Driving sustainable growth
At Connect, we help organisations find better ways to work — with stewardship, integrity and heart.
We’re a strategy and stewardship consultancy focused on governance, partnership, and shaping decisions that deliver long-term value.
From boardroom conversations to on-the-ground delivery, our mahi is about more than just unlocking business potential. It’s about creating outcomes that build equity, resilience, and wellbeing — for organisations, communities, and generations to come.
Whether we’re developing procurement approaches, guiding collaborations, or supporting boards to navigate complex change, we bring the same commitment: creating conditions where people, place, and purpose thrive together.
AI for Developing Nations
We’re proud to be contributing to global conversations on the future of AI governance, data stewardship, and digital sovereignty through our involvement with the United Nations hosted, AI for Developing Nations Forum (AIFOD).
From regional economic transformation to global AI governance, our work spans sectors, scales, and systems. Each project reflects our commitment to stewardship, partnership, and designing better ways to deliver impact - today and for generations to come.
Explore some of the ways we’ve helped organisations, communities, and markets shape what’s possible below, and connect with us to find out more.
Connect Capability
Responsible Sourcing
This kaupapa was designed to increase the diversity of government suppliers of goods and services, ultimately driving long-term behavioural change across both agencies and businesses.
Business Canterbury Transformation
Business Canterbury (formerly known as the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce) concluded a major change programme, which has positively impacted thousands of member organisations and made services more accessible to a wider audience across the Canterbury region.
Connect Team
Our team consists of highly qualified, experienced and motivated professionals. With many years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate services to our clients.
Erin Black
Managing Director
Erin is an experienced Business Leader and PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner with a strong background in market research and data science. An uri of Ngāti Rangi and Te Mahurehure hapū, she is skilled in governance, commercial strategy, social procurement, CX/UX and change management. Erin has served on the Board of Business Canterbury for a number of years, currently as Vice Chair, and is also a member of the UN-hosted AI for Developing Nations Forum (AIFOD). She holds a BCom focused in Business, Management, and Marketing, a BA in Psychology, and a DipGrad from the Universities of Canterbury and Otago respectively.
Craig Latimer
Strategic Advisor
A strategic and empathetic leader with 20+ years' experience leading
commercial growth, developing strong, high performing teams and spearheading transformation initiatives across multiple sectors. Craig is a proven trusted advisor, able to draw on his strategic thinking and relationship building skills to work closely with key stakeholders, advocate for important policy initiatives and offer guidance on complex issues. He has a BCom, is a Chartered Member of the IOD and held governance roles with the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, and national NZ Chambers of Commerce.
Shakeel Ahmed
Data Delivery Lead
An accomplished entrepreneur, scientist, and innovator. With an MSc (Research) and BSc (Chemistry), Shakeel's diverse background in analytical chemistry, food safety, and digital transformation uniquely equips him to bring a blend of scientific rigour and entrepreneurial spirit. He has successfully launched and scaled several award-winning SaaS and HaaS products, demonstrating his ability to identify market needs and develop innovative solutions. Shakeel spent eight years as a Food and Data Scientist, applying his scientific knowledge to drive innovation in food safety and quality. In 2020, the MPI and NZIFST recognised his contributions to the field with a commendation for Significant Contribution to Food Safety.
Eru West
Senior Marketing & Communications Consultant
A seasoned marketing and communications expert with extensive experience leading strategic initiatives across a diverse range of industries, including central government, tourism, insurance, tech startups, health and agribusiness. Eru has proven expertise and results in campaign management, stakeholder engagement and content development. A first class honours, Bachelors of Management Studies graduate, Eru double majored in marketing and strategic management at the University of Waikato. Through the years, he's become adept at leveraging data insights and marketing technology tools to craft impactful marketing strategies, building collaborative relationships, and delivering results against organisational objectives.
Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?
Connect with us today
Whether you are a small startup or an established enterprise, Connect Consultancy is here to help you thrive. Let us unlock your business's potential and guide you towards a successful future.