Who we are

We are a membership-based organisation offering weekly business networking meetups that go beyond the typical networking group. Our members join for connection, growth, and accountability.

Meet the Leadership Team

  • Dean Payn - Founder of The Gathering.

    Dean Payn

    BUSINESS BLUEPRINT NZ

  • Andy Prentice - Business Manager at The Crate Flexible Office Space and co-Founder of The Gathering.

    Andy Prentice

    THE CRATE

  • Rory Wyatt - Founder of Maket Marketing at The Gathering and co-Founder of The Gathering.

    Rory Wyatt

    NAKED MARKETING

  • Elias Kanaris - Founder and CEO of The Insight and Strategy Group and co-Founder of The Gathering.

    Elias Kanaris

    THE INSIGHT & STRATEGY GROUP

Meet Our Members

  • Andy Prentice - Business Manager at The Crate Flexible Office Space and co-Founder of The Gathering.

    Andy Prentice

    THE CRATE

    Andy Prentice, passionate people person, leads The Crate, offering vibrant office spaces that foster productivity, community, and cost-effective collaboration.

  • Andy Rolston - Founder of Rolston Leadership Group.

    Andy Rolston

    ROLSTON LEADERSHIP GROUP

    I'm Andy, a leadership coach and trainer at Rolston Leadership Group. I help managers build trust, become skilled communicators, and lead with confidence.

  • Ashish Saxena - Toastmaster and Board Member.

    Ashish Saxena

    ASHISH SAXENA

    President and senior leadership member of Toastmasters Mt Albert, Ashish identifies businesses that need leadership help.

  • Assel Tuleushova - Finance professional.

    Assel Tuleushova

    ASSEL TULEU

    I am an Auckland-based finance professional with strong analytical and soft skills, adept at interpreting financial data, understanding business cases, and delivering results with a proactive, can-do attitude

  • Bashar Basheer - Founder of Bash & Co - Digital Marketing Agency.

    Bashar Basheer

    BASH & CO

    Bashar Basheer, founder of Bash & Co. Helping real estate agents stand out with high-impact photo, video, and AI solutions for their listings and personal brand.

  • Bruce Smeaton - Founder of OptiSearchPro.

    Bruce Smeaton

    OPTISEARCHPRO

    Bruce Smeaton, OPTISEARCHPRO (Auckland). Future-proof your online success with AI-driven SEO. Boosting leads and sales for NZ, AU, and US businesses since 2002.

  • Clive Schwartz - Founder of Nexus Connect in New Zealand.

    Clive Schwartz

    NEXUS CONNECT

    I’m Clive from Nexus Connect. I help SMBs harness AI, streamline technology change, and drive digital transformation—connecting strategy, leadership, and innovation for measurable business success.

  • Dean Payn. Founder of The Gathering and The Crate, Flexible Office Space and Business Blueprint NZ.

    Dean Payn

    BUSINESS BLUEPRINT NZ

    Dean Payn, Business Blueprint's NZ partner, empowers entrepreneurs with AI-driven strategies, enhancing growth, efficiency, and freedom to live life and do business on their terms.

  • Elias Kanaris - Founder and CEO of The Insight & Strategy Group and President of the Global Speakers Federation (2018-2019).

    Elias Kanaris

    THE INSIGHT & STRATEGY GROUP

    Elias Kanaris offers CEO-as-a-Service, mentors CEOs, and is a professional speaker, helping leaders navigate adversity, build high-performing teams, and foster trust with 30+ years of executive experience.

  • Helen Corban - Time Management guru and Founder of Reach Potential.

    Helen Corban

    REACH POTENTIAL

    Helen Corban – Highly experienced Time Management coach who helps business clients be strategic. Eliminating overwhelm while maximising productivity, focusing on achieving the right results.

  • Maz Tayyab - XClimbPro Australasia.

    Maz Tayyab

    XCLIMBPRO AUSTRALASIA

    Mazahir from XCLIMPRO Australasia. We build dynamic, rotating rock-climbing walls that combine fun and innovation into fitness. An out-of-the-box thinker, I bring an easy-going attitude and humour everywhere.

  • Nick Niblett from Advice Knight.

    Nick Niblett

    ADVICE KNIGHT

    I’m Nick Niblett, a finance expert with a passion for helping Kiwis succeed. At Advice Knight, I help you buy homes, build wealth, and create a secure future.

  • Nicky Lowe

    TENDERWINS

    Nicky Lowe, strategic communicator, leads Tenderwins, helping companies win more work through the tendering process with smart strategy, compelling writing, and impactful design.

  • Roland Meissner - Founder of Love Your Brand NZ.

    Roland Meissner

    LOVE YOUR BRAND

    I’m Roland from Love Your Brand. I help businesses create a powerful brand identity, solving brand challenges and delivering expert design—logos, signage, brochures, and more.

  • Rory Wyatt - Founder of Naked Marketing.

    Rory Wyatt

    NAKED MARKETING

    A passionate marketer dedicated to making a real difference in your business. With over 20 years of business experience, I’ve gained insights that drive growth and innovation.

  • Shelley Pilkington - Real Estate Marketing Strategist & Founder of Open Door Marketing.

    Shelley Pilkington

    OPEN DOOR MARKETING

    Shelley Pilkington, Real Estate Marketing Strategist & Founder of Open Door Marketing, helping ‘too busy’ real estate professionals transform their listings pipeline from a trickle to a fire hose.

  • Stacey Airey from MediBoard and MediActivate.

    Stacey Airey

    MEDIBOARD Ltd and MEDIACTIVATE Ltd

    I’m Stacey Airey from MediBoard and MediActivate. We help healthcare brands reach prescribers and patients through targeted digital advertising, clinical education, and waiting room engagement. I am Passionate about impactful healthcare marketing.

  • Tiffany Watson - from The Crate Flexible Office Space.

    Tiffany Watson

    THE CRATE

    Tiffany Watson is passionate about people and is the face of The Crate, offering vibrant office spaces that foster productivity, community, and cost-effective collaboration

Visit us

 

28 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:30am–5pm

Phone
(09) 972 0626