Shift Happens
Amanda Fleming - one of Aotearoa’s most respected transformational facilitators - is offering three exclusive half-day workshops in Ōamaru. Designed for busy people who want real tools and big gains, these short-format sessions deliver deep insight, practical skills and the chance to reset with purpose. Places are limited. Don’t miss out.
Introducing - Mini Momentum Builders
NEW! Half-day workshops with Amanda Fleming
“Loved Amanda’s full-day and multi-day intensives? These half-day formats are your chance to top up, reconnect, or dive in for the first time — in bite-sized bursts.”
If you’re already familiar with Amanda Fleming’s work, you’ll recognise this as the win it is.
If you’re not already familiar with her, Amanda is one of New Zealand’s leading transformational facilitators - best known in Waitaki for her organisational facilitation and multi-day intensives that have helped people develop the kinds of interpersonal skills that make high achievers and changemakers deeply effective.
These skills have never been more in demand and Amanda’s 2025-26 schedule is packed.
So, we’re thrilled to have now secured a small handful of half-day session, thanks to her ongoing commitment to local capability building.
Carefully curated and intentionally short, these high-impact sessions offer deep access to the foundations of Amanda’s work - authentic personal development in practice.
You have three distinct chances to learn, grow and reset:
AUGUST 19 - Rolling with the Punches
Staying Steady in a Shifting WorldSEPTEMBER 9 - Pain-Free Presenting (Part One)
The Confidence BuildOCTOBER 21 - Pain-Free Presenting (Part Two)
The Competence Build
We’re hoping more will follow in 2026 - but if you’ve ever thought “I should do one of Amanda’s workshops”, seize this moment, now.
Short sessions. Big gains. Only in Ōamaru.
Shorter formats make places strictly limited. Reserve your space now.
Not all business networking is created equal
Business networking that works - check out our three types of regular networking events and choose which one (or all) that work(s) for you:
The Exchange - Purposeful networking with themed speaker
Industry Co-Labs - connect with others in your industry
BNI - structured referrals
We all know business networking can be a powerful tool for growth—but only when it’s done right.
Too often, it’s reduced to small talk and business cards, with little follow-through or value. Worse, sometimes it’s not even that, but rather an obligation to show up and observe the usual cliques being cliquey.
We believe good networking is about something more: connection, relevance and shared purpose.
That’s why we offer a variety of business networking options, designed to suit different styles and goals.
Exchange: the power of purposeful connection
Our monthly Exchange event is built for those who want more than a handshake and a hello. Held in The Bank, Exchange is a relaxed, after-work event that blends genuine connection with expert insights.
Each month, we invite a local speaker to share their experience or market knowledge, followed by time to ask questions, meet others and explore opportunities.
It’s not about selling—it’s about learning, sharing and moving your business forward with the support of others in the same boat.
BNI: structured referrals that get results
We’re also proud to initiate a local chapter of BNI (Business Network International), the world’s largest structured networking organisation.
BNI is ideal for business owners who want a clear system for referrals, strong accountability and weekly momentum. With over 38 years of results behind it, BNI helps members grow through regular connection, shared goals and a 'giver’s gain' approach.
It’s a format that works—especially for those who thrive on consistency and structure.
Industry Co-Labs: connect with people who get it
Sometimes, you just want to talk to someone who understands your industry.
Industry Co-Labs are informal, sector-based sessions where you can swap stories, test ideas and ask the questions that only peers will understand. It’s a chance to meet others in your field, stay across trends and find potential collaborators—without the pressure of a pitch.
Why it matters
Not all networking event types work for everyone—and that’s okay.
You might not feel super confident about business networking, quite possibly because you’ve had a poor experience or have been given a fixed idea of what it’s “supposed to be”.
We’ve come to understand that a good experience usually comes down to a few key ingredients:
Clear expectations about the type of event you're attending
Good hosting, so you're not left standing around looking at cliques
Recognition that there isn't one right way, you just need to be yourself
Whether you're looking for leads, knowledge or connection, our networking line-up gives you the chance to show up in a way that feels authentic and worthwhile.
Done well, networking can change the course of a business. It’s how we find new opportunities, gain perspective and remember that we’re not doing this alone.
Grow Your Business in 2025 BNI-Style
BNI is the most effective networking organisation we have come across, by far. We’re looking to form a group here in Waitaki and looking for people who great at what they do, focused on growing their business and looking for new opportunities locally. Find out more here.
About a thousand years ago, when I first went out on my own as a copywriter in the UK, I joined a networking organisation that within a year, produced 90% of my revenue. Now I’m going to introduce that organisation to you.
Regular revenue wasn’t the only benefit I gained. I got to work in new ways that developed my craft and I got outstanding business advice that helped me increase my charge-out rate AND my overall profitability.
I was a business of one.
Some people in the group came from far bigger businesses.
All of us turned up week after week because it was REALLY good for business.
Returning to New Zealand I tried some different networking groups - women’s ones, informal ones, breakaway versions of the one I joined in the UK but ultimately the only one that reliably worked for me home in NZ was the one I first found in the UK - BNI.
