Strategy and Change 

Learn from the stories of three Northlanders dealing with business complexity. Roimata Smith-Iri of NZME, Joseph Stuart of Northland Inc and Nikki Clarke of Cadenshae feature on a panel talking about their experience of strategy and change in a fast-paced world.

Roimata Smith-Iri

On leaving Whangarei Girls High, Roimata studied Sports at AUT. Back in Whangarei, casual work helping with events and promotions led to a successful career in sales and then as a sales manager at NZME. In 2017 Roimata was recognised as one of the top regional sales manager for NZME. She works in an industry that is massively challenged by the large Internet multinationals that dominate advertising.  Roimata has been at the cutting edge of change as NZME works hard to adapt to its turbulent environment including merging print and radio advertising teams. While managing her sales team, Roimata is also the busy mum of Lucas, Te Kaea and Isla. 

Joseph Stuart  

Joseph brings diverse perspectives to the panel. He is the General Manager, Business Innovation and Growth at Northland Inc where he works with Northland businesses to support their development. His specialist areas are high value manufacturing and growth, capital raising, exporting and technology innovation. He is also a small business owner. Joseph and his wife opened “Down the Road” supporting people to Eat (Eatery and Deli promoting local food) and Escape (Boutique Accommodation) in Northland. Joseph is also the chairman of Biogro New Zealand, working to enable a sustainable and ethical future for producers and consumers.

Nikki Clarke

Nikki followed the path of many kiwis working overseas - as a beauty therapist and then a defence force medic. Back in New Zealand, Nikki spotted a gap in the crowded apparel market when she found she had nothing suitable to wear to the gym while breastfeeding her oldest daughter. She explored the opportunity and started her maternity activewear company along with her husband Adam in 2015. A few years later Cadenshae has expanded to 150 outlets globally with more to come. “By starting Cadenshae, we wanted to provide mums with nursing activewear that inspires them to exercise and be happy, healthy, fit mums. Cadenshae achieves this by offering a range of colourful, stylish and functional nursing activewear that makes you want to move!” Nikki lives in One Tree Point with her husband Adam and three (nearly four) children.