Beyond the Bottom Line: the business case for the living wage

The event will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and explore the broader factors that contribute to meaningful and sustainable success beyond financial performance.

We have an incredible line up of Living Wage Employers on the panel:

Anna Liumaihetau Darling is an experienced executive and HR leader with over 15 years’ experience across financial services, the public sector and sport in Aotearoa and the UK. As General Manager of People Experience at Sharesies, she has supported its growth into a trans-Tasman financial services company, championing people-centred workplaces, inclusive leadership and organisational culture. Passionate about Indigenous and Pasifika representation in technology, leadership and governance, Anna also contributes to sport through her board role at Nuku Ora, Wellington Region Sport and Recreation.

Ben McLaren is Chief Executive Officer of Russell McVeagh, leading the firm’s strategy, performance and culture. Since joining in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer, later serving as Chief Operating Officer, he has played a key role in the firm’s growth and transformation. With over 16 years’ law firm management experience across New Zealand and Australia, Ben is focused on building an inclusive, high-performing workplace, developing talent and strengthening client relationships.

Brianne West is a New Zealand entrepreneur, founder of regenerative beauty brand Ethique and creator of her latest venture, Incrediballs. Passionate about environmental restoration, she champions businesses that benefit people and the planet, not just shareholders. A WWF board member, Brianne supports impact-driven entrepreneurs through her free education hub, Business, but Better. Her accolades include NZ EY Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) and induction into the Women Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame (2023). Charlotte Ward has been Chief People Officer at Kiwibank since 2020 and has more than 20 years’ global experience across different roles and industries. Charlotte is passionate about creating high-performing, inclusive workplaces that are good for people and good for business.

Dr Ganesh Ahirao (Ganesh Nana) is a first-generation New Zealander, raised in Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta, who acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua. With over 45 years’ experience in economics across the public, private and academic sectors, he advocates for an economy that serves people and communities. A former Chair of the Productivity Commission and leader of BERL, Ganesh now contributes to several not-for-profit boards, including the New Zealand Drug Foundation, Kaibosh Food Rescue, Nuku Ora and ActionStation Aotearoa, and volunteers weekly at Wellington City Mission’s Social Supermarket.

We would be delighted to have you join us for this event!