What I came to recognise is that over four decades, all around the world, across vastly different cultures (including over 25 years in New Zealand), BNI has stuck to its knitting because it works.
It works to grow businesses.
It works to grow expertise.
It works to support incredible connections.
I know from experience that BNI is not a magic bullet for everyone.
But if you’re the sort of person who does what you say you will, are good at what you do, are focussed on growing your business and looking for some new opportunities - it could be for you.
If you’d like to know more, fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch.
Microsoft Skills Training
If you or someone in your team needs some help to become more proficient with Microsoft tools, we may have the solution for you. Local training that saves you money? Check it out here.
Training staff definitely costs but possibly not as much as the productivity deficit when your team isn’t using their tools most efficiently. That’s why we’ve found a trainer who is willing to come to Oamaru to deliver first class Microsoft skills training.
All we have to do is put enough people in the room to make it worth their while. So, if you or someone in your team needs to upskill, let us know using the form below.
Once we get an idea of who needs what, we can start to put together a training plan that will save everyone a bit of coin.
Industry Co-Labs
The Business Hive is launching a series of Industry Co-Labs to give local and independent businesses the opportunity to network with allied professionals in your industry.
Let us know what industry you’re interested in connecting with, and we’ll get you connected.
The Business Hive is launching a series of Industry Co-Labs to give local and independent businesses the opportunity to network with allied professionals in your industry. Knowing who does (and doesn't) do what is a huge asset when you're looking for a partner in a project, or a (sub)contractor with a specific skill set.
So, let us know what industry you’re in and interested in connecting with, and we’ll keep you in the loop!
Young Enterprise Scheme
We’re inviting community to help support our young people who undertake the Young Enterprise Scheme programme which gives them a chance to start and run a business during the school year.
Learn about the programme and how you could get involved here.
On Thursday 26th October we hosted a community discussion around the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) - a programme that’s been running for 40 years, usually via New Zealand high schools.
It’s a programme that our local schools have found difficult to reliably deliver in Waitaki. We get it, regional schools have to ‘cut their cloth’ with their resources which affects the programmes they can provide. And, let’s face it - if business isn’t your passion, it’s always going to be harder to inspire young people to push through the hard bits that we all experience.
YES is not an academic exercise (although it can give academic credits). It's a real-world business opportunity and we can help our youth succeed with wrap around support - that means you!
Which is why we hosted that community discussion - to see if our community has an appetite for supporting the YES programme more directly.
Gratifyingly, everyone in the room was willing to get involved and support YES in our schools. BUT, it has to be said, there were no young people in attendance.
As a community, I have no doubt that we can help drive an enterprising spirit in our young people; already lots of good ideas were mentioned. The question has to be how important is it to us, to do this?
YES provides our young people with an opportunity to learn about business and gain a bunch of essential skills along the way. They won’t all succeed. Some of them will drop out. Every one of them will learn something about the world and themselves. Some might be exceptional.
So without pressure, we’re asking you to tell us what you are happy to do, to help develop young entrepreneurs locally - all the while knowing it’s all (ultimately) in their hands to try and / or succeed.
Download a summation of our discussion here. Tell us if and how you want to be involved by taking our survey here.
Every generation has the same complaints about the newest one… plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose!
Career Catalyst - Igniting Career Potential
Struggling to find suitably skilled people? So are many. We know they’re out there but it is time to look harder at what people can offer. Join us for this expert presentation on how to find the hidden talent in your job applicants as well as your existing team.
Let’s talk about talent, the very real competition for it in Waitaki at the moment and how we can more effectively unlock the potential in our existing community.
Three things happened in close succession in August.
Business South’s Waitaki Pathways Leadership Breakfast had schools, businesses and agencies gather to discuss ways to attract talent to a hugely diverse range of sectors, now and in the near future.
Waitaki App’s survey of 42 job listings on Waitaki App indicated that just three vacancies had found their perfect matches.
Infometrics released the June 2023 quarter employment data for Waitaki.
Bottom line, recruitment relief is nowhere in sight - check out the data below.
We all know that doing the same thing and expecting a different result doesn’t work. We’ve got to look harder for the hidden gold in the people we have!
That’s why we’ve asked Jenny Bean, Ōamaru’s only professional Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ) member, to lend us her expertise and help us understand how to uncover hidden capability in candidates’ as well as existing employees’ CVs.
This will be a fast-paced presentation followed by an informal Q&A. We’re so pleased Jenny’s agreed to do this for us - don’t miss this opportunity.
Introducing…
Career Catalyst: Igniting Career Potential
This is a one-hour expert presentation designed to empower local businesses and local people to unlock their own and others’ hidden potential.
What You'll Gain:
Learn how to identify the career potential in yourself, your existing team and job applicants.
Discover the strategies to better recognise as well as present indicators of hidden potential.
Understand how to harness principles of career development to elevate your own, your team member’s or your loved ones’ pitch for that new role or promotion.
Who Should Attend:
This presentation is a must for employers, employees, parents and young people alike. Whether you're seeking to support your team’s growth, advance your career or more effectively guide your child's career journey, this session is for you.
