EMA

What does building a spaghetti tower have to do with effective communication? Quite a lot, actually! For the last two days, I’ve been working with the EMA, training an incredible group of leaders in the art of effective communication. One of the activities we did? The famous Spaghetti Tower Challenge—where teams build the tallest possible tower using only spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow on top. At first glance, it might seem like a fun team-building exercise (and it definitely is!). But beneath the surface, this activity highlights key lessons about communication, collaboration, and problem-solving under pressure. 💡 We all communicate differently – Some people want to jump in and start building. Others want to plan and discuss before taking action. Understanding these differences is key to working effectively with others. 💡 Clear roles and expectations matter – Who’s leading? Who’s testing the structure? Who’s making sure the marshmallow doesn’t bring the whole thing crashing down? Teams that communicate clearly about roles tend to build stronger towers—and stronger relationships. 💡 Feedback is essential – The best teams don’t wait until the end to see if their tower holds up. They test, adapt, and adjust as they go—just like effective communicators who check in, clarify, and refine their messages. This hands-on, experiential approach to learning is a big part of my work and the "magic" that I bring to any programme I'm facilitating. I believe that practicing skills in a safe environment, learning through peer collaboration and discussion, and making actionable commitments lead to real, long-term change. And yes, I firmly believe that learning should be fun! If you're looking to help your team communicate more effectively (without building actual spaghetti towers at work—unless that’s your thing!), let’s chat. What’s the best hands-on learning experience you’ve ever had in a workshop? I'd love to hear about it!

We regularly hear from clients that on any given day, your HR needs can hold you back from thinking strategically. It keeps you stuck putting out fires, from performance management to team engagement. And as your business grows, you know it's crucial to get HR processes right, first time, to avoid them escalating into employment relations issues down the line. That's why we've put together this HR Essentials Kit. It contains a selection of EMA resources to give your processes a quick-once over and get you on the right track. Download now: https://lnkd.in/g-XfNEaW Your free HR Essentials Kit includes: - Turning Performance Around: A Manager's Guide - Seamless Onboarding: Your 60-Day Plan - Future Leaders: A Succession Management Guide - The Goal-Getter's Guide: Setting and Achieving SMART Goals Download now: https://lnkd.in/g-XfNEaW

🌟 Exciting Day at the ASB Manufacturers Workshop in Auckland! 🌟 Today, we had a full house at the ASB Manufacturers Workshop in Auckland and the conversation and energy was awesome! 🚀 It was inspiring to see so many Production Managers, Factory Managers, Operations Managers, CFOs and CEOs come together to share insights, network and explore the future of manufacturing. Key takeaways: - Embracing Industry 4.0: We learned about the transformative potential of Industry 4.0 technologies including ERP and MES systems and how they can boost productivity and streamline operations. - Vertical and Horizontal Integration: The importance of integrating systems both vertically (within the organisation) and horizontally (across the supply chain) was highlighted showing how seamless integration can lead to improved coordination, efficiency and overall performance. Next stop - off to see and support manufacturers in Invercargill! 15 more workshops coming up across the country - check them out here https://lnkd.in/gYejkdr5 Let's continue to drive the NZ manufacturing industry forward! 💡🔧 EMA ASB Bank LMAC Group James Leek Ethan MacDonald Bruce Pollock

The ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards are back by popular demand. The call for entries is now open, you have until 18 April to get your entry in. The awards gala will take place on 18 July at Mercury Baypark, Mt Maunganui. The event - organised by the EMA - is proudly supported by principal sponsor ASB Bank, as well as Sharp Tudhope Lawyers, Air New Zealand Cargo, Page Macrae Engineering, Zespri International, and Orbit World Travel (NZ), and supporting partners New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Comvita Limited and Port of Tauranga Limited. The awards feature  five categories, including the coveted Exporter of the Year, and are judged by a panel of experienced export specialists from ExportNZ, NZTE, and ASB. The categories are: ▶️ Best Emerging Business (Air NZ Cargo) – Celebrating early-stage export success. ▶️ Excellence in Innovation (Page Macrae) – Acknowledging businesses that have successfully commercialised innovation internationally. ▶️ Exporter of the Year (Sharp Tudhope) – Recognising established businesses with a strong track record in export markets. ▶️ Export Achievement Award (Zespri) – Honouring an individual’s impact on export growth and profitability. ▶️ Services to Export Award (Orbit Travel) – Recognising an individual’s outstanding contribution to exporting. To enter, go to: https://lnkd.in/g3_9_Yzv

