France’s English-speaking colony
The Franco-German investment in New Zealand is just as extensive in its way as the British presence was in its heyday prior to UK membership of the EU. This is the main reason why the New Zealand/EU (sans Britain) trade deal is regarded with such favour by the two pillars of the EU. The scope of the French presence in New Zealand is especially pervasive encompassing as it does so many industrial sectors. It is one reason why New Zealand premier John Key seen here on the reviewing stand with French cabinet members was accorded such a warm welcome in Paris (photo: Roland Berjon)
In order of industry dominance here are the major French-owned companies in New Zealand:-
- Veolia Water and commuter transport in Wellington and Auckland
- Axa Finance – (controls AMP)
- Pernod Ricard Owns Marlborough, nations biggest vineyard proprietor.
- Lafarge Holcim Cement
- Schneider Biggest electrical manufacturer, formerly PDL
- Accor Biggest hotelier
- Transdev Urban transport
- Air Liquide Predominant supplier of industrial gases (with German-owned BOC)
- Allflex Livestock identification
- Danone Dairy
- Parmalat Dairy
- Bollore Leisure
These are just the French companies with site operations here. We can also consider L’Oreal, and in the industrial category, Laval, Michelin and St-Gobain (glass) which is also the world’s longest established company.
If we look at the Franco-German EU axis, then we can also see complete dominance in the luxury car sector here with BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Citroen, Renault.
The presence of Danone and Parmalat underline the way in which French companies, after some delay, are filling the pastoral process vacuum left by the old British companies.
The arrival of Bollore in New Zealand with the acquisition of Gameloft is a pointer to French intervention here in computer inspired leisure.
from the MSCNewsWire reporters' desk - Wednesday 12 October 2016