In a business environment shaped by economic pressure, changing customer expectations, and rapid market disruption, resilience is no longer simply about weathering change. It is about knowing when to adapt, where to invest and how to keep growing with confidence.
Anna-May Isbey is a New Zealand-based business leader specialising in China market entry, business growth, and strategic engagement. As Partner and New Zealand Representative at Mahon China Investment Management and Corporate Advisory, and International Engagement Advisor at the Auckland Business Chamber, she works with businesses navigating the opportunities and complexities of operating in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
With over ten years of on-the-ground experience in China across New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, and the New Zealand Business Roundtable in China, Anna-May has built an extensive network across government, industry, and business in both countries. Anna-May advises on China market strategy, trade policy, government and stakeholder relations, brand positioning, and the cultural and regulatory landscape businesses must understand to succeed in China. Anna-May is a Mandarin speaker and recognised voice on New Zealand-China business affairs.
Mahara Inglis is the CEO of MitoQ, a New Zealand-based consumer health company and global leader in cellular health, healthy ageing and longevity. Under Mahara’s leadership, MitoQ has continued to expand internationally, with approximately 97% of its products exported—primarily to China and the United States. The company has operated in China since 2016, building cross-border e-commerce channels, establishing an in-market team and developing research partnerships with leading institutions, including Zhejiang University.
Before joining MitoQ, Mahara led Fonterra’s probiotics and ventures business units and worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. Earlier in his career, he held roles across government, industry and the not-for-profit sector. Mahara holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, where he studied as a Fulbright Scholar, as well as undergraduate degrees in Commerce and Science from Victoria University of Wellington. He is also a member of the New Zealand China Council, contributing his experience in innovation, consumer health and growing New Zealand businesses in the Chinese market.
Ryan Sanders is an entrepreneur who started Haka Tours while on his OE in the UK, with zero tourism experience, and built it into a multi-brand tourism group generating $34 million in revenue, ranked among Deloitte's Fast 50 fastest-growing companies and winner of multiple New Zealand Tourism Awards. After navigating back-to-back 90% revenue drops through COVID, Ryan raised significant capital to launch Drifter and grow Haka House, with Intrepid Travel acquiring their signature touring brand Haka Tours.
Ryan now owns Earnscleugh Castle in Central Otago, recently featured on Grand Designs, opening as a conference venue and home to the luxury wellness brand Sanctum 7.
Tina advises New Zealand and international businesses operating in fast-changing, highly regulated sectors, helping them navigate emerging technologies, commercial risk and complex growth decisions. Her work gives her valuable insight into how organisations can respond to disruption, adapt their business models and pursue growth opportunities with confidence.
Tina brings a practical perspective on what it takes to grow and remain resilient in rapidly evolving markets.
Tina will chair the session and lead the panel discussion.
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The New Zealand Taiwan Business Council is a not-for-profit organisation fostering trade, investment, and business connections between New Zealand and Taiwan.
We support business networks, promote opportunities, and coordinate key partnerships across both regions.
The BNZBA facilitates growth in bilateral trade and investment between New Zealand and the UK, creating opportunities for its members by enabling country and industry knowledge sharing, and by helping create valuable business and personal networks.
This is achieved by working with the New Zealand and UK governments, industry partners and its member network. The BNZBA is also a member of the British Chambers of Commerce Global Network which has 51 chambers across the UK and representation in over 70 other countries.
Our Business Intelligence Series Workshops provide a unique opportunity to hear from top experts about emerging trends and key sectors in New Zealand’s economic and business landscape. These events draw a diverse audience, including managers, advisors, corporate counsel, and business executives.
Each workshop runs from 7:30 am to 9:30 am and includes a light breakfast. You’ll hear from a panel of specialists who are leaders in their fields, sharing their insights and deep sector knowledge in an interactive and engaging format. There’s also plenty of time to ask questions and connect with other attendees during the workshop.
