in Raumati Beach. Watch the finalists from across the motu pitch for their place in the global final in Silicon Valley, USA and the chance to win USD$1 million investment in their business.
Future-proof your business with Sustainable Business Network
9:30am-12:00pm, Thursday 6 November
Kāpiti Impact Hub, 6 Tongariro Street, Paraparaumu,
Cost: Free (registration essential)
This interactive workshop will explore strategic and practical ways that business owners can reduce their operating costs, enhance brand reputation and foster innovation by embracing sustainable practices.
Gain an understanding of how to turn climate challenges into a competitive advantage while achieving financial, environmental, and social sustainability goals. Suitable for business owners and operators from all sectors.
The Sustainable Spring programme continues throughout October and November and has something for everyone. Check out the full lineup of events and workshops.