The Profit Unleashed - Sport Legends Special
Last night I had the privilege of photographing and supporting another chapter of the Profit Unleashed series, this time the Sport Legends Special held in Napier at McLean Parks Centennial Events Centre.
With the pre season NRL clash between the Warriors and Manly drawing strong interest across the region, it was fitting that the conversation ahead of the game centred on high performance, longevity and leadership at the top level of sport.
The evening featured NZ netball legend Irene van Dyk alongside NRL legends and Hall of Famers Kieran Foran, Steve Menzies and Cliff Lyons. Rather than simply revisiting career highlights, the discussion went deeper. It explored discipline, setbacks, transition and the reality of maintaining standards over long careers.
There was a consistent message throughout the night. Success at the highest level is rarely accidental. It is built through preparation, mindset and the willingness to adapt when circumstances change. Whether in elite sport or business, those principles remain the same.
Hearing Irene speak about sustained excellence in international netball, and listening to the NRL greats reflect on life inside and beyond the game, reinforced how transferable these lessons are. Performance is one thing. Staying relevant, evolving and contributing long after the spotlight fades is something else entirely.
From a photography perspective, these events are always rewarding to document. Genuine conversation produces genuine moments. Thoughtful expressions. Quiet exchanges. The kind of imagery that tells a story rather than simply records attendance.
Backing Something Bigger Than a Single Event
I have sponsored the Unleashed series from the beginning, and it has been rewarding to see it grow into a platform that brings respected voices into Hawke’s Bay. It is not about hype. It is about creating space for honest discussion around leadership, resilience and growth.
With the Warriors and Manly preparing to face off, the Sport Legends Special provided context beyond the scoreboard. It reminded everyone in the room that performance is built long before game day and long after the final whistle.
As always, it was a privilege to capture it.
