New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led a trade mission to Melbourne and Sydney this week, accompanied by a 31-strong delegation of businesses.
This was the Prime Minister’s first trade mission to Australia since Covid-19, after the pandemic curtailed plans for a trade mission in June 2021. It was promoted as representing an important milestone for the NZ government’s reconnection and Trade Recovery Strategy as it looks to accelerate the country’s economic recovery by reconnecting to the world.
Business leaders joining the trade mission were said to be “strongly committed” to the Australian market. They offer a range of high value goods and services spanning food and beverage, consumer goods and fashion, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, carbon tracking, aviation, education, clean tech, engineering, investment and tourism.
A particular highlight of the trade mission saw Ms Arden launch the Discover New promotion where, in partnership with David Jones, 25 New Zealand consumer brands will be showcased online and in the retailer’s flagship store in Elizabeth St, Sydney.
New Zealand companies that visited Australia as part of the trade mission included:
Technology
- Banqer
- Firmsy
- Groov
- Cogo
- Education Perfect
- Chnnl
- The Mind Lab
- Healthpoint
- MyHR
- Sharesies
- Tait Communications
- XERO
- Mint Innovation
Tourism and events
- Tourism Industry Aotearoa
- Business Events Industry Aotearoa
- New Zealand Māori Tourism
Food and beverages
- Garage Project
- Giesen
- Kia Ora Honey
- OKU Herbal Teas
- Reefton Distilling Co. (producer of Little Biddy Gin)
- The Pure Food Co
- Van Dyck Fine Foods
- Zeffer Cider
Services and infrastructure
- BECA
- Warren and Mahoney
Manufacturing
- United Machinists
Fashion
- Kow Tow
- Nature Baby
- Yu Mei
Investment and venture capital
- Pioneer Capital