TBC

Cameron Bagrie
Independent Economist

Guest Speaker
SIDE Breakfast

Cam is New Zealand’s leading independent economist, with extensive experience in business and agriculture and brings a local and international flavour to his  conversations. Cam’s ability to take complicated and complex information and data and make it accessible and meaningful for his audience sets him apart. Cam also runs two other businesses besides Bagrie Economics and sits on a couple of boards so is a business honed economist, not a theory or ivory tower based one.

Join Cam as he takes us through the issues and opportunities for the dairy sector, provides commentary and analysis on what the present and future holds and how the sector can thrive in these uncertain times. A not to be missed intimate breakfast where you’ll get to be informed, ask questions and engage with fellow business owners. 

Zion Armstrong

CEO Jamie Kay Group NZ

Zion joined the Jamie Kay team as CEO in 2023. As a values-based leader Zion is world- renowned for his ability to connect and empower teams, foster a diverse and inclusive culture, and grow talent. He believes if you put people first results will always follow.
A former president of adidas North America, Zion oversaw the business in the U.S and Canada and was responsible for driving the vision and culture.
Zion’s successful history with adidas spanned many years and many countries. Starting in 1998 the journey took him to Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea and the US with role progressions from Product Manager to president of adidas North America.
During his time Zion led the North American team to deliver record results, more than doubling revenues to 6BLN USD and posting record profitability.
Alongside his role at Jamie Kay, Zion is non-executive director of KMD Brands and US
company, Cosmo.
Zion Armstrong is an avid sports fan. He competed in the IAAF World Junior Championships
and the Commonwealth Games and is a former New Zealand record holder for 400-metre
hurdles. Born and raised in New Zealand, Zion is one of 10 - he has six sisters and three
brothers. Zion has two kids and lives in between Auckland and Christchurch.

Brooke Roberts

CEO Sharesies

Brooke is a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to financial education, empowerment, and creating equal opportunities for everyday Kiwis. She’s helped build one of New Zealand’s most accessible investing platforms, Sharesies, and has been recognised nationally for her impact, earning titles such as Women of Influence and Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual.

Beyond these accolades, she serves on boards and advisory panels, using her voice to drive meaningful change within business and the community.

At SIDE 2026, she’ll bring her passion for equality, entrepreneurial drive, and belief in using business as a force for good to inspire how you can think about the future of farming and your financial wellbeing.

Dr John Roche

Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor

Dr John Roche is a globally recognised expert in agricultural science and was appointed Chief Science Advisor to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in May 2025.

He also serves as Deputy Chair of the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Advisory Council, which was established to guide the government on key scientific priorities and challenges.

Dr Roche grew up on a dairy farm in Castleisland, Ireland, where his early experiences shaped his passion for agricultural innovation and sustainability. He holds an Honours degree in Animal Science, a Master’s in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition. His academic and professional career spans Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, with a focus on advancing sustainable farming practices and improving agricultural productivity.

Dr Roche has also served as Chief Science Adviser at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) since 2018, a role he continues on a part time basis. At MPI, he led the organisation’s science forum, chaired the science governance group, and oversaw the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. He also contributed to the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor’s Forum and held an adjunct professorship at the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences.

Dr Roche’s previous roles include Principal Scientist for Animal Science at DairyNZ, where he worked on innovative solutions to enhance the dairy sector’s sustainability and resilience. His expertise in animal nutrition, farm systems, and pasture management has made him a trusted advisor in both scientific and policy circles.