Food & Drink

The Gallagher and South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Business & Community Excellence Awards recognise the resilience, innovation, and success of businesses, Not for Profit organisations and the people within South Canterbury.

Entries are now open, closing 29th May 2026 at 12pm.

Good Luck to everyone who entered. We wish you every success.

Brought to you by the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.

Curious about what’s possible in later life? Come along to Age Concern South Canterbury’s Positive Ageing Expo at Caroline Bay Hall on Thursday 7 May, 10am–3pm, for a fun, friendly day packed with ideas, inspiration and unexpected discoveries.
With around 60 exhibitors, you can browse, chat, ask questions and pick up practical tips on health, technology, transport, retirement living, staying active, community support and much more. Dip into the new Positive Ageing Conversations for bite-sized talks full of useful know-how, fresh thinking and those “I didn’t know that!” moments. You might discover a new hobby, solve a problem, meet a helpful service, or find an opportunity you didn’t know existed.
There’s plenty to learn, lots to explore, and a warm community atmosphere to enjoy. Come curious and leave inspired — you may go home with more ideas than you arrived with. Gold coin entry.

A celebration of women’s strength, adaptability, and determination, highlighting how the same mental and emotional resilience that fuels athletic success can transform leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal wellbeing.
The event explores resilience as a shared skillset that transcends boundaries between business, life, and sport, focusing on growth through challenge, community support, and mindset mastery.

MC: Beth Park

Keynote Speakers: 

Dame Sophie Pascoe – Dare to dream.
New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympian, with 11 gold medals to her name. She’s inspired generations of New Zealanders with her achievements in the pool. Now as a Westpac ambassador, she’s inspiring New Zealanders with her story. By learning the power of positivity, setting goals and working relentlessly to achieve them, she’s overcome adversity to become a sporting hero and role model for young New Zealanders. Dame Sophie Pascoe will join us in person. 

Brooke Roberts – Sharesies Founder
Brooke Roberts is the co-founder and co-CEO of Sharesies, the wealth app transforming access to investing across New Zealand and Australia. Passionate about financial empowerment and equality, she’s helped over half a million people grow their wealth. An award-winning entrepreneur, author, and mother of two, Brooke champions using business as a force for good and empowering women to lead boldly. Brooke Roberts will join us virtually.

Additional speakers TBC. 

Join us for an inspiring day designed to elevate, empower, and energise. This will be one of the most anticipated events of the year. Dame Sophie Pascoe will be joining us in person, Brooke Roberts will be joining us virtually. Limited seats available, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Book below today to avoid missing out! 

Would you like to donate a ticket to a South Canterbury community member to attend? Please book your extra ticket and then contact Stacey to advise: stacey@scchamber.org.nz | 03 555 5093

Light refreshments included, cash bar & prizes up for grabs!

Need assistance? Contact South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Events & Marketing Manager Stacey Gallagher, stacey@scchamber.org.nz | 03 555 5093

A special thank you to our Empowering Women Premier Sponsor, Gresson Dorman & Co, and our Support Sponsors, Compass Business Partners, Westpac & ChamberWorks.

Your generous support enables us to bring these impactful conferences to the women of South Canterbury, creating opportunities for connection, growth, and empowerment across our community.

Date: Thursday, 18^th June, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Landing Services Conference Centre, 2 George Street, Timaru, 7910