AMBAA's closing event for 2025 proved to be a highly engaging evening, bringing together a strong turnout of MBA alumni at The Good Home in Mt Eden. The gathering showcased one of our largest audiences this year, reflecting the draw of our keynote speaker, Sam Stubbs, Managing Director of Simplicity and the growing alumni community spirit.

Stubbs delivered a compelling talk that blended personal narrative with hard financial analysis. Drawing on his journey from his West Auckland beginnings to leading one of New Zealand's most progressive KiwiSaver providers, he wove together insights from his extensive background in investment banking and global finance.

The centrepiece of his address was a refreshingly optimistic economic outlook beyond 2026, despite global uncertainty. Rather than doom-and-gloom predictions, Stubbs highlighted emerging positive signals: a stabilising housing market, KiwiSaver's growing catalytic role in driving infrastructure and venture capital investment, and growing collaboration between iwi, offshore investors, and local funds. He positioned New Zealand at a critical juncture, drawing parallels to Australia's transformative moment in the 1980s - a period that fundamentally shaped their economic trajectory.

He argued persuasively that New Zealand's retirement savings challenge isn't just individual concern; it's a national competitive issue, directly impacting infrastructure investment, job creation, and long-term prosperity.

The evening struck an excellent balance between thought provoking economic commentary and great conversation with fellow MBAs.  It was the perfect way to close out a busy year of AMBAA programming and reconnect with our alumni community.

In August 2025, AMBAA hosted a highly engaging session on how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to maximise business success. Led by Dr Guy Bate and Riëtte Ackermann from the University of Auckland Business School, the event offered members an interactive look at how generative AI is being applied in modern learning environments to strengthen critical thinking, creativity, and communication.

Attendees explored practical demonstrations of AI tools, including the use of avatars and emerging applications that are reshaping decision-making and value creation across industries. The session also introduced participants to the concept of creating targeted personas within ChatGPT, providing a practical example they could take away and adapt for their own professional use.

Throughout the discussion, Guy and Riëtte shared thoughtful insights grounded in their extensive experience across strategy, innovation, and leadership development. Their combined perspectives gave members a clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating AI into business practice.

The event was well received for its relevance, interactivity, and forward-looking focus, leaving attendees inspired to think more critically about how AI can support their own work. It was a valuable addition to our 2025 programme and a strong example of AMBAA’s commitment to meaningful, future-focused learning.

Our Annual General Meeting on 7 May was well attended and provided an important moment for members to come together and reflect on AMBAA’s progress over the past year. The session highlighted key achievements, reviewed financial performance, and confirmed our ongoing commitment to delivering value for a growing and diverse membership.

A significant focus of the meeting was the proposed updates to the AMBAA Constitution. These changes were discussed and approved to ensure the organisation remains fit for the future and aligned with the evolving needs of our community. The positive engagement from attendees reinforced the importance of keeping our governance structures strong, transparent, and responsive.

The AGM also included the election of board members and a forward-looking discussion on upcoming initiatives and priorities for the year ahead. Members appreciated the opportunity to contribute their perspectives and help shape the strategic direction of the association.

Overall, the meeting underscored the value of active member participation and the shared commitment to AMBAA’s continued growth and success.

In April, AMBAA hosted a highly anticipated governance event that drew strong attendance and once again demonstrated the depth of interest across our alumni community. Designed for professionals at every stage of their governance journey, the session brought together an exceptional panel of senior directors and governance leaders who shared insights shaped by broad and diverse experience.

The discussion explored the realities of effective governance, from navigating organisational complexity to maintaining ethical leadership and building resilience through uncertainty. Panel members offered candid reflections on board dynamics, strategic oversight, and the common challenges that emerging and experienced directors encounter. Attendees valued the practical advice and the openness with which the panel addressed both opportunities and obstacles within modern governance environments.

The event provided a valuable platform for MBA alumni and students to deepen their understanding of governance practice, consider future leadership pathways, and engage with a community of peers equally committed to strong, informed decision-making. The wide-ranging perspectives offered by the panel made the evening both informative and energising.

This session reinforced AMBAA’s commitment to supporting members as they navigate leadership and board responsibilities. It stood out as a highlight of the 2025 programme and underscored the importance of equipping emerging leaders with the insights needed to contribute effectively in governance roles.