Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee has welcomed further engagement between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“The establishment of a people-to-people dialogue has been announced during Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson’s visit to New Zealand,” Mr Brownlee says.

“New Zealand and the United Kingdom enjoy a broad and enduring partnership. At its foundation are the connections between the people of our two countries.

“The Foreign Secretary and I agreed that enhancing those connections will help support a stronger political and economic relationship between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“The dialogue will provide a forum for discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including how we might improve the opportunities that exist for our citizens to live and work in each other’s countries.

“The relationship New Zealand shares with the United Kingdom is an important one. The UK is our fifth largest trading partner and one of our closest international security partners.

“As the United Kingdom looks to reshape its relationships around the world following its decision to leave the European Union, we see enhanced engagement as an opportunity to further strengthen the friendship the UK and New Zealand have enjoyed for so long,” Mr Brownlee says.

The people-to-people dialogue will be convened at officials’ level at six monthly intervals. It will complement the existing trade policy dialogue, and strategic dialogue on foreign policy.

|  A Beehive release  ||  July 26,  2017   |||

Trade Minister Todd McClay will make the first official visit to Thailand by a New Zealand Minister since 2013 to engage with key ministers and business leaders on trade.

“Thailand is now our eighth largest trading partner. Since the Thailand New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership came into force, total goods trade has increased almost 150 per cent to more than $3 billion in 2016,” Mr McClay says.

“Many New Zealand companies have benefited from better access, but there is opportunity to further increase goods and services exports.”

During the two day visit, Mr McClay will sign an agreement increasing the volume of New Zealand dairy products that can enter Thailand under a preferential tariff rate.

Mr McClay will also sign the official book of condolence on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, for the late King, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej.

“New Zealand has a 60 year diplomatic relationship with Thailand, but our economic relationship has been growing rapidly. We look forward to deepening our economic relationship with this important member of the ASEAN region,” Mr McClay says.

| A Beehive release  || July 23, 2017   |||

China's trillion-dollar 'Belt and Road Initiative' is still in its early stages, but one expert says New Zealand shouldn't take too long to work out how we can benefit from the project. Sam Sachdeva reports.

Chinese investment is always a touchy subject in New Zealand politics - and that goes double in an election year.

It's no surprise then that ears were pricked during Premier Le Keqiang's visit earlier this year by the signing of a memorandum of agreement between New Zealand and China which could lead to millions more dollars flowing in through a Chinese strategy to lead on the world stage.

Yet while the Belt and Road Initiative has been around for several years, it is in many ways still a mystery.

Stephen Jacobi, executive director of the NZ China Council, has just returned from a trip to China to get a better appreciation of what the Belt and Road Initiative may mean for New Zealand.

The initiative was first pitched by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a 2013 visit to Kazakhstan as a way of improving transport links, trade ties and personal connections through a number of projects along ancient trade routes.

Since then, a number of infrastructure projects have been developed across Asia and elsewhere, with overall spending for the initiative possibly running into the trillions.

Paul Clark, a professor of Chinese at Auckland University and associate director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, says Belt and Road is “very much part of the Chinese government’s rhetoric” as it looks to grow its economy.

“It has great promise I think in providing an outlet for Chinese industry and construction in particular to engage with Central Asian and other countries to use up surplus supply of construction people, workers and equipment and so forth.”

Widening belt

While the possibility of Chinese-funded road and rail has dominated much of the discussion in New Zealand, Jacobi says “the real play” in our corner of the world is less about infrastructure and more about connecting up with China through including the flow of goods, services and people.

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HydroWorks Limited (“HydroWorks” or “Company”), a Christchurch based hydro engineering company, is pleased to announce that it has successfully commissioned five mini-hydro energy recovery systems (“Climate Defenders”) for the Melbourne Water Department (“Melbourne Water”).

The plants are located within Melbourne Water’s existing urban water supply network and have been designed to recover the excess energy present in the flowing water, convert it to electricity and export it into the Melbourne electricity network. The excess energy is a by-product of the height differences between Melbourne’s main water storage reservoirs and Melbourne’s inner suburb reservoirs and was “wasted” to the environment. HydroWorks plants trap and use that energy and give it back to the community. The Climate Defenders are located at Mt Waverley, Dandenong North, Wantirna, Boronia reservoirs and Cardinia Creek pumping station.

