Suzanne is the CEO of the Marina Industries Association (MIA); a position she has held since 2020 and follows 15 years in senior management roles in the marina industry. She was the General Manager of The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for 12 years, one of the NSW largest and most comprehensive waterfront facilities and sailing clubs before taking on the role of CEO of the country's largest marina group, d'Albora Marinas. 

Prior to taking on the MIA CEO role and while working in marina operations, Suzanne served as a Director and Treasurer of the MIA 2012- 2020.  She also served on the Board of Australian Sailing 2019-2023.  

Prior to her involvement in marina industries, Suzanne held senior roles in several large domestic and international hotel organisations, both in Australia and abroad.  She spent several years in the education sector as an undergraduate lecturer to students undertaking a degree in hotel management. 

Tony Alexander was Chief Economist at the BNZ for almost 25 years and has been out on his own as an independent economist since late-2019. He distributes the free weekly “Tony’s View” publication to over 10,000 subscribers each week, writes a weekly column for NZ Herald, and speaks at about 80 functions a year around New Zealand.

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“What I concentrate on and where my true area of expertise lies, is translating the arcane world of economic developments and trends into a language understandable by most people in the business and home buying sectors.”  

Dave is an accomplished CEO with over 15 years experience leading event, sports and related entities, most recently leading the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.  Prior to his leadership roles, Dave’s career has spanned practicing solicitor, accounting, and marketing roles.  Dave is passionate about delivering outstanding customer experiences in nature, and inspiring & leading teams towards the achievement of great outcomes across social, environmental and economic measures. Dave is currently CEO of RealNZ one of New Zealand’s largest tourism entities, where he and the team are working hard to achieve their purpose of "helping the workload fall in love with conservation".

Coming to our formal dinner on Thursday night? Brendan will entertain you with world-class and never before seen magic with quick wit comedy, insane mind-reading, cheeky pickpocketing and plenty of audience participation to create the ultimate entertainment experience that has made him an audience favourite worldwide!

This year has seen the rollout of new fast track approvals and development of new and amended national resource management direction including significant changes to the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement.  Sally Gepp KC will present an update on 2024’s key developments in planning and consenting and insights into future resource management law changes.

www.sallygepp.co.nz

Chris is Chair of the New Zealand Marina Operators Association and GM Marina & Maritime, Far North Holdings Limited.

Chris has been with Far North Holdings Limited since its inception 17 years ago. Now, as general manager, he is responsible for the daily operation of the Maritime and marina Assets the company owns and operates.

Prior to FNHL Chris worked at the Far North District Council (FNDC) as group manager (customer services), leading pivotal projects like the development of Kerikeri’s Procter Library. As FNDC executive officer, he managed various development initiatives and strategic planning efforts.

Chris is a Fellow of the Financial Services Insitute of Australasia and is a Certified Marina Manager.

Phil Wardale currently serves as Secretary of NZMOA and is the Managing Director of WARDALE Consulting. He is also host and Master of Ceremonies of the New Zealand Marinas and Boatyard Conference.

He holds the role of Project Director for Te Pūwaha (the Whanganui Port Revitalisation Project) and serves as a company director for Bay of Islands Marina Ltd and Nelson Marina Management Ltd.

WARDALE Consulting specializes in maritime advisory and project management services, primarily for local government agencies in New Zealand.