Ken Holley & Anita Hedges

Speakers:

Ken Holley – Principal Digital Consultant, ERM; Master of Sustainable Business (Distinction), University of Otago

Anita Hedges – Salesforce Net Zero Cloud Solution Lead, ERM

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Session Time:45 minutes total

Minutes 0–25: Ken Holley – Research-based presentation

Minutes 26–45: Anita Hedges – Salesforce Net Zero Cloud demonstration and application

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Session Description:

‍This session will explore how New Zealand’s pioneering mandatory climate reporting regime is reshaping corporate behaviour. Drawing on original research undertaken as part of a Master’s in Sustainable Business, Ken Holley will share findings from a mixed-methods study examining how NZX-listed firms and institutional investors are responding to the NZ Climate Standards. The presentation will cover:

Why climate reporting matters – the global shift from voluntary to mandatory disclosure

Why New Zealand? – regulatory leadership and early lessons

Impacts observed so far – organisational adaptation vs. market response

Strategic tensions – compliance burden or value driver?

Where digital tools can help – the emerging role of technology in making climate data decision-useful

The second half of the session will demonstrate how Salesforce Net Zero Cloud can support organisations in meeting regulatory and value-chain climate data expectations. This segment will showcase practical functionality aligned with standards like NZ CS 1–3, ISSB, and TCFD.

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Audience Takeaways:

Understand the drivers and implications of New Zealand’s climate reporting legislation

Gain insight into how companies and investors are adapting

See how digital platforms like Salesforce Net Zero Cloud can support compliance, efficiency, and strategy

Leave with practical ideas for future-proofing environmental data management

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