Join Us for the Presentation:
DATE: Tuesday 5th September
TIME: 5.15pm
VENUE: The Business Hive, 120 Thames St, Ōamaru
Don't miss this opportunity to ignite the career potential in the people you have and more effectively source the people you need!
Jenny Bean
MIntSec (Distinction), BA, Dip, MBTI Practitioner, Hogan’s Interpreter, CDANZ Professional
Jenny’s trade and passion is developing people – changing the way people think, how they behave and the results they get in their lives.
Her expertise lies in talent management and talent development, with over 20 years’ experience in career coaching, career assessment and group facilitation work. She is excited by developing strong and thriving organisational and team cultures, working with organisations in change and helping people in transition.
Her credentials include a Master's degree in international security (with Distinction), a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Sociology), a Diploma in Career Guidance at Level 6 and a National Certificate in First Line Management at Level 4 and a whole bunch of other really cool stuff.
Jenny is additionally a certified MBTI® Practitioner, a qualified Hogan's Interpreter and a professional member of the Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ).
She loves being back in Oamaru with her family and of being of service to the community.
Infometrics’ key employment indicators.
In Waitaki, employment growth surged by 3.1% year on year, outpacing the national trend (2.6%). Our unemployment rate of just 2.4% is at a near 10-year low, well below the national average (3.4%), while jobseeker support recipients have dropped 12% in Waitaki, reflecting a national trend but at almost double the pace (6.6% reduction nationally). Prefer images? See the data below.
For the full story, click here.
Employment growth outpaces the national average.
Unemployment sits well below the national average.
Jobseeker support recipients reduced by almost double the national average.
3 Steps for Life
3 Steps for Life is designed to give all of use the confidence and awareness to take action when somebody suffers a cardiac arrest. Did you know community help can double survival? Read on because classes are free…
Take 3 Steps for Life… and Save One!
3 Steps for Life is designed to give all of use the confidence and awareness to take action when somebody suffers a cardiac arrest.
Did you know community help can double survival?
Read on. We have a defibrillator at The Business Hive and we think we should know how to use it. So we’re donating our venue for the cause and arranging a 3 Steps for Life Awareness Session and you’re invited. We don’t have a time or date yet… but sign up to this list and we’ll let you know when we hear back. If there’s enough of you - we might run a couple.
Details below.
Cara & Alex
Essence of Presenting - October 2022
Effective public speaking is about delivery and a big chunk of that is confidence. Whether you’re a terrified beginner, are keen on improving or feel like you are pretty comfortable with public speaking but want to be better… this programme will help get you to the next level.
Next dates: Thursday & Friday 13-14 October 2022
For some people, public speaking is their absolute worst nightmare. For others, it’s a necessary evil that they wish they were better at doing and yet, for others, it’s a super comfortable zone where they excel. How do you go from feeling one to the other?
You find an expert practitioner with a track record of achievement in helping people change their relationship with public speaking for the better.
Meet Amanda Fleming - self-confessed former public speaking phobic and now one of New Zealand’s leading transformational facilitators in this space.
If you’re ready to begin, improve or excel in presenting or public speaking… this is the programme for you.
“I did the programme myself and I’ve been speaking in public professionally since forever. I came away with useful feedback, new tips and tools, and a refreshed approach. What I witnessed though was mind blowing - total transformation in people who had arrived genuinely terrified of public speaking.”
~ Cara Tipping Smith, Director, The Business Hive
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Overwhelming feedback shows this programme creates a very safe environment to explore this traditionally challenging topic which results in profound shifts in confidence and competence.
Authenticity is key and this course is designed to bring out the best speaker in you, your way.
Participants explore underlying causes of common fears relating to ‘public speaking and presenting’ in a safe, stimulating and non-critical environment.
Learning is delivered through practical exercises that help cement the key takeaways, bundled with tips and tools to help present better, enjoy it more and achieve far better outcomes from ‘the room’.
This programme is appropriate for any level. Expect to be stretched to deliver your best and achieve that!
WHO IS IT FOR?
Anyone regardless of previous experience who wants to enhance their presentation skills and develop greater self-confidence both personally and professionally.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT?
The essential principles of presenting
Becoming more confident (controlling your state) and the role of self esteem
The 8-STEP preparation plan
Establishing credibility
Framing yourself and your material for best results
Creating, building and maintaining rapport
Self-coaching techniques
The human fear response
The importance of behavioural flexibility
Going blank and what to do when you dry up
Thriving on the unexpected – the joys of impromptu speaking
HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT?
Gain greater confidence communicating in any environment
Reduce angst and stress in preparation and in the room
Better manage presenter-audience dynamics
Increase rapport building skills
Strengthen individual style and presence
Achieve better outcomes
FEEDBACK
The course was incredible… it was insightful, thought provoking, challenging and humbling. It put you in a position where you were outside your comfort zone and vulnerable – but in a good way. It provided a safe environment to test new skills and receive constructive feedback – it changed the way I perceive work, customers… and interactions with others...[and has improved] my overall confidence and self-respect.
~ Nicola McKenzie, ANZ, South Canterbury
Next dates: Thursday & Friday 13-14 October 2022, 9am -5pm both days
