Visionaries in New Zealand’s agribusiness sector, Shane and Lynnette McManaway’s contribution to farming, rural leadership and community development has been significant. Shane was awarded the MNZM in 2022 for his agriculture and community services and, alongside Lynnette,  they now oversee multiple farming enterprises including Gold Creek and the historic Ongaha Station along with other business interests. Lynnette’s passion and commitment to sustainability has led to transformative environmental initiatives including large-scale native planting, waterway protection and restoration of historic buildings.  The pair helped shape rural healthcare by funding and establishing Five Rivers Medical Facility along with a purpose-built building for the Wellington Free Ambulance station in Greytown, South Wairarapa. In 2005 Shane founded the Australasian Platinum Primary Producers group and in 2014 the Prestigious Australasian Zanda McDonald Award to foster future young agricultural leaders.  Shane is still involved in both organisations today and is Chair of ZMA.

Rob Fyfe CNZM is a prominent New Zealand business leader and former CEO of Air New Zealand (2005–2012). A mechanical engineering graduate and ex-RNZAF Flight Commander, he has held senior roles across banking, media, and retail. He chaired and was CEO of Icebreaker (2013–2018), served on boards including Antarctica New Zealand and Air Canada, and was a key liaison during NZ’s Covid-19 response. In 2024, he founded the $100m advanced beverage can manufacturing plant, Recorp, aiming to revolutionize NZ’s beverage packaging market. Fyfe is a Companion of the NZ Order of Merit and holds an honorary doctorate in commerce.

Dame Joan Withers is a distinguished leader with over 25 years of experience in the media industry, having held CEO roles at Fairfax NZ Ltd and The Radio Network. She currently serves as Chair of The Warehouse Group and as a director for ANZ NZ, Sky Network TV, and Origin Energy. Dame Joan has held leadership roles at several major companies and is a co-founder of On Being Bold, supporting women in business. An author of two books, Dame Joan has received numerous awards, including the Women of Influence Supreme Award in 2015 and was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in June 2024.

Hinerangi Raumati is a distinguished Māori business leader and governance expert. She is the former Chair of Moana New Zealand, Aotearoa’s largest Māori-owned fishing company, and currently serves as Chair of Tainui Group Holdings and Te Pou Herenga Pakihi. Hinerangi also sits on the boards of Genesis Energy and the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation. With a Master’s in Management Studies from Waikato University, she began her governance career as a trustee of Trust Waikato. In 2012, she was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her contributions to Māori business and leadership.

Catherine Savage is a distinguished business leader with over 30 years’ experience spanning public and private sectors across Asia Pacific. Former Managing Director of AMP Capital and long-serving Chair of the NZ Super Fund, she currently holds directorships with NZ Rugby, Beca, and global organisations including the Pacific Pension Institute. Known for her integrity and quiet influence, Catherine actively champions women in leadership and community causes. Through Savage Group and personal philanthropy, she uplifts others and advances inclusive, values-led governance in Aotearoa and beyond.

Rod Drury is best known as the founder of Xero, the global small business accounting platform that became a top 30 ASX company, serving over 4 million customers with 4,500+ employees in 25+ locations. His entrepreneurial impact has earned him global recognition, including EY New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year, NZ Herald Business Leader of the Year, and a spot in the NZ Hi-Tech Hall of Fame. Among other accolades Rod has also been honored as a World Class New Zealander for ICT and named one of Investopedia’s Top 10 Serial Entrepreneurs.

Alan Bougen co-founded Comvita in 1975 with a vision of connecting people to nature and good health. Today, Comvita is one of New Zealand's leading healthcare brands and the largest producer of Mānuka honey in the world.

Under Alan’s leadership, and with the support of a talented team, Comvita grew into a global powerhouse, exporting to over 20 countries and reaching annual revenues exceeding $200 million. A champion of sustainability and natural health, Bougen is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting environmental conservation, scientific research, and community well-being initiatives.