About

Downstream is New Zealand's premier event for everyone involved directly or indirectly in the downstream energy industry. This must-attend event offers insights into current energy sector challenges and opportunities such as network performance, distributed energy, the changing retail landscape, regulated markets, emissions, technology and customer trends.

Downstream typically brings together 400 plus international influencers and local representatives from across the New Zealand energy industry.

The 2025 event will continue to assist in leading the transition to the new energy future. It will deliver tangible outcomes for delegates, sponsors, key stakeholders, energy asset owners and ultimately Aotearoa.

Organisers

Freeman

Freeman is an experienced and savvy information services provider to the New Zealand corporate community, established in 2002 by Matt Freeman. It was previously known as Freeman Media.

It specialises in online subscription news and information services for specific business sectors, publishing a range of reports and maps, and running industry events.

Energy News was established in 2008 – a subscription-based news and information website for the New Zealand energy sector. Energy News has carved out a niche as the trusted source of New Zealand energy sector news and information.

In September 2013, Freeman launched into the mining and quarrying sectors with the publication of Inside Resources, an online subscription-based web service, using the same formula as Energy News. 

In 2020 it acquired Capital Letter – New Zealand's review of administration, legislation and law. This publication provides court judgment summaries from the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. It also provides updates on legislation, statutory reviews and general reviews. 

Events run within the energy and, mining and quarrying sectors include the New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards, Downstream, Energy Resources Taranaki Forum, Emissions Workshop and Energy Trader Forum. 

Freeman also publishes six large, detailed industry maps, which provide an in-depth picture of the different sectors the company works with. Titles include Minerals Exploration and Mining, Petroleum Exploration and Mining, North Island Quarries, South Island Quarries, Energy Infrastructure and Smart Energy Technology. 

Launched in 2012, the annual KrakenFlex Electricity Survey, currently sponsored by Octopus Energy, polls the electricity industry on key trends, opportunities and challenges. In 2019 over 500 participants took part in the survey, and the results are widely used to inform strategic business decisions.

Brightstar

Brightstar is a company assisting organisations that put people at the centre of their success. Previously known as Conferenz and Brightstar Training, the company rebranded in late 2021.

Brightstar builds capability and creates connection for an organisation’s people, customers, markets, communities, and stakeholders and is organised around three practice areas: 

People and organisation development 

>  Culture, engagement, and leadership
>  People and organisation development consulting
>  Extensive training courses 

Events

>  Owner of 80+ of NZ’s leading conferences and summits 
>  Applying our experience of running 3,000 events to world-class conference management services for clients
>  Virtual and event technology 

Markets and communities 

>  Bespoke customer events
>  Direct access to addressable and surveyable markets
>  Membership and association support