Chapter Zero NZ breakfast | The intersection of climate and the economy
Overview
Join Chapter Zero New Zealand for an exclusive breakfast event featuring some of the nation's foremost leaders in climate change governance and policy.
Hear from Minister of Finance, Economic Growth and Social Investment Hon Nicola Willis, who will deliver a keynote on climate change, climate policy and how it connects with economic thinking.
After her remarks, she will be joined by Minister of Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister of Local Government and Minister of Revenue Hon Simon Watts and the newly appointed Chair of the Climate Change Commission, the Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy for a panel session, to further discuss the intersection of climate and the economy, and what opportunities and challenges that poses.
As one of New Zealand’s most respected leaders, Dame Patsy was named the new Chair of the Climate Change Commission in December 2024 and officially steps into the role in February 2025, succeeding inaugural chair Dr Rod Carr.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a meaningful conversation about the future of climate leadership in New Zealand.
The Climate Change Commission is a pivotal organisation for driving climate action in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is responsible for holding the Government accountable for responding to climate change, reducing the emissions which fuel it and providing policy advice. With a focus on evidence-based advice to the Government of the day, the chair plays a key role in leading the commission’s work programme, setting direction and ensuring the commission’s advice is credible.
Chapter Zero NZ Supporters receive a 20% discount for this event with the code SUPPORTER28MARCH. It is free to become a Supporter, join now.
Table sales are available for this event for $1050.00 incl. GST for a table of ten. Subject to availability at the time of booking. For enquiries or bookings, please contact Gemma Fellowes.
Speakers
Hon Nicola Willis
Minister of Finance, Economic Growth and Social Investment
Nicola Willis is the Minister of Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Social Investment and Associate Minister of Climate Change.
Prior to becoming an MP, Nicola held a number of senior management roles at New Zealand dairy co-operative Fonterra. She also served on the boards of Export NZ and policy think-tank the New Zealand Initiative.
Nicola was a senior advisor to Prime Minister John Key during his first term in Government, having previously worked for the National Party in Opposition.
She is a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington with a first-class Honours degree in English literature. She grew up in Wellington, and today she lives there with her husband Duncan and their four children.
Hon Simon Watts
Minister of Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister of Local Government and Minister of Revenue
Simon Watts was elected as the Member of Parliament for North Shore in the 2020 election. Minister of Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister of Local Government and Minister of Revenue.
Simon grew up in the Waikato, where his family were farmers and orchardists. He is married, has two sons, and lives on the North Shore with his family.
He studied Accounting and Finance at Waikato University and worked in investment banking in Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom. He has worked for one of the world's largest investment banks, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), where he held several management roles during and in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis.
Simon has also completed a Health Sciences degree at Auckland University of Technology. He continues to volunteer with St John as an ambulance officer and is a registered Paramedic alongside his duties as a Member of Parliament.
Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM CVO QSO DStJ DFInstD
Dame Patsy was the 21st Governor-General of New Zealand from 2016 to 2021. She began her career as a Lecturer in law and a partner in a commercial law firm before taking on a variety of corporate roles. She was also a chief Crown negotiator for Treaty of Waitangi settlements, a reviewer for the Performance Improvement Framework for the State Services Commission and collaborated with Sir Michael Cullen on an independent review of New Zealand’s intelligence agencies.
A Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Dame Patsy has held multiple directorships including Chair of the New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Foundation and New Zealand Rugby. She was also a director of New Zealand Transport Agency, Telecom, SkyCity Entertainment, Air New Zealand, and New Zealand Post and one of the founding members of Global Women New Zealand.
Dame Patsy became Chair of the Climate Change Commission in February. She is also Chair of the NZSO Foundation, a trustee of the Malaghan Institute and the Aspen Institute of New Zealand and a patron of the NZ Centre for Brain Research, Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui, the Wellington Sculpture Trust, NZ Opera, Hospice Wairarapa and He Ringa Āwhina – the Wellington Regional Charity Hospital Trust.
Additional information
Covid-19 precautions
By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our Covid-19 health and safety measures. If you are unwell or have any Covid-19 symptoms please do not attend this event.
Additional requirements
Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.
Event cancellation policy
Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any event.
See our standard terms and conditions for more information.
Contact
Kristyn Chandler-Yates
National Sponsorship and Events Manager
+64 27 207 2592
Kristyn.Chandler-Yates@iod.org.nz
