The age of hyperscale cloud has arrived in Aotearoa, bringing unprecedented opportunities for local organisations. The opening of Microsoft’s hyperscale cloud region marks the most significant milestone in the company’s nearly 40-year history in New Zealand. Microsoft will support New Zealanders to make the most of this opportunity by training 100,000 people over the next two years with AI and digital skills, creating long-term benefits for the economy.
Sustainable growth for New Zealand – carbon-free and water-free cooling
The datacenter region brings the best of Microsoft’s sustainability investments and will be supported by 100% carbon-free electricity as a result of the 10-year agreement that Microsoft signed with Contact Energy (Contact) for the Renewable Attributes produced by Te Huka 3 geothermal power station.
The long-term contract with Microsoft supported Contact’s investment decision to construct the Te Huka 3 power station and can generate 51.4 megawatts of reliable and renewable generation throughout the year. This deal helps add carbon-free energy into the Aotearoa grid.
Microsoft’s Aotearoa datacenter will also use water-free cooling, ensuring data is stored at the right temperature using air cooling.
Microsoft is also supporting Community Waitākere to work alongside the local community to restore the biodiversity values and mauri of the threatened stream, floodplain, and wetland habitats in the Paremuka Stream catchment. Additionally, Microsoft, Community Waitākere and the Society for Ecological Restoration are working together to restore Harbourview-Orangihina Park’s native ecosystems including freshwater wetlands, saltmarsh, and native coastal forest. The project aims to protect rare bird species and preserve the area’s cultural significance, supporting its sustainability for future generations.
Investment means opportunity The investment offers incredible opportunity for New Zealand. Microsoft’s recent Accenture research identified that gen AI adoption is expected to add $76 billion to the New Zealand economy by 2038, based on a standard trajectory. The report pointed at cloud infrastructure and public cloud adoption as one of the key enablers to making the most of gen AI to boost our productivity and GDP.
“We are a small but mighty nation of visionaries who have propelled our business innovation, incredible sports teams, and amazing entertainment into worldwide brands. So many New Zealand companies are going global, and having this infrastructure here in Aotearoa is going to help many more innovators to realise their ambitions and show the rest of the world how creative and talented we can be,” says Vanessa Sorenson, Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand.
Skilling Aotearoa for the future: Technology alone is not enough without skilling
We recognise the importance of unlocking the benefits of AI for every New Zealander — at every career stage, in every role, and in every community. We are focused on empowering 100,000 learners by 2027 to build digital and AI skills.
This builds on various skilling programmes and partnerships that Microsoft has supported in New Zealand with local partners, educators and customers since the cloud region was announced.
The 10KWomen Initiative created by a passionate group of volunteers, set out in 2022 to empower 10,000 female students, workers and career-changers to explore careers that require digital skills and to break down the barriers preventing more women from exploring these careers. In September, we had reached more than 10,700 women and girls.
Microsoft and Te Pūkenga are also partnering to address talent shortages in West Auckland’s creative technology sector by providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities, particularly for underrepresented groups such as Māori, Pacific peoples and women. The initiative supports an inclusive workforce through upskilling kaiako in secondary schools and kura kaupapa, offering micro-credentials to high school students and providing micro-credentials to lifelong learners re-entering the workforce.
Protecting New Zealand data as a local taonga
Having a hyperscale cloud region in Aotearoa enables local organisations to store, process and back-up their data on New Zealand’s shores.
Local customers also benefit from the threat protections afforded by an intelligence network that has visibility of 78 trillion signals per day. This means New Zealand government and businesses can be both locally hosted, and globally protected.
Te Tumu Paeroa, the Office of the Māori Trustee, says this maintains the residency of the Māori data for which they are a kaitiaki in Aotearoa, while enabling them to leverage Microsoft’s advanced security, sustainability and world-leading AI technologies for the benefit of landowners in their role as kaitiaki and administrators for Māori land trusts across Aotearoa.
