Strong businesses arebuilt on strong relationships
Business has always been about people.
Throughout his career, Adrian has developed relationships with business owners, accountants, lawyers, valuers, bankers, property professionals, advisers and specialist lenders throughout New Zealand.
Those relationships have been built over many years through trust, professionalism and delivering on commitments.
Connecting the right people
Not every conversation leads to a finance application.
Sometimes it leads to a new customer.
Sometimes it creates a useful professional relationship.
Sometimes it simply helps someone understand what opportunities are available.
Adrian enjoys introducing people where there is a genuine opportunity to help.
That might mean connecting a client with:
- An accountant
- A solicitor
- A valuer
- A property professional
- A business adviser
- A potential customer
- A supplier
- Another local business owner
- A specialist lender
Supporting the local business community
Adrian is actively involved in the Thames business community and supports opportunities for local business owners to meet, share knowledge and build meaningful connections.
He facilitates the Thames Business Association Network Group, bringing local businesses together in a relaxed and practical setting.
The group provides an opportunity to:
- Learn more about other local businesses
- Build professional relationships
- Share knowledge and experience
- Find trusted suppliers
- Identify collaboration opportunities
- Strengthen the local business network
- Genuine relationships, not forced referrals
Te MoanaCollective
Te Moana Collective was created by Adrian Hunt and Ranz Fruean from a shared belief that strong businesses are built through strong relationships.
Having known each other for many years, Adrian and Ranz saw an opportunity to create a business community that brought Māori and Pasifika business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals together to connect, share knowledge and support one another.
The focus is on building genuine relationships, creating opportunities for collaboration and helping businesses grow while staying connected to culture, identity and values.
For Adrian, Te Moana Collective reflects what good networking should be about — they meet every 4 weeks at The Rusty Morris.
Networking Fishing Charters
Sometimes the best conversations happen away from the office.
In 2021, Adrian began organising fishing charters through Panapa Charters, inviting people from across his personal and professional networks to spend a day on the water together.
Since then, more than 40 charters have taken place. Everyone simply pays their own way and comes along to enjoy the day, meet new people and see what they may have in common.
There are no presentations, no sales pitches and no expectation that anyone needs to provide business or referrals. It is simply an opportunity to connect naturally while doing something enjoyable — or, in Adrian’s case, something he loves.
Charters are generally held monthly through the warmer months, from around September through to May, weather permitting.
Informal Network Catch Ups
Since 2022, Adrian has organised informal networking catch ups for people within his Auckland network.
Held at the Epic Taproom, the catch ups are deliberately simple. There is no speaker, agenda or formal networking programme — just an invitation to turn up, have a drink and connect with people in a relaxed setting.
Typically around 25 to 50 people attend each gathering, with the wider network having grown to include over 400 different people over time.
The idea is not to force business connections. It is to create an environment where conversations happen naturally, people get to know each other and useful relationships can develop from there.
Sometimes that leads to business. Sometimes it leads to an introduction or a new friendship. Either way, the value is in bringing good people together.
Adrian’s approach to networking is straightforward.
The aim is not to collect the most business cards or force referrals. It is to understand what people do, learn where they may need support and make useful connections when the opportunity arises.
He believes successful communities are supported by successful businesses, and successful businesses are stronger when people are prepared to work together.