HydroWorks’ is committed to the principles of environmental sustainability and supports initiatives by clients to make use of energy sources that would otherwise be wasted. HydroWorks Climate Defenders are an exemplification of this commitment, harnessing energy for the community from within the community.

Climate Defenders are designed and assembled by HydroWorks using their own high-efficiency mini-hydro turbines (designed and manufactured in New Zealand) along with equipment from internationally-accredited suppliers. Each of the … Read More »

| A Bourse Communications release  ||  July 13,  2017   |||

Australia remained New Zealand’s top trading partner in the year ended March 2017, Stats NZ said today. Trans-Tasman travel was worth more than $2 billion each way, which means the trade ties with Australia were worth more than those with China.

“Higher travel services have pushed Australia into the top position for total trade, despite China being New Zealand’s top exports destination for goods such as dairy, logs, and meat,” international statistics senior manager Daria Kwon said.

New Zealanders travelling to Australia spent $2.2 billion in the year ended March 2017, significantly more than the $257 million spent by New Zealanders travelling to China.

Most of this $2.2 billion worth of travel service imports was for personal travel, such as holidays or visiting friends and family. However, business travel was worth $537 million in the year.

Australians travelling to New Zealand (exports of travel services) spent $2.4 billion in the March 2017 year, mostly on personal travel ($1.9 billion).

New Zealand’s largest goods export to Australia was precious metals, jewellery, and coins ($625 million in the March 2017 year, mainly from gold mining), our 17th largest export commodity overall. This was followed by crude oil from the Taranaki oil fields, various foods, and machinery. Dairy products exported to Australia were New Zealand’s 23rd largest export commodity.

New Zealand’s total two-way trade with Australia was worth $24 billion, and we had a $1.6 billion trade surplus with Australia.

Total exports of goods and services were $70.4 billion, while total imports were $67.4 billion. Overall, New Zealand’s trade with the rest of the world was a $3.0 billion surplus for the March 2017 year.

Goods and Services Trade by Country: Year ended March 2017 – for more data and analysis

| A StatisticsNZ release  ||  June 02, 2017   |||

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (“Southern Glazer’s”) — the largest North American wine and spirits distribution company — today announced that it is expanding its existing distribution agreements with Delegat, a leading global super premium wine company. With the new agreements, Southern Glazer’s will be distributing Delegat brands in 15 additional markets. As a result, Southern Glazer’s will be Delegat’s exclusive distributor partner in a total of 32 U.S. market.

In addition to the 17 markets that were already represented by Southern Glazer’s, Delegat is adding Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Washington D.C.

“We are excited to extend our business relationship and represent Delegat’s world-class super premium wines across our unmatched national network,” said Mel Dick, Senior Vice President of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and President of the Company’s Wine Division. “This significantly expanded relationship further enhances our world-class wine business and enables us to introduce these great wine brands to a broader base of Southern Glazer’s customers.”

“Delegat’s Oyster Bay and Barossa Valley Estate wines are poised for growth in light of strong consumer demand for super premium brands,” added Steve Slater Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Company’s Corporate Wine Division. “Leveraging this trend, and with our new national alignment, we are confident that we can accelerate Delegat’s presence within Southern Glazer’s key national account customer base.”

“Delegat USA has worked very successfully with Southern Glazer’s over the past decade to achieve strong growth with our category leading brands Oyster Bay and Barossa Valley Estate,” said Graeme Lord, Managing Director of Delegat Group Limited. “Extending our relationship with Southern Glazer’s will provide a powerful distribution platform across 32 markets in the United States. We are looking forward to working with Southern Glazer’s to serve our customers, grow distribution and realize the significant growth potential of Oyster Bay and Barossa Valley Estate.”

| Delegats release  ||  May 25, 2017   |||

New Zealand’s horticulture industry has been valued at a record NZ$8.7bn, with more than NZ$5bn in exports

iwifruit and wine are leading New Zealand’s growing horticulture industry, with the country exporting a record NZ$5.1bn in produce in the year to June 2016.