“We have a whakatauki (proverb): Aho roroa uaua hautū, aho popoto hautū marika – A kite with a short string is easier to control, and a kite with a long string is more difficult to control – but it benefits from the high wind. This agreement means we can have those high winds and the short string, enjoying the comfort and peace of having the data close, while being able to engage more easily with owners and support partners,” says Ruth Russell, Kaitautari Pārongo Matua | Chief Information Officer for Te Tumu Paeroa.
Supporting more innovation from Aotearoa to the world
Above all, the decision to build a hyperscale cloud region in New Zealand is intended to enable local innovators to grow on a global scale and deliver more to their customers and stakeholders. We’re proud to be supporting a host of New Zealand organisations to modernise and realise their ambitions, including Fonterra, Craigs Investment Partners, ASB, BNZ, ACC, Whakarongorau Aotearoa, Auckland Transport, SMX and The Warehouse Group, alongside trusted partners such as PwC, Veeam, AvePoint and CCL.
Source: https://news.microsoft.com/
AUCKLAND, New Zealand and AUSTIN, Texas – December 2, 2024 – Packet capture authority, Endace, announced today that the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has certified EndaceProbes on its Department of Defense Information Network Approved Products List (DoDIN APL). DISA maintains the DoDIN APL, a single, consolidated list of certified products that meet strict cybersecurity and interoperability standards, as required by the US DoD and other US federal agencies. DoDIN APL-certified products must pass extensive, rigorous testing to meet stringent military-grade cybersecurity criteria mandated by DISA, including compliance with specified cybersecurity and interoperability best practices. Inclusion on the DoDIN APL means EndaceProbes may be deployed safely on defense networks with no further certification or testing required. All DoD and US federal agencies can now freely adopt EndaceProbe within their network infrastructure and architecture. “When seconds matter and lives are at stake, analysts need rapid access to definitive packet evidence to quickly respond to, and resolve, cyberthreats. Endace supports this mission with the uncompromised robustness and scale of the EndaceProbe’s always on packet capture, delivering vital evidence to defend against the most serious cyber threats,” said Cary Wright, VP of Products at Endace. “We are proud to have earned DoDIN APL certification. Achieving the rigorous standards demanded by DISA demonstrates Endace’s dedication to hardening and securing the EndaceProbe platform. Defense, Government and Enterprise customers globally will all benefit from EndaceProbes with military-grade security hardening.”
Many US federal departments, including defense, critical infrastructure, and civilian agencies – as well as many NATO agencies – have deployed EndaceProbes for deep network visibility and 100% accurate, always-on packet capture in their networks. With this APL certification, purchasing and approval becomes more streamlined, and easier, for US federal agencies looking to deploy EndaceProbes on their networks. It also makes it simpler for US federal agencies to comply with mandatory packet capture requirements, such as M-21-31.
EndaceProbes provide scalable, accurate, full packet capture and recording, with zero packet loss so security teams can quickly obtain the irrefutable packet evidence needed to investigate and resolve incidents. With centralized data mining and rapid search, centralized management, and workflow integration, EndaceProbes deliver deep visibility into both North-South and East-West network traffic and 100% accurate recording on network links from 10Mbps to 100Gbps and beyond, with industry-leading speed, density and storage capacity. Endace will be at NATO Edge in Tampa, Florida from December 3 – 5, 2024, exhibiting at Booth S13 and presenting a session titled “Countering Nation State Cyberthreats with Definitive Forensic Evidence.”
About Endace
Endace’s scalable, always-on packet capture gives Network Operations and Security teams the deep visibility they need for fast, accurate incident investigation with rich forensic evidence at their fingertips from all their tools. EndaceProbes provide enterprise-class packet sniffing in on-prem, public and private cloud environments, with rapid, centralized search and one-click access to full pcap data from leading security and performance solutions (including Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Cisco, Splunk, Elastic, and many others). Analyze network traffic using a single, unified console across all on-premise, private, or public cloud infrastructure for total hybrid cloud visibility. Capture every packet. See every threat. www.endace.com
For more information see www.endace.com or follow Endace on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contact: pr@endace.com
The Inland Revenue has launched consultation on policy proposals to address an aspect of New Zealand’s foreign investment fund rules. By imposing tax on unrealised income the current rules could be deterring some people from choosing to settle in New Zealand. The proposal suggests allowing some migrants to pay tax on dividends and realised gains.
