Business Canterbury announces strategic partners

Business Canterbury is pleased to announce the confirmation of strategic partnerships with some of the region's leading organisations. The partnerships, announced recently, complement a recent transformation programme Business Canterbury has undertaken and will contribute to the delivery of products and services that help businesses navigate change and thrive.

Business Canterbury’s new strategic partners include:

• Westpac

• Orion

• University of Canterbury

• 2degrees

Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says: "This is an important moment for Business Canterbury. Westpac, Orion, the University of Canterbury, and 2degrees share our commitment to helping Canterbury businesses grow and thrive, and through their collective expertise and resources, will add significant additional value to being a member of our organisation.

"Their collective expertise and leadership are instrumental in shaping our work programme, including through learning, development, resources and event opportunities. Like all of our products and services, these will be designed to help businesses navigate ongoing changes in the business landscape, offering relevant, timely, and valuable support that simplifies business operations.

"Other recent announcements in Business Canterbury’s transformation include a new membership model, governance structure, brand, name, and customer management platforms."

2degrees Chief Business Officer Andrew Fairgray says: "The strategic partnership with Business Canterbury is a natural fit, especially given 2degrees’ new scale following their merger with Vocus New Zealand in 2022.  When we look at Kiwi businesses, what we see coming out of Canterbury is nothing short of amazing. What we do, and what we pride ourselves on doing, is partnering with NZ organisations that want to do things differently, want to challenge, want to innovate, and want to drive their productivity through the smart use of technology. We know digital enablement is critical for Kiwi businesses to grow, and this growth ultimately is what makes local communities thrive."

Brett Berquist - Amokapua | Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement at the University of Canterbury says: "The University of Canterbury proudly serves our community and is the region’s second largest employer. Over half of Waitaha Canterbury NCEA qualified students choose to study with us, and one in two of our graduates who remain in New Zealand join the workforce in Canterbury. We welcome the opportunity to work more closely with Business Canterbury as we prepare our graduates for the rapidly changing world of work, and drive our economy forward."