DAY 1 – THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
REGISTRATION
7.30am – 8.30am
Auckland Museum Foyer
Collect your lanyard before heading up the lift to enjoy the panoramic views of Auckland – Under the Dome!
WELCOME
8.30am – 8.45am
Under the Dome
NKBA President Nicola Manning will welcome delegates to the conference.
EXECUTIVE PANEL – LESSONS, LEADERSHIP & INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
8.45am – 9.45am
Under the Dome
Join our Executive Panel for a candid discussion sharing real-world experiences, key learnings, and successes from across manufacturing, design, and supply.
Covering topics such as HR, customer service, job management, and finance, this session offers practical insights and relatable industry perspectives.
Includes an open Q&A with the Board, an update on NKBA strategy, and introductions to the Head Office team – plus a preview of the upcoming NKBA Identity Workshop.
MORNING TEA
9.45am – 10.00am
Under the Dome
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – JEHAN CASINADER
10.00am – 11.00am
Under the Dome
MAKE THEM CARE
It’s tempting to rely on marketing and pricing tactics to win clients. But what really sets you apart is the quality of your relationships. People who thrive in business have one thing in common: they create exceptional client experiences.
Jehan Casinader reveals the remarkable power of “non-transactional behaviours” – the small, invisible choices that build trust and loyalty. The words you use. The signals you send. The details you notice. The energy you share.
Drawing on real examples from media and business, Jehan will share powerful “micro-skills” that will transform your relationships and give you an invisible edge over your competitors.
By surpassing expectations, and making people feel truly seen, you can deliver unrivalled value, win more work, and build partnerships that last.
Bold, practical and enlightening, this session is for high performers who want to lift their game.
Proudly supported by
NKBA IDENTITY WORKSHOP
11.00am – 12.00pm
Under the Dome
Join us for an interactive session exploring the future of NKBA – its brand, identity, and the role it plays within our industry.
Together, we’ll consider what NKBA stands for today and how it can evolve to better reflect our members, our values, and the changing landscape of design and manufacturing.
This is an opportunity to share your voice, contribute ideas, and help shape the next chapter of NKBA.
LUNCH
12.00pm – 12.45pm
Under the Dome
NKBA IDENTITY WORKSHOP – CONTINUED
12.45pm – 1.45pm
Under the Dome
Join us as we continue this interactive session exploring the future of NKBA – its brand, identity, and the role it plays within our industry.
Together, we’ll consider what NKBA stands for today and how it can evolve to better reflect our members, our values, and the changing landscape of design and manufacturing.
This is an opportunity to share your voice, contribute ideas, and help shape the next chapter of NKBA.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – STANLEY HENRY
1.45pm – 2.45pm
Stanley Henry is the founder and CEO of The Attention Seeker, an Auckland agency that runs social media for brands like Pizza Hut NZ, One New Zealand, and Meridian Energy. Everything his team does is organic. No paid ads.
The numbers tell the story. The agency has built 1.4 million followers on its own channels, generated more than 1.2 billion organic views for clients, and writes a daily newsletter read by 35,000 people.
Stanley is also known for rebuilding his own business around AI, cutting his team from 40 to 18 without replacing a single role. He is a TEDx speaker, host of the Stansplaining podcast, and works with clients across New Zealand, Australia, the US, the UK, and the UAE.
AFTERNOON TEA
2.45pm – 3.00pm
Under the Dome
KEYNOTE WORKSHOP – JAMES LAUGHLIN
3.00pm – 5.00pm
Under the Dome
The Success Planning Method™ is brought to you by James Laughlin, a multiple-time World Champion, international keynote speaker and mental skills coach for Canterbury Rugby.
James Laughlin’s “Success Planning Method” workshop offers a comprehensive approach to goal setting and achievement, providing participants with a robust framework to identify their personal North Star and mission.
Tailored to empower individuals and senior leadership teams alike, this program is designed to clarify long-term visions, streamline annual objectives, and enhance day-to-day task management through effective planning strategies.
Proudly supported by
This workshop is supported by funding from the Construction Growth Foundation (CGF), which invests in initiatives that strengthen skills, pathways, and collaboration across New Zealand’s construction industry.