We are currently on the road with the Summer 2025 Member Briefings, having presented from Bay of Plenty to Northland, including Waikato and Auckland. Thank you to every EMA Member who has attended so far! In this round we've been discussing: ▶️ The Holidays Act and what we expect the new legislation to contain. ▶️ Vocational education reform consultation, including the redesigned Institute of Technology and Polytechnic system, an industry-led approach to standards-setting and industry training, and changes to vocational education funding from 2026. ▶️ What we expect in the replacement Resource Management Act legislation, which the government has signalled will be introduced in mid-2025. ▶️ Recent changes to New Zealand’s immigrations settings, particularly the Accredited Employer Work Visa and Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme, and how they will affect employers. ▶️ Progress on the major reforms to health and safety legislation, including outcomes of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 consultation. ▶️ How we see the 30-year National Infrastructure Plan shaping up ahead of the release of the draft plan in mid-2025, and the new National Infrastructure Agency’s role in attracting private sector financing. ▶️ The significant health and safety prosecution of the former Ports of Auckland Limited Chief Executive and its implications for senior leaders, along with other important rulings from the Employment Court and Employment Relations Authority. If you are an EMA Member and didn't catch your local Briefing, you can join our live online session on 20 March instead - book today: https://lnkd.in/gaJSJswf

Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of New Zealand businesses? At the EMA, we are looking for a Senior Solicitor to join our dynamic team and help us fuel the ambition and potential of New Zealand businesses. In this role, you will deliver top-tier legal advice across diverse and complex issues, while mentoring and leading a talented team of junior professionals. From high-profile cases to shaping EMA’s advocacy agenda, your impact will be felt far and wide. Read more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gXW97RAt

Here's an exciting Masterclass for C-Suite and executive leaders: The Ultimate Guide to Building a High-Performing and Thriving Culture, at EMA in Auckland on 27 March, with a follow up online workshop on 7 April. If it’s anything like the previous leadership Masterclass, this promises to be a fascinating day of insight and learning, actionable and practical tools and strategies, and connection with other like-minded businesspeople. Best Places to Work™ has partnered with Cultivating Leadership to design and facilitate these sessions, and you’ll hear from some of the best minds on this topic including Leanne Holdsworth, Jim Wicks, Jennifer Garvey Berger, and 2024 Best Places to Work™ Overall Awards winner, Nicola Taylor. You can find all the details and register here: https://lnkd.in/g_D9qteg

You’re leading people and handling workplace challenges – but what about developing your own career? We’ve created this easy quiz for you to quickly identify which aspects of your leadership you can advance: https://ema.co.nz/quiz/ Plus, dreaming big just got easier - simply complete the leadership quiz before 4/04/25 and we’ll put you in the draw to win a $1,000 EMA Learning and Development voucher to invest in your career. 

Are you a manager in the New Zealand manufacturing sector? Through real-world case studies, discover how your organisation could increase efficiency and achieve sustainable success in a competitive landscape with Industry 4.0 technologies. Discover more at the ASB Manufacturers Workshops happening across New Zealand: https://lnkd.in/gY3juFwT Brought to you by ASB Bank, Beca, Beyon, LMAC Group and Aspect Productivity Technology Ltd.

Join us on Thursday, 20 March for an exclusive EMA Member-only forum featuring Labour Leader, Rt Hon Chris Hipkins and Labour Spokesperson for Finance and Infrastructure, Hon Barbara Edmonds. Gain insights into what the Opposition's views are on the upcoming budget, business innovation, employment legislation, and more ahead of next year's election. Don't miss this chance to engage directly with these two key political figures. Limited spots available—RSVP today: https://lnkd.in/gRUH7iKQ