2026 Energy Series | Energy Efficiency & Optimisation – Stories from Bay Businesses

4-6.30pm, Monday 19 October, The Tauranga Club

With rising costs, productivity pressures and a rapidly changing energy landscape, energy efficiency is one of the most effective opportunities available to businesses today. This session will focus on optimisation – practical changes, smarter decisions and proven approaches that help organisations do more with less.

Hear directly from Bay of Plenty businesses taking action, with stories on the challenges they faced, the changes they made and the outcomes achieved.

From operational efficiencies and smarter energy management to technology upgrades, process improvements and risk reduction, the evening will offer practical examples you can apply in your own business.

Whether you're a manufacturer, logistics operator, commercial business, industrial factory, infrastructure provider or service organisation, come along to connect with local business leaders, energy specialists and industry experts, plus get a chance to speak to the attending presenters.

SPEAKERS & TOPICS

Sarah Lei, Head of Strategic Projects, Trevelyan’s Ltd

From Coolstores to Flex Markets: Practical Energy Optimisation in Action

Trevelyan's is one of New Zealand's leading kiwifruit and avocado post-harvest operators, providing packing, cool storage and logistics services to growers throughout the Bay of Plenty. Sarah Lei will share the company's experience optimising electricity use across packhouse and coolstore operations. She will explore how an over-arching energy strategy can help identify key actions required to reduce energy demand while maintaining performance. Sarah will also discuss the impacts of these actions and the role of Simply Energy's flexibility solutions and energy market opportunities in helping large energy users better manage electricity consumption and costs.

Aaron Gill, Executive Divisional Manager, Fulton Hogan

Operations: Finding Opportunities for Better Performance

Fulton Hogan is a leading infrastructure and civil construction company, delivering and maintaining transport, water and energy infrastructure across New Zealand, Australia and locally here in Tauranga. Aaron Gill will share how Fulton Hogan is using data to identify its largest energy and emissions contributors and target improvements where they can have the greatest impact. Drawing on lessons from bitumen plant operations and the transition to a fully imported bitumen supply chain, Aaron will highlight practical approaches to improving efficiency, reducing costs and building operational resilience.

David Pugh, Process Automation Engineer, Lawter

Turning Data into Action: Finding and Fixing Energy Inefficiencies

Lawter is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer serving industries, including adhesives, coatings, inks and rubber, with an operation in Mount Maunganui. David Pugh will share how Lawter is using cost-effective technologies, digital tools and operational data to identify energy inefficiencies and target improvements. Through practical examples and lessons learned, David will share Lawter's experience of how businesses can use data to uncover opportunities, reduce waste and achieve measurable energy savings.

Ben Neilson, Senior Mechanical Engineer, BTune by Beca

Easy Energy Savings Through HVAC Optimisation

BTune is a smart building optimisation platform that uses data, automation and advanced controls to continuously improve the performance of HVAC systems, helping businesses reduce energy use, lower costs and improve occupant comfort. Ben Neilson will share how BTune is helping businesses unlock energy savings through the optimisation of existing HVAC systems. Using real case studies, he'll demonstrate how data, automation and smart controls can identify inefficiencies, improve building performance and deliver measurable energy savings without major capital investment.

Adrian Dickison, Technical Fellow, Beca & Co-founder, Maestro

Optimising Cold Storage for Better Energy Performance

Mastro helps businesses optimise refrigeration and cold storage systems to improve energy performance, reduce operating costs and enhance system reliability.

Adrian Dickison will share how Maestro is helping businesses unlock energy savings through refrigeration and cold storage optimisation. Drawing on real-world case studies, he'll demonstrate how improved system performance, smarter controls and targeted operational changes can reduce energy use, improve reliability and deliver measurable business benefits.

As the last energy event of the year, it's a chance to network, share learnings and leave with practical steps to help prepare your business for the future. Drinks and canapes will be served.

This session will be recorded – signup here for our newsletter to be alerted to the video release, plus find out about future events, insights and opportunities.

What's the 2026 Energy Series?

A practical learning series bringing together businesses to learn from energy specialists, explore cost‑efficient solutions, and take action to optimise costs, strengthen resilience and plan confidently for the future.

The series aligns with the work of the Energy Leadership Group (ELG) and the development of the Western Bay of Plenty’s regional energy strategy. The series will include workshops on topics such as biomass, transport & logistics, and more. Alongside specialist insights, we’ll seek your input to help shape the topics discussed so they reflect your business priorities and real‑world needs.

This session is also about connection. You'll have the opportunity to engage with peers, industry experts and innovators, helping to accelerate your energy strategy.

This series is bought to you by Priority One, EMA, EECA, Beca and the Energy Leadership Group (ELG).

Learn more about Priority One's energy work here.