Bridging the Gap: Understanding the national economy through a local lens

Join us exclusive Lunch & Engage session featuring the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Dr Anna Breman.

Hosted by Waikato Young Professionals in partnership with Love the Centre and proudly sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners Hamilton, this special “Lunch and Engage” panel brings together Hamilton’s central city business community and emerging professionals for a thought-provoking discussion on the forces shaping our economy.

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from Dr Anna Breman as part of her nationwide regional engagement programme, connecting with communities across New Zealand. She will be joined by a panel of local business and community leaders, offering a range of perspectives on New Zealand’s economic outlook, the key forces shaping the region’s future, and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Delivered in a relaxed lunch-and-learn format, the session will feature a facilitated panel discussion, live audience Q&A, and dedicated networking time. Light catering will be provided to support an accessible and engaging experience.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 29 April 2026

Time: Doors open 12:00pm | Panel discussion 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Location: Waikato Room 1, SkyCity Hamilton, venue kindly provided by SkyCity – home of entertainment in the heart of Hamilton

Speakers

Dr Anna Breman — Governor, Reserve Bank of New Zealand

Vanessa Williams — General Manager, Hamilton Central Business Association

Callum Malcolm — Investment Adviser, Craigs Investment Partners

Tyla Robinson — Chairperson, Waikato Young Professionals (MC)

This session will explore:

·         National and global economic trends—and what they mean for the Waikato

·         The impact of inflation, interest rates, and global events on SMEs

·         Cost of living, productivity, innovation, and the future of key regional sectors

·         Housing affordability and the role of monetary policy in New Zealand

·         Leadership and career insights in an evolving economic environment

A key focus of this event is to create a genuine listening forum—giving local businesses and young professionals the opportunity to share their perspectives directly with those shaping New Zealand’s economic landscape.

Don’t miss the chance to gain firsthand insights from one of the country’s most influential economic leaders, alongside voices at the forefront of the Waikato growth and development.

Spaces are limited—secure your spot today.

Speaker profiles:

Dr Anna Breman, Governor, Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

Before joining the Reserve Bank, Dr Breman served as the First Deputy Governor of Sveriges Riksbank (the central bank of Sweden) from September 2022 to October 2025. She was also a member of its Executive Board as a Deputy Governor from December 2019. The Executive Board members are jointly responsible for contributing to the overall management and decision-making of the central bank, including monetary policy, financial stability, and national payments systems.

Dr Breman holds a PhD in Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics and has previously been group chief economist and global head of macro research at Swedbank. She has also worked at the Swedish Ministry of Finance, the World Bank and as a researcher at the University of Arizona.

Vanessa Williams, General Manager, Hamilton Central Business Association

Vanessa Williams is General Manager of Hamilton Central Business Association (HCBA), where she brings over 10 years of experience in central city development, advocacy and business engagement. The HCBA is based in the heart of the central city and represents approximately 1,300 businesses and property owners, with the primary purpose of supporting, promoting and advocating on their behalf to contribute to the revitalisation of Hamilton's CBD. She also has nearly 30 years of experience in marketing, design and community engagement both in New Zealand and internationally, and leads Hamilton Central with energy, vision, and a genuine passion for seeing Hamilton thrive.

Throughout her career, Vanessa has gained experience across a multitude of different organisations, working in both the public and private sectors, as well as profit and nonprofit sectors. Her career has spanned roles with New Zealand Home Loans, The Order of St John, and international positions in Brunei, England and Scotland, giving her a diverse perspective on economic development and community engagement.

Callum Malcolm, Investment Advisor, Craigs Investment Partners Hamilton

Callum Malcolm is an Investment Adviser at Craigs Investment Partners, where he has worked for the past seven years in the Hamilton branch and is a shareholder of the firm. He has spent 19 years working across a range of roles in the financial services sector. Earlier in his career, Callum worked at Westpac and Goldman Sachs in the UK, providing exposure to both domestic and offshore financial markets.

Callum primarily advises retail investors, business owners, and farming clients across the Waikato and Pukekohe regions. His advice is informed by a practical understanding of how economic conditions and market movements affect local households and businesses. Outside of work, Callum is involved with several community organisation, including the Adastra Foundation, Whangamata Surf Club, and Seddon Cricket Club.