Event Details
Oct 15
The Atrium, Tribune
Israel Dagg, former All Black fullback, Rugby World Cup winner, and one of New Zealand's most electric players of his generation. 66 tests, a career built on speed, instinct and no shortage of highlight reels. Since retiring, Izzy's built a second career in broadcasting as a Sky Sport commentator, and in 2026 his raw, honest turn on the Between Two Beers podcast, opening up on life after rugby and getting sober, became one of the show's biggest episodes yet. Hawke's Bay raised. Still Hawke's Bay's. Brought to Hastings by Hastings City Business Association.
Teilah Ferguson (Ngāti Kahungunu), Napier born, Hurricanes Poua and Hawke's Bay Tui midfielder, built a rugby career good enough to play Super Rugby Aupiki and Farah Palmer Cup rugby. Last year a freak accident on the field cost her the sight in one eye and ended her playing days overnight. Rather than let that define her, Teilah's poured her energy into growing Napier Sauna Project, which she co-owns, alongside her ongoing work with Hawke's Bay Rugby. Backing yourself when it counts most.
This edition lands during Mental Health Awareness Week, a fitting time to get connected, get inspired, and hear two very different stories about what it takes to back yourself.
Eight sellouts. Zero keynote slides. One night that always delivers.
The Profit Unleashed is Hawke's Bay's most talked-about business event, and it's back.
Hosted by The Profit editor Damon Harvey and wine writer and entrepreneur Yvonne Lorkin, the format is simple: get extraordinary people on stage, ask the questions no one else asks, and see what happens. No panels. No polished presentations. Just candid, high-energy conversation with people who've genuinely done the work.