To be held in the Addington Raceway & Events Centre in Christchurch on the 15th of September, the Metals Industry Conference and Industry Awards Gala Dinner, organised by industry advocacy association Metals New Zealand, are a reason for networking, celebrating and learning.

Various streams by industry associations HERA, SCNZ, MRM, NASH and NZSSDA will run in the morning till mid-afternoon with presentations by local and international industry experts and activities.

In the late afternoon, all will converge into the conference plenary with a welcome and overview of the Canterbury rebuild and beyond by Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, and a high-quality presentation by economic commentator and analyst Rod Oram.

Rod uses his skills in journalism, management and leadership to help New Zealanders face tough economic challenges and seize on exciting business opportunities. Rod is eminently is presenting the opening keynote address at the Metals Industry Conference, Addington Raceway & Events Centre in Christchurch, on 15th September.

In the evening, seven metal industry associations will come together to celebrate achievements and heroes in their respective industries at the Industry Awards Gala Dinner hosted by The Crowd Goes Wild’s Andrew Mulligan. The Hon Nicky Wagner, Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration will be our VIP guest for the evening.

Metals New Zealand wishes to thank the sponsors for their support of the Conference and Canterbury. They are: NZ Steel, (platinum) ACRS, Steel & Tube, easysteel, BOC (Gold).

The various industry associations are, therefore, very excited to be having the event in the re-vitalised region.

Since the first big quake in 2010, the Government has invested more than $14 billion in the rebuild and recovery of Christchurch and greater Canterbury.

Today, Canterbury’s population has topped its pre-earthquake numbers; the economy is growing faster than in many other parts of the country; and its unemployment rate is below the national average.

In the past year, 16,500 jobs were created in Canterbury. To keep that momentum going, the strategy includes $170,000 to help connect secondary students with businesses that can transition them into further education, employment or training.

You can find more information of the full programmes organised by the respective association at their websites, as well as registration options:

Metals New Zealand – www.metals.org.nz
Heavy Engineering Research Association – www.hera.org.nz
Steel Construction New Zealand – www.scnz.org
NZ Stainless Steel Development Association – www.nzssda.org.nz
Metal Roofing Manufacturers – www.metalroofing.org.nz
National Association of Steel Framed Housing – www.nashnz.org.nz