Inspire: Beyond the Jersey - 30 Years of Chiefs, and Life After the Game
Date and Time
Wednesday Jun 3, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM NZST
Please arrive at 5:00pm for a 5:15pm start.
Inspire brings new inspirational speaker(s) each month to share their story and connect like-minded people.
Location
Ruakura Rugby Football Club, 10 Bisley Road, Ruakura, Hamilton 3214
Fees/Admission
Free of charge to attend, however, registrations are required.
Description
This year Chiefs Rugby celebrate 30 years of pride, passion, and performance! Join us for a relaxed Inspire event that goes beyond the game.
Held in a classic grassroots rugby clubroom setting (Ruakura Rugby Football Club), you can expect this event to be more casual and down-to-earth atmosphere than our usual Inspire series.
Hear from a panel of Chiefs alumni as they share the real stories behind the jersey, from chasing the dream and competing at the top level, to navigating setbacks, redefining identity, and building new careers beyond rugby.
• Mitchell Karpik - former Chiefs and Bay of Plenty flanker now practicing property law at Neverman Bennett Lawyers.
• Craig West - former Chiefs and Waikato prop now Chief Executive Officer of Tainui Group Holdings.
• Mitchell Graham - former Chiefs and Taranaki prop now Engineer/Managing Director of Worchem Ltd.
This Q&A-style conversation will explore resilience, leadership, and what it takes to succeed when the game changes.
Whether you’re a rugby fan, a business professional, or simply looking for inspiration, this is an opportunity to hear honest, engaging insights from those who have lived it. Come along, connect with others, and be inspired by the journeys that continue long after the final whistle.
Held in a classic grassroots rugby clubroom setting (Ruakura Rugby Football Club), you can expect this event to be more casual and down-to-earth atmosphere than our usual Inspire series.
Hear from a panel of Chiefs alumni as they share the real stories behind the jersey, from chasing the dream and competing at the top level, to navigating setbacks, redefining identity, and building new careers beyond rugby.
• Mitchell Karpik - former Chiefs and Bay of Plenty flanker now practicing property law at Neverman Bennett Lawyers.
• Craig West - former Chiefs and Waikato prop now Chief Executive Officer of Tainui Group Holdings.
• Mitchell Graham - former Chiefs and Taranaki prop now Engineer/Managing Director of Worchem Ltd.
This Q&A-style conversation will explore resilience, leadership, and what it takes to succeed when the game changes.
Whether you’re a rugby fan, a business professional, or simply looking for inspiration, this is an opportunity to hear honest, engaging insights from those who have lived it. Come along, connect with others, and be inspired by the journeys that continue long after the final whistle.
'Aftermatch' style nibbles will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
Event Sponsor: Vision Complete Earthworks
Speaker Gifts: Wild River & Co
SPEAKER BIOS:
Mitchell Karpik is a former Chiefs and Bay of Plenty flanker whose rugby journey reflects both the highs of professional sport and the resilience required when plans change. Raised in Auckland, Mitch captained King’s College 1st XV before progressing through the Blues development system and into provincial rugby with Auckland, where he played a key role in their run to the 2015 ITM Cup Premiership Final with performances earning him a contract with the Chiefs, and later joined Bay of Plenty as he continued to build his professional career. Unfortunately, a series of knee injuries cut Mitch’s time in the game short, a turning point that required a complete shift in direction.
Since retiring from rugby, Mitch has transitioned into law and is now based in the Waikato with Neverman Bennett Lawyers, specialising in property law. He brings the same work ethic, discipline, and team-first mindset from rugby into his professional career, with a strong focus on building genuine relationships and delivering for his clients.
Craig West is a former Chiefs and Waikato prop whose journey from provincial rugby to executive leadership reflects the power of culture, connection, and purpose-driven leadership. Raised in Taumarunui, Craig came through the New Zealand Colts system before establishing himself as a key member of the Waikato side that won the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup. His performances earned him selection with the Chiefs in 2007, and he also represented the New Zealand Māori, an experience that holds deep personal and cultural significance. After retiring from rugby in 2009 due to injury, Craig transitioned into the infrastructure sector, joining Downer New Zealand. Over the next two decades, he rose through the ranks to become New Zealand Country Manager and Executive General Manager of Transport and Infrastructure, leading thousands of staff and overseeing major projects across the country. Along the way, he was recognised as the Deloitte Top 200 Young Executive of the Year.
In 2025, Craig was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Tainui Group Holdings, the commercial arm of Waikato-Tainui, where he now leads a diverse, multi-billion-dollar portfolio with a focus on long-term, intergenerational prosperity. A proud Māori leader (Ngāti Apakura), Craig is deeply committed to embedding tikanga Māori into leadership and organisational culture. His ability to connect people, align purpose, and lead through change has made him one of New Zealand’s most respected leaders across business, iwi, and community.
