22 March 2026
The Southern Edge – Auckland 2026
The Southern Edge 2026 delivered an exceptional four-day leadership and business engagement experience in Auckland, bringing together a dynamic group of Southland leaders for a curated programme of site visits, keynote speakers, and high-value networking.
Designed to balance business insight, leadership development, and relationship building, the tour immersed attendees in some of New Zealand’s most innovative organisations and influential voices.
Event Highlights
Day One – Arrival & Welcome
The group kicked off with a behind-the-scenes business visit at Recorp Ltd, followed by a welcome dinner featuring special guest Mils Muliaina, setting a strong tone for the tour.
Day Two – Innovation & Leadership
Highlights included a visit to the T4 Data Centre, an innovation tour at The University of Auckland, a visit to Air New Zealand, and a keynote presentation from Xero’s Bridget Snelling. The day wrapped up with attendance at the Mel Robbins “Let Them” Tour.
Day Three – Experience & Connection
A mix of exploration and experiential activities included a harbour cruise with business leader Claire Barnes CEO of ECOYA, followed by a memorable farewell dinner overlooking the waterfront.
Day Four – Departure
The group returned home inspired, connected, and energised after a packed and rewarding experience.
The Southern Edge continues to strengthen Southland’s business community by providing opportunities to learn from leading organisations, build capability, and deepen connections. It reinforces the value of stepping outside the region to engage with innovation at scale, while deepening connections among participants.
