Bringing in over 200 Catholic professionals to the heart of the city, the Catholic Business Network hosted its first gathering for 2022 at Te Pae Convention Centre in June.
After a COVID enforced break of over 12 months, attendees were delighted to be able to reconnect again and enjoy the new surroundings of the impressive Rakaia Room of Te Pae which overlooks the Avon River.
After networking and lunch, former All-Blacks captain Kieran Read and his wife Bridget were interviewed by Christchurch personality Dave Dunlay. The couple reminisced on meeting as childhood sweethearts and took guests through the highs and lows of Kieran’s rugby career, starting and managing a family in the public eye, their faith journey, and adapting to a new chapter of their lives off the field.
The event also provided an opportunity to meet our new Bishop. Bishop Michael expressed his joy in
seeing so many Catholic professionals come together for such a unique event and did not stray away from a few jokes as a Waikato rugby supporter.
It was a day to remember for many, as guests joined together to network, share ideas, and connect with one another through their faith.
Well known broadcaster, journalist, and author Tim Wilson will be the guest speaker at the next CBN event. Tim converted to Catholicism while working in New York City where he met his wife, Rachel. During his time in New York, he worked as a freelance journalist and later became the first US correspondent for TVNZ.
Tim is now Executive Director of Maxim Institute – an independent think tank working on long-term research and analysis of policies and ideas that form our nation’s social, political, and cultural practices.
Tim will be sharing his journey from journalist to executive director, the importance of failure, as well as the impact of becoming a Catholic on his life.
Due to current staff shortages at Te Pae, the next CBN will be held in the Limes Rooms, at the Town Hall. To keep up to date follow the Catholic Business Network LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-catholic-business-network/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CatholicBusinessNetworkChCh or check out our new website https://www.cbn.nz/
Photography: Sarah Blair Photography