BLUM SOCIAL EVENT
5.30pm – late
Blum Showroom, Avondale
Spend the evening at Blum’s stunning Auckland showroom, enjoying great food, drinks, and plenty of fun!
Complimentary buses will transport us to and from the venue.
Proudly supported by
DAY 2 – FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER
AN INTERVIEW WITH STAN ROLSTON
8.30am – 9.00am
Under the Dome
A Certified Kitchen & Bathroom Designer (CKD/CBD NZ), Advanced Trade Certified Carpenter & Joiner, and Licensed Building Practitioner, Stan is also one of the original members of NKBA New Zealand. After more than 40 years in the industry, he has recently sold his business and stepped into a well‑earned retirement.
At this year’s conference, Stan will reflect on his career journey, the evolution of the industry, and the lessons learned along the way. With four decades of hands‑on experience, attendees can expect insight, perspective – and a few great stories.
TABLE TOPICS
9.00am – 9.30am
Under the Dome
Join this dynamic, open-floor session designed to spark conversation, share ideas, and explore the topics that matter most to you.
Delegates are invited to contribute questions and discussion points in advance, helping shape a series of engaging, peer-driven conversations. From business challenges to industry trends, no topic is off the table.
An interactive and collaborative way to connect, learn, and gain fresh perspectives from across the network.
SPEAKER – SARAH TROTMAN
9.30am – 10.30am
Under the Dome
Small businesses today must find ways to do more with less. Sarah Trotman, ONZM and CEO of Business Mentors New Zealand, shares how small businesses can get ahead by embracing AI and working with a Business Mentor.
You’ll learn about:
- Practical applications of AI for small businesses to improve productivity (using BMNZ as a case study)
- How to stay resilient in business
- The benefits of working with a Business Mentor
- Combining innovation with experienced guidance
MORNING TEA
10.30am – 10.45am
Under the Dome
BUSES DEPART FOR RESIDIUM
11.00am
Auckland Museum
PARTNER POD SESSION
11.15am – 1.15pm
Residium
Our popular Partners Pods are back for 2026! During this fun and interactive session, you’ll learn all about the latest kitchen and bathroom products and innovations from supplier superstars Blum, Hafele, Heirloom, Miele, Plumbline, Robertson Bathware, Archant, Austaron, Cosentino, Enko, Fit NZ, Hideaway Bins, Laminex, Panelform, Polytec, and PDL by Schneider.
LUNCH
1.15pm – 2.00pm
Residium
GUESS THE DESIGNER’S KITCHEN
2.00pm – 2.30pm
Residium
A fun, interactive workshop with a personal twist – can you match the kitchen to the designer who lives in it?
Inspired by the classic “guess who” game, delegates will get a glimpse into designers’ own homes and test their instincts by identifying whose kitchen is whose.
Light-hearted and engaging, it’s a great way to connect, spark conversation, and celebrate the personalities behind the designs.
CONFERENCE CLOSE
2.30pm
Residium
NKBA President Nicola Manning will close the conference.
BOSCH/GAGGENAU EVENT
4.00pm – 6.00pm
65 Parnell Rise, Parnell
Join us at the Bosch and Gaggenau showrooms for an unforgettable tasting experience by Maison Vauron – caviar, artisan cheeses, champage and canapes. Delicious signature cocktails from Lemon Lime & Butter will be served to get the evening started.
Guests will make their own way to the showroom and buses will transfer them directly to the NKBA EiD Awards after the event.
Tickets are available to EiD Gala Dinner ticket holders only – guests will be advised shortly if they have secured a space at the event.
EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS GALA
5.30pm – Late
Under the Dome
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Excellence in Design Awards Gala Dinner, held in the stunning Auckland Museum, Under the Dome.
Celebrate the very best in New Zealand kitchen and bathroom design, alongside the 2026 NKBA Student Awards, proudly sponsored by BCITO.
Enjoy a night of live entertainment, outstanding music, and elegant dining as we celebrate the best in New Zealand kitchen and bathroom design. With drinks flowing and the dance floor open, it’s the perfect way to connect, unwind, and honour excellence.