Tony Alexander

Tony Alexander is an Economics Analyst and Commentator. Tony served as BNZ Chief Economist for 25 years. In 2019, Tony made the bold move to step away from the corporate world, saying, “In a world of disruption, maybe it is time to disrupt myself.”

Over the decades, Tony has established himself as one of New Zealand’s most prolific economic writers. From daily and weekly commentaries in the late '80s to a steady stream of newsletters, columns, and in-depth analysis through to 2019, his voice has been a constant in the national conversation. His commentary has touched every corner of the economy, with a particular focus on SMEs, housing, business culture, and the economic role of Auckland. ‘Tony’s View’ is a weekly publication offering insights in plain language, continuing his mission to make economic trends accessible to everyday New Zealanders.

Known for his engaging and down-to-earth speaking style, Tony translates complex economic issues into practical insights for audiences, helping them to better understand the forces shaping New Zealand’s economy.

View his website

MATT ENSOR

Matt Ensor is a well known pioneer in Generative AI in New Zealand. He has 35 years of experience spanning the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, with a diverse career in governance and commercial management. His mission is to accelerate the practical adoption of Generative AI in NZ organisations.

A practical, no hype session on how AI can be used safely and effectively. It begins with a clear overview of the main types of AI and where they are genuinely useful, followed by live demonstrations of low cost AI tools that streamline documentation review, enable proactive customer updates, support compliance checking, and assist with staff training. The session reinforces the continuing importance of professional judgement and broker accountability, and examines the real workforce implications and pace of automation in the sector. Delegates will leave with a simple framework for safe use, the confidence to apply a major AI platform to real operational tasks, and practical ideas they can implement immediately.

ZIENA JALIL

Ziena Jalil is a New Zealand business leader and governance professional with extensive experience in international trade, economic development, and cross-sector collaboration. She previously served as New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner to Singapore, where she strengthened commercial relationships across Southeast Asia and supported exporters navigating complex global markets.

Ziena is currently the Deputy Chief Executive Strategy and Executive Operations for St John. She is an Advisory Board Member for the NZ Asia Institute, and an Advisory Board Member for the Auckland Business Chamber, contributing to initiatives that advance business growth and connectivity. Her insights into trade flows, supply chains, and international market access are relevant to the customs and freight forwarding sector.