Accounting for around 10 per cent of New Zealand’s merchandise export income, the record value is up 19 per cent on last year, according to the latest issue of Fresh Facts, published by Plant & Food Research.

Total fresh fruit exports increased 35 per cent to NZ$2.6bn, with kiwifruit exports up 42 per cent to NZ$1.7bn, apple exports up 23 per cent to NZ$692m. Blueberries and cherries saw increased of 50 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively, while avocado exports dropped to NZ$82.6m due to a smaller export volume.

Peter Landon-Lane, CEO of Plant & Food Research, said the value of New Zealand’s exports from horticulture has increased 50 per cent since 2010.

“The horticulture industry’s success is based on efficient production and supply systems, cultivars that meet global consumer requirements for novelty and taste, and strong branding of New Zealand products,” Landon-Lane said. “This focus on capturing value across the supply chain means we can continue to produce more and better food for ourselves and consumers around the world.”

New Zealand exported fruit, vegetables and flowers to more than 124 countries in 2016, compared to 117 countries in 2010, with Asia the leading market for New Zealand horticulture exports at NZ$1.9bn – more than twice the value of any other region.

The total horticulture industry is worth NZ$8.7bn, with New Zealanders spending NZ$1bn on fresh and processed fruit, and NZ$1.3bn on vegetables over the year.

“It’s exciting to see the horticulture industry is on track to meet its goal of NZ$10bn by 2020,” said Mike Chapman, CEO of Horticulture New Zealand. “Our keen understanding of the global consumer and the commitment to quality at every stage of the value chain means our produce commands a premium in the marketplace, and this is reflected in the outstanding growth of the industry.”

|  A n Asia Fruit release  |  May 25, 2017   |||

A range of New Zealand food and beverage (F&B) brands showcased their products Regent Singapore Hotel yesterday, as part of a strategy to gain a foothold in the regional market,  allowing local chefs, buyers and other industry professionals to taste Kiwi treats such as wine and beer, honey, ice cream and lamb, and to interact with key producers.

About half of the 20 exhibitors at the trade show organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise featured young brands looking to expand into Singapore and the region. The remaining exhibitors, such as New Zealand Natural and Moa Brewing Company, are already established here.

Durello, which sells traditional Brazilian snacks, was set up in New Zealand three years ago.

Founder Marcelo Menoita told The Straits Times: "We are a brand with Brazilian flavour, New Zealand ingredients, mother's recipes.

"Singapore is an ideal location for expansion as it is an entry point to Asia, and it has high-end consumers who value quality products like we do."

The one-day event was held in conjunction with a panel discussion focusing on food sustainability and changing consumer demands in Singapore.

Said panellist Regina Moench-Pfanner, who founded sustainable food consultancy ibn360: "We need to tap research and development for sustainable food while putting ourselves in consumers' shoes.

"There is increasing international pressure for healthy, quality foods, and the food industry should look at how to turn this into opportunities."

Ms Hayley Horan, New Zealand's Trade Commissioner for Singapore, noted that her country is a leader in food safety and product traceability and a trusted supplier of high-quality products to Singapore.

Currently, Singapore is New Zealand's eighth-largest target country for food exports.

Most of the new brands that took part in the trade show are keen to champion sustainability, quality, safety and health. Some firms featured non-genetically modified products, animal welfare-centric business models and carbon-free manufacturing processes.

Mr Trent Brock, who owns New Zealand Kettle Korn, said: "Our popcorn is all natural. We use carefully selected, high-quality New Zealand-made ingredients.

"We are lab-certified gluten-, soy-, dairy- and peanut-free. Having quality and being allergy-friendly cost us a little more, but we plan to keep it that way."

Mr Brock plans to expand his business into Singapore within the next few months.

|  A release from  The Strait Times  ||  May 19, 2017  |||

Entries for the inaugural ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards close this Friday, May 19.