Mitchell Graham is a former Chiefs and Taranaki prop whose journey from professional rugby into business reflects resilience, adaptability, and purpose beyond the game. Raised in Putaruru and educated at St Peter’s School, Cambridge, Mitch combined his rugby ambitions with academics, going on to complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) at the University of Canterbury. While studying, he represented Canterbury at age-grade level before returning north to begin his provincial career with Taranaki. Mitch quickly established himself as a key figure for the Taranaki Bulls, playing a central role in their 2014 ITM Cup Premiership-winning side and becoming a consistent presence in the front row. His performances earned him selection with the Chiefs, where he went on to play multiple Super Rugby seasons, including establishing himself as the starting loosehead prop in 2016.
In 2017, Mitch suffered a serious leg injury that brought an abrupt halt to his rugby career, a defining turning point that required him to pivot and reimagine his future. Since retiring from rugby, Mitch has returned to his engineering roots and is now the Managing Director of Worchem Ltd. Through his business, he is driving change in the commercial and domestic cleaning industry by promoting healthier, more efficient and hygienic cleaning systems and practices, while providing solutions that reduce freight, storage space and waste.
For enquiries or to cancel your registration email events@waikatochamber.co.nz
View our terms and conditions.
Event Sponsor: Vision Complete Earthworks
Speaker Gifts: Wild River & Co
SPEAKER BIOS:
Mitchell Karpik is a former Chiefs and Bay of Plenty flanker whose rugby journey reflects both the highs of professional sport and the resilience required when plans change. Raised in Auckland, Mitch captained King’s College 1st XV before progressing through the Blues development system and into provincial rugby with Auckland, where he played a key role in their run to the 2015 ITM Cup Premiership Final with performances earning him a contract with the Chiefs, and later joined Bay of Plenty as he continued to build his professional career. Unfortunately, a series of knee injuries cut Mitch’s time in the game short, a turning point that required a complete shift in direction.
Since retiring from rugby, Mitch has transitioned into law and is now based in the Waikato with Neverman Bennett Lawyers, specialising in property law. He brings the same work ethic, discipline, and team-first mindset from rugby into his professional career, with a strong focus on building genuine relationships and delivering for his clients.
Craig West is a former Chiefs and Waikato prop whose journey from provincial rugby to executive leadership reflects the power of culture, connection, and purpose-driven leadership. Raised in Taumarunui, Craig came through the New Zealand Colts system before establishing himself as a key member of the Waikato side that won the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup. His performances earned him selection with the Chiefs in 2007, and he also represented the New Zealand Māori, an experience that holds deep personal and cultural significance. After retiring from rugby in 2009 due to injury, Craig transitioned into the infrastructure sector, joining Downer New Zealand. Over the next two decades, he rose through the ranks to become New Zealand Country Manager and Executive General Manager of Transport and Infrastructure, leading thousands of staff and overseeing major projects across the country. Along the way, he was recognised as the Deloitte Top 200 Young Executive of the Year.
In 2025, Craig was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Tainui Group Holdings, the commercial arm of Waikato-Tainui, where he now leads a diverse, multi-billion-dollar portfolio with a focus on long-term, intergenerational prosperity. A proud Māori leader (Ngāti Apakura), Craig is deeply committed to embedding tikanga Māori into leadership and organisational culture. His ability to connect people, align purpose, and lead through change has made him one of New Zealand’s most respected leaders across business, iwi, and community.
Mitchell Graham is a former Chiefs and Taranaki prop whose journey from professional rugby into business reflects resilience, adaptability, and purpose beyond the game. Raised in Putaruru and educated at St Peter’s School, Cambridge, Mitch combined his rugby ambitions with academics, going on to complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) at the University of Canterbury. While studying, he represented Canterbury at age-grade level before returning north to begin his provincial career with Taranaki. Mitch quickly established himself as a key figure for the Taranaki Bulls, playing a central role in their 2014 ITM Cup Premiership-winning side and becoming a consistent presence in the front row. His performances earned him selection with the Chiefs, where he went on to play multiple Super Rugby seasons, including establishing himself as the starting loosehead prop in 2016.
In 2017, Mitch suffered a serious leg injury that brought an abrupt halt to his rugby career, a defining turning point that required him to pivot and reimagine his future. Since retiring from rugby, Mitch has returned to his engineering roots and is now the Managing Director of Worchem Ltd. Through his business, he is driving change in the commercial and domestic cleaning industry by promoting healthier, more efficient and hygienic cleaning systems and practices, while providing solutions that reduce freight, storage space and waste.
For enquiries or to cancel your registration email events@waikatochamber.co.nz
View our terms and conditions.
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