Business

Following the first Tauranga NZ Business Connect event of 2026 on 24 February, business leaders left with a refreshed and optimistic perspective on artificial intelligence and the future of entry level roles. Proudly sponsored by Stephen Hatfield of Hatfield Accounting Tauranga, with venue sponsorship from Little Long Espresso, the event brought together professionals from across the region to explore how AI is reshaping both university pathways and business environments. Guest speaker Annika Hinze from The University of Waikato delivered practical insights into what this technological shift really means for interns, graduates and small to medium sized enterprises. Her message was clear and reassuring. AI is not here to replace emerging talent. It is here to support it. “AI isn’t here to take their jobs,” she explained. “It’s here to help them be more proactive and produce creativity.” By handling repetitive and time consuming tasks, AI enables young professionals to focus on higher value work such as critical thinking, innovation and strategic problem solving. Rather than removing opportunity, it enhances the ability of interns and graduates to contribute meaningfully from an early stage in their careers. Annika also outlined two key forms of AI shaping today’s workplaces. Generative AI can create new ideas and content, even if it occasionally makes mistakes. Agentic AI goes a step further, acting autonomously based on data inputs and trends to make decisions with minimal prompting. While these tools are powerful, she emphasised they are most effective when used alongside human judgement, curiosity and creativity. For New Zealand’s SMEs, this presents significant opportunity. Small businesses are agile and innovative but often operate with limited resources. Interns bring fresh thinking, digital confidence and a willingness to experiment with emerging tools. In return, they gain invaluable real world experience, professional networks and a clearer understanding of how businesses operate. When AI capability and emerging talent come together within SMEs, it creates a partnership where both sides grow stronger and more future ready. Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

NZ Business Connect is pleased to introduce Ruan Chryssafis of Vega Mortgages Ltd to the network, bringing extensive lending expertise and a relationship-driven approach to helping New Zealanders achieve their property and financial goals. Ruan began his mortgage advisory business in April 2018 after five years working as a Home Lending Specialist with ANZ Bank. While banking provided a strong technical foundation, he saw greater opportunity to support clients by working across multiple lenders and offering more tailored, strategic advice. Establishing his own advisory business allowed him to focus on what he enjoys most: guiding people through complex lending processes and helping them make confident, informed decisions. Ruan specialises in residential lending, assisting existing homeowners, first-home buyers, property investors, and those undertaking construction projects. He also supports business owners with cashflow funding, asset finance, commercial lending, and development finance. By working closely with major banks and non-bank lenders, he evaluates borrowing capacity and structures lending solutions aligned to each client’s personal goals, whether that means accelerating mortgage repayment, improving cashflow, or building a long-term property portfolio. Relationships are central to Ruan’s success. With 80 percent of new business generated through referrals, trust and clear communication are key pillars of his approach. He encourages clients to engage early, before securing a property or finalising savings, as early planning enables stronger lending positioning and smoother approvals. With the belief that every situation has a solution, he brings persistence and clarity to even the most complex scenarios. Supported by a postgraduate diploma in banking and a Bachelor of Commerce in finance and international trade, alongside 15 years of lending experience and personal property investment experience, Ruan understands lending from both professional and real-world perspectives. Having assisted more than 1,000 clients on their property journey, Ruan joins NZ Business Connect with a commitment to honesty, integrity, and building meaningful connections within the business community. Contact Ruan Chryssafis ruan@vegalend.co.nz 021 901 702 https://vegalend.co.nz/ruan-chryssafis Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Stephen Hatfield is supporting the Tauranga business community as sponsor of the upcoming event hosted by NZ Business Connect on 24 February. Held at Little Long Espresso, the gathering will feature guest speaker Annika Hinze from the Cybersecurity and AI department at the University of Waikato, bringing insight into issues increasingly shaping modern business. A Tauranga-based Chartered Accountant with more than 30 years of experience, Stephen leads Hatfield Business Development and Accounting Services with a philosophy centred on helping small and medium sized businesses make informed, confident decisions. Since establishing his boutique practice in 2012, he has offered a model built on three connected pillars: business planning and development, traditional accounting services, and tax. This integrated approach reflects Stephen’s belief that accounting should go beyond reporting on the past. While strong financial compliance and clear reporting remain essential, his focus extends to helping clients understand their present position and plan strategically for their future prosperity. Whether that success means navigating tax obligations smoothly or achieving long term growth goals, his role is to provide guidance that is practical, accessible, and forward looking. The values underpinning his practice reinforce this mindset: Stephen’s sponsorship reflects a shared alignment with the purpose of NZ Business Connect events, which encourage meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across the business community. By supporting this Tauranga gathering, he is helping create an environment where professionals can exchange ideas and explore emerging topics such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence alongside trusted business fundamentals. Those wishing to connect with Stephen can do so directly:Phone: 07 579 6022Email: Stephen@hatfield.co.nzWebsite: hatfield.co.nz Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

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