Entrants must have a minimum of $100,000 in export revenue and be based in the Wellington region, which includes Horowhenua, Manawatu, Tararua, and Wairarapa down to Wellington.

Companies can enter any of four categories: Marsh Innovation in Export Award, MFAT Most Sustainable in Export Award, Wellington Airport Emerging Exporter Award, CentrePort Excellence in Export Services Award. Entrants will be required to describe their company and its achievements in export.

The judges will visit shortlisted companies during the week of 29 May – 2 June, at which time their submissions will be discussed. The finalists will be announced on 6 June, and the winners of each category will contest the supreme award, the ASB Exporter of the Year, which will be announced at a gala dinner on the waterfront at Te Wharewaka on 21 June.

The judges are three experts in the area of trade: Mike Atkins, Head of Trade Finance at ASB; Charles Finny, Government Relations Consultant, Saunders Unsworth; Rachel Baxter, customer managers team leader, NZ Trade and Enterprise.

Chamber Chief Executive John Milford says the purpose of the awards is to celebrate businesses making it in the export market.

"Exporters are the lifeblood of our country and we need to acknowledge their contribution.

"ExportNZ awards are held throughout the country and the time is right for Wellington to celebrate those companies that contribute so much in the form of export receipts and jobs to both the national and local economy by way of their skill and innovation.

"We're not just talking about physical exports such as manufactured and agriculture goods that go through CentrePort and the airport, but also those from our booming service and IT sectors.

"These awards are a great chance for export businesses to expand their business horizons and get inspired."

Entry forms, criteria details, and registration forms are available on the Chamber of Commerce website: www.wecc.org.nz

ExportNZ Wellington is overseen by Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

About the judges:

Mike Atkins is Head of Trade Finance at ASB and has more than 30 years' experience in the field of International Trade.

Charles Finny is a Government Relations Consultant at Saunders Unsworth. His areas of expertise include China, US politics and trade policy, Australia, Asia and international trade.

Rachel Baxter leads a team of customer managers at NZTE, working to grow companies internationally - bigger, better, faster - for the benefit of New Zealand. The team works with 130 exporting companies based in the upper South Island (Nelson/Marlborough) and lower North Island. Rachel's background is in strategy, economics and policy.

| A WECC release  ||  May 17, 2017   |||

Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell has told Malaysian businesses they can rely on high quality, fresh and safe food and beverage products from Aotearoa New Zealand.

Speaking at a business matching event to introduce Malaysian businesses to Māori business leaders Mr Flavell says there is a huge untapped potential to work together in the food and beverage sector.

“It’s one we know well, because we have been growing and gathering kai in Aotearoa New Zealand for hundreds of years,” says Mr Flavell.

Mr Flavell, who is on his first Māori business and cultural mission to Malaysia this week, says the Māori business leaders in the delegation were in charge of major operations – with all already exporting successfully overseas, and looking to grow their business in South East Asia.

Representatives of Miraka Ltd, Kahungunu Asset Holding Company, Fonterra, Māori Kiwifruit Growers Forum, Zespri and Watson & Son Ltd are accompanying Mr Flavell on the mission.

“We are here to send a strong message that Māori food and beverage businesses want to be serious partners in the Malaysian market,” says Mr Flavell.

“We are trusted exporters of food products and we place a premium on taste and care for the way food is grown, gathered, packaged, marketed and distributed. We can provide integrity in supply chains and the cultural identity, origins and sustainability of our products.”

What set Māori business apart was its focus on culture, and the key principles that underpin how they do business, says Mr Flavell.

“We measure success not just against financial results but also social, environmental and cultural objectives,” says Mr Flavell.

“When we think of investment we look to those who have gone before us and those yet to be born – we have the long-term game in mind. For us, developing export markets means going to the place we want to sell our products, meeting our partners face to face or as we say ‘kanohi ki te kanohi’.”

Also at the business matching event were five young New Zealand food and business entrepreneurs who are visiting to facilitate trade and build connections between business in New Zealand and South East Asia.

The ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative and has been timed to coincide with the Māori business and cultural mission.

| A Beehive release  ||  May 16, 2017   |||