Consultation closes on 27 January 2025. Effect of the FIF rules on immigration: proposals for amendments
DHL Express expands footprint with new gateway in the South Island of New Zealand
The new facility represents a NZD42 million (EUR24 million) infrastructure investment and will cater to strong international shipment growth
This gateway will be DHL’s first 100% carbon neutral facility in the country
It supports South Island exporters and importers to grow international trade
Christchurch, New Zealand, 4 December 2024: DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, is investing in a new Christchurch gateway to better support the international trade of New Zealand businesses. Conveniently located airside at Christchurch international airport, the property represents an infrastructure investment of NZD42 million (EUR24 million) over 10 years, the facility is the largest investment made in the country and is a testament to DHL Express’s ongoing commitment to supporting Kiwi businesses in the South Island to trade internationally.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the Christchurch Gateway will measure 8,500 square meters, replacing the previous service point and gateway facility at Christchurch Airport. Combining these two functions under one roof will significantly improve operational efficiency. The new facility will be equipped with a line sorter conveyor system capable of processing up to 6,500 parcels per hour (PPH) for inbound shipments and 5,600 PPH for outbound shipments, along with high-speed X-ray screening capabilities.
The 2024 ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer results also revealed that more than half (58%) of New Zealand-based exporters expect their overseas orders to increase in 2025, a jump from 2023, when only 42% of exporters experienced growth. DHL is forecasting an average growth of 4-5% annually in the Christchurch region over the coming years and the Christchurch gateway will support this international predicted growth.
Commenting on the investment, DHL Express Managing Director, New Zealand & Pacific Islands, Mark Foy said, “Christchurch and the South Island of New Zealand is one of the fastest growing regions for DHL over the last five years. DHL has supported that strong growth with a daily Boeing 767 operation connecting New Zealand's South Island to the world. The new DHL gateway will have direct access to the tarmac which enables us to significantly improve shipment processing speed and help more Kiwi exporters and importers get their products to international markets.”
Sustainability at the core
Designed as a 100% carbon neutral build (CNB), the facility will be created and operated to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions over its entire lifecycle. This includes implementing energy efficiency measures, using renewable energy, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, and incorporating sustainable building materials. With features like a solar photovoltaic system, electric vehicle charging stations, advanced energy metering, and integration with Christchurch airport’s campus-wide rainwater harvesting system, the facility will set a new benchmark for sustainability in logistics infrastructure. The landscaping will also focus on enhancing biodiversity by using regenerative New Zealand native species.
In addition to this carbon neutral build (CNB) initiative, DHL Express is also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through GoGreen Plus. Introduced in 2023, the service uses an ‘insetting’ approach to help customers reduce carbon emissions using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Justin Watson, CEO of Christchurch Airport, added, “Our partnership with DHL is built on shared goals of driving international trade and providing world-class logistics solutions. This new facility is an important step forward for our airport as we expand our freight apron and is a testament to the importance of Dakota Park, our freight and logistics precinct, in connecting Kiwi businesses to the world.”
The new facility follows significant investments in ground infrastructure and the expansion of DHL’s air network over the past six years. These include the expansion of the Auckland airport gateway in 2016, the introduction of the Boeing 767-300 freighter flying between Auckland and Sydney in 2018, now operating with an additional stop in Christchurch, the opening of the new Auckland service center in 2019, the dedicated freighter serving the Melbourne–Auckland–Melbourne route introduced in 2020, and the two new service centers at Auckland airport and Hamilton in 2022. These investments mark significant steps DHL has taken to enhance service standards in response to the evolving needs of Kiwi businesses seeking international growth.
Note:
DHL –The logistics company for the world
DHLis the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about395,000employees in more than220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81.8 billion euros in 2023. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
Christchurch Airport is thrilled to welcome the return of United Airlines, with the first flight of the summer season touching down today at 10:35 AM on Friday, 6 December.
Following a positive inaugural season last summer, United's direct service from San Francisco, operated by their Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, will run three times a week, offering unparalleled convenience for Kiwis looking to make the only direct connection from the South Island to the USA. Last year the direct service to Christchurch increased the number of visitors to Te Waipounamu, the South Island, from the USA by almost 80%. The airport predicts similar numbers of American visitors this season; already, bookings are strong.
The return is a real vote of confidence for the South Island from United. The flight is part of a collaboration between United Airlines and Air New Zealand through their joint venture, and its success is down to three specific unique needs:
Tourism: The direct route aligns with the peak tourist season, providing American travellers with easy access to the South Island’s stunning landscapes and endless opportunities for adventure boosting the local tourism industry.
Antarctic Operations: The flight supports the travel of significant numbers of American and international scientists and technicians through Christchurch which is the primary gateway for the US Antarctic Programme.
Exports: The service enhances trade opportunities, cargo space is filling up fast with; New Zealand’s fresh exports like kiwifruit, fish, and meat destined for US markets.
Justin Watson, CE of Christchurch Airport, says: “United Airlines’ direct service from San Francisco is a game-changer for Christchurch and the South Island. It’s a stepping stone into the US and beyond, supports our exporters, and reinforces our role as a hub for Antarctic operations. We are delighted to see this partnership thrive.”
Tim Wallis, United Airlines Regional Manager, Australia and New Zealand, said:
“After a solid first season last year we are delighted to return this seasonal service to Christchurch, and we are excited to continue that airbridge between the United States and the South Island. This route showcases the demand for travel and trade, and we look forward to another promising season ahead.”
Thanks to United’s partnership with Air New Zealand, US travellers can enjoy easy connections to more than 30 destinations across New Zealand and the South Pacific and Kiwis can make the most of more than 125 destinations within the United States.
This seamless connectivity to San Francisco ensures Christchurch remains firmly on the map for tourism, science, and trade.
About Christchurch Airport: Christchurch Airport is the main gateway to the South Island of New Zealand, serving as a hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport is committed to delivering world-class services, enhancing the region's connectivity, and fulfilling the economic prosperity of New Zealand.
United Airlines has served New Zealand since 1986 and has direct flights to San Francisco from both Auckland and Christchurch giving Kiwis more options to explore the U.S.A. and beyond.
November 21, 2024
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
Good afternoon, everyone. It is a privilege to be here with you today and to talk a bit about the enduring and dynamic partnership between New Zealand and the United States.
As I am sure you are well aware, the American people made their voices heard in the presidential election and re-elected Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States.
While I don’t have a crystal ball, sadly, and can’t speculate on future policies of a new administration, but what I want to stress today is the New Zealand-U.S. relationship is a relationship built on shared values, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to peace, prosperity, and progress.
In addition to the change of administrations at the top in Washington, we will also experience a change in leadership of the U.S. Mission in New Zealand. We have been privileged to have Ambassador Tom Udall for the past three years. Under his leadership we have accomplished much together to strengthen our bilateral relationship and ensure peace, security, and prosperity around the world.
As with any transition, now is a good opportunity to take stock of what we have achieved under his leadership over the past few years.
Since emerging from the dark days of COVID, we have seen the pace of engagement significantly increase, beginning at the top.
Prime Minister Ardern visited Washington in May 2022. Her meeting with President Biden advanced our partnership and set the tone for our work since then.
Likewise, President Biden met Prime Minister Luxon in Washington this past July at the NATO Summit.
Here in New Zealand, we welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Blinken for a visit in June 2023 to strengthen our bilateral ties. And Minister of Foreign Affairs Peters and Secretary Blinken issued a Joint Declaration on our partnership during his visit to Washington in April.
We have seen numerous other visits in both directions from members of our Cabinets, legislators, senior officials, and cultural representatives. I could go on and on.
Over the years, New Zealand and the United States have stood together with our likeminded partners and allies through every major global crisis.
We have worked together to respond to crises around the world like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, attacks against shipping in the Red Sea, the climate crisis, and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Our countries share a deep and long-standing commitment to democratic institutions, the rules-based international order, and respect for international rule of law. We have stood together in the UN and other forums to uphold those principles.
We also share a stake in preserving an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
To support those values and principles, New Zealand and the United States are engaging in practical ways within cooperative frameworks in the region, including the Pacific Islands Forum, Quad, AUKUS’ Pillar 2, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.
We have welcomed New Zealand’s increasing engagement with NATO and its partnership with the Indo-Pacific democracies of New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and the ROK.
Our nations also share deep ties and commitments to the Pacific Islands. We have worked together to advance a more prosperous and resilient Pacific region, guided by the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Now, as PM Luxon has said, national security and economic security are inextricably linked. That’s why we have prioritized working with New Zealand to develop stronger trade links and enhance economic opportunity in both our countries.
New Zealand has been a critical leader and partner in our efforts to build the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for prosperity.
This forward-looking agreement focuses on what’s most important to our shared prosperity:
supply chains,
sustainability,
inclusion,
competition,
and rules we all agree on.
Our efforts to build trade links are paying off. Today, the trade and economic relationship between our countries is robust, and the United States remains one of New Zealand’s largest trading partners. From tourism to agricultural exports, our economic ties are strong and continue to grow, benefiting both our nations in terms of jobs, investment, and opportunities.
In less than five years, trade has grown from NZ$20 billion (US$12 billion) to NZ$27 billion (US$16 billion), led by red meat, wine, tourism.
We have seen New Zealand exports to the United States grow year over year, and the United States is now New Zealand’s second-largest export destination.
While much of that trade is related to New Zealand’s traditional primary industries, we have seen a steady expansion of our high tech and innovation relationship. Trade and investment links in film, aerospace, tourism, and other service industries have flourished, increasing prosperity in both our countries.
To help push this forward, we concluded the U.S.-New Zealand Space Framework Agreement in 2022 and hosted the NASA Administrator for a visit in 2023. And we established new bilateral dialogues, including our Space Dialogue, and the high-level launch of our Critical and Emerging Tech Dialogue this past August.
Looking ahead and building on these advancements in our relationship with New Zealand, I have no doubt that we will continue to work closely together on shared concerns and to advance a shared vision for the world.
While I cannot comment on the specifics of President-elect Trump’s future policies, I can say that our shared values, interests, and view of the world will remain unchanged.
Our strong partnership has continued to strengthen through multiple U.S. Administrations, including the first Trump Administration.
In 2018, President Trump signed the Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors (KIWI) Act. This granted New Zealanders access to E1 and E2 entrepreneur and investors visas to the United States, boosting our trade relationship.
Since the last Trump Administration, the world has changed in many ways. The world has become more complex and more contested. Against this backdrop, it is more important than ever for free societies to work together in support of a freer, more just world.
As the world faces new challenges, we believe the only solution is to deepen cooperation with likeminded partners.
That has been the essence of our partnership with New Zealand in the past and it will continue to be the basis of our friendship for years to come.
New Zealand and the United States enjoy a close and dynamic relationship—one that spans not only trade but also innovation, education, security, environmental initiatives, and people to people ties.
As we look to the future, I am sure that the relationship between New Zealand and the United States will continue to flourish, underpinned by our shared interests and the close ties between our peoples. By working together, we can continue to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and address the global challenges that impact us all.
I feel very privileged to be here in Auckland supporting the U.S.-New Zealand partnership, and I want to thank you all for your ongoing support and engagement. I look forward to working to continue to strengthen our friendship and partnership as we face the future together.
Thank you, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
Source: https://www.nzuscouncil.org/
The AI landscape is evolving, and businesses are set to unlock innovative uses of AI to grow their business exponentially. As AI adoption grows across the globe, governments internationally are introducing new regulations to address the risks of AI, with a focus on creating AI guardrails that apply across the AI lifecycle.
Recently, the Australian government introduced new regulations for safe and responsible AI to develop a regulatory environment that builds community trust and promotes AI adoption at scale. To meet this strong demand for scalable, safe and responsible AI, IBM is launching watsonx on IBM Cloud in Australia and New Zealand, significantly enhancing cloud infrastructure in the region.
IBM watsonx™ suite is an enterprise grade platform for generative AI and machine learning solutions offering a state-of-the-art AI studio, data store and AI governance toolkit.
The Sydney, Australia data center will offer several key advantages for clients:
Data sovereignty: Manage and store data locally to comply with Australia’s stringent privacy regulations, ensuring sensitive information remains secure.
Low latency connectivity: IBM Cloud’s high-performance network connectivity significantly reduces latency for users across Australia, essential for real-time data processing.
Scalable AI: The modular design enables businesses to scale operations seamlessly, provisioning resources quickly based on demand.
Access to advanced generative AI models: Clients can leverage a variety of generative AI models hosted in Sydney, including Llama-3-2-11b-vision-instruct and Granite-34b-code-instruct.
Open hybrid cloud strategy: Integrate the best features and functions from any cloud or traditional IT environment and tap the unmatched pace and quality of innovations from the open-source community. Collaboration with Hugging Face will work to bring the best of open-source AI models to the enterprise on the watsonx platform.
IBM watsonx suite provides a comprehensive AI solution catering to all your AI needs in one unified platform. Three products will be launched in Sydney with more to follow.
IBM watsonx.ai™ is an AI studio designed for enterprise-grade AI developers, offering a simplified and scalable development experience for creating AI applications with low-code/no-code tools, preconfigured patterns, and frameworks within development environment of your choice. Access a wide range of IBM and third-party models, along with easy-to-use tools and system prompts for building, deploying, and monitoring AI applications.
watsonx.data is an open data lakehouse designed to serve as a single source for all your organization's data needs. Built with open standards, it allows for seamless integration and access to data from various sources across disparate environments. With support for multiple query engines, watsonx.data optimizes AI and analytics workloads for the best price-performance. Users can easily connect their data to watsonx.ai or other AI tools to enhance the relevance and precision of AI models.
watsonx.governance™ enables companies to deploy AI responsibly by offering a powerful AI governance, risk and compliance (GRC) tool kit built to automate AI lifecycle workflows, proactively detect and mitigate risk, and meet the changing legal, compliance and regulatory landscape. It ensures that AI workflows are transparent, accountable and explainable. Through effective AI governance, business analysts can assess the reliability of their AI solutions. Later this year, watsonx.governance is expected to include model inventory, documentation, evaluation, and monitoring through the lite and essentials plans available on IBM Cloud. Availability of the model risk governance capabilities is planned for a future date available via the IBM Cloud catalog.
Explore how IBM watsonx can help you scale AI with trust. Watch out for these releases and more as we bring additional dimensions to expand our reach in Australia for businesses to harness the power of watsonx to improve productivity and maximize return on investment for their AI initiatives.
Explore the power of IBM watsonx.
Explore how watsonx Developer Hub can help developers scale AI at speed.
Source: https://www.ibm.com/
Ka nui te mihi kia koutou.
Ka mihi ki te mana whenua ko Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Kia ora and good morning everyone.
Thank you Fran and Simon for inviting me here today, and importantly your leadership of this forum over several years now.
I want to acknowledge David Gehrenbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy. Thank you for the work you and your team do, each and every day, for the US–New Zealand relationship.
I also want to acknowledge Jonathan Mason, the Chair of the NZ–US Council, and Mike Hearn from AmCham, both wonderful champions for the business relationship.
It’s great to see Todd McClay here, too. The hardest working Trade Minister in the world is making one of his rare appearances here in New Zealand!
One of the things that excites me most about the US is the extraordinary well of energy and innovation that exists in the American business community. That energy, that innovation, is something I passionately believe we can be doing more to tap into.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming together this morning. I intend to talk, first, about the role of the United States in the world and, second, about what my Government is doing to re-energise our relationship with Washington DC. Then, I know Fran wants me to take your questions.
I want to speak candidly about the vital role the United States plays in the world, as there are few countries that matter more to our security and prosperity.
In a world that is more contested and more complicated, New Zealand’s interests are best served by an America that is strongly engaged. A world where the US acts as a force for stability. A world where the US economy, which accounts for over a quarter of global GDP, continues to act as an engine room for growth. A world where the US acts as the standard-bearer for democratic institutions, for the rule of law, and the power of markets.
Perhaps because we were living in more benign times, previous New Zealand governments have not said enough about the importance of the stabilising security role of the US in the Indo-Pacific. During my travel this year, I’ve seen the US furnishing security on several occasions.
It was starkly apparent when I visited Korea and the Demilitarised Zone, accompanied by an American General who commands tens of thousands of US soldiers, sailors and aviators in South Korea.
On one side of the DMZ is one of the world’s poorest countries, a country organised to serve its autocratic leadership’s ambitions. Then, on the side of the Korean border, where I stood, there’s a thriving democracy, the world’s 14th-largest economy, the home of world-beating technology firms, and the source of a cultural phenomenon called K-Pop. The difference could not be more marked.
But it was a salutary reminder. South Korea would not be the vibrant economy that it is today were it not for the security partnership on the Korean Peninsula. Something furnished by American forces. Supported by other countries too, including New Zealand, but heavily outnumbered by our US friends.
My visit to the DMZ between North and South Korea in September was a clear illustration to me that there is no prosperity without security. A stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific is not just in the interests of the US and New Zealand. Security is also in your interests as businesses: our exporters depend on safe and secure trade lanes; and your companies succeed best when economies are growing rather than fretting about instability.
In contrast, Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, now supported by North Korean munitions and North Korean troops on the frontline, is an example of where conflict has caused higher inflation and significant economic suffering for people all around the world – unbelievably high energy prices in Western Europe, high grain prices in Africa, and high rice prices in the Asia-Pacific.
Ladies and gentlemen, with many old certainties shifting, the United States remains an indispensable economic partner. America is an extraordinary economic machine. It remains the world’s largest economy by quite some distance. And it is an exceptional source of ideas, of innovation, and of investment.
Those who know me will know there is little that energises me more than the vibrancy and inventiveness of American business. With US firms one of our largest sources of Foreign Direct Investment, those businesses are injecting real vibrancy into the New Zealand economy. Whether it's building data centres, as Microsoft has here in Auckland, or Hollywood studios whose productions have created the ecosystem from which the vibrant Kiwi film industry has sprung, or West Coast venture capitalists, enabling frontier firms like Sir Peter Beck’s RocketLab to do extraordinary things on the Mahia Peninsula, or even iconic American firms, like McDonalds, that are responsible for so many Kiwis’ first jobs – including mine!
American businesses are integral to our society and the functioning of our economy, generating prosperity for us here in New Zealand, and paying dividends for America.
I now want to focus on my Government’s ambitions for the US relationship.
You will no doubt all have been waiting for me to comment on the US election and what it means for New Zealand. The bottom line is our relationship is strong and enduring, and will continue to be so, irrespective of changing administrations.
I have the greatest of respect for the Biden Administration’s achievements. At APEC, I thanked the outgoing President for his 50 years of public service and leadership, and for the contribution he made to the relationship with New Zealand.
I was also delighted to speak to President-elect Trump ten days ago, now. What came through loud and clear in that call was his fondness for New Zealand. We spoke about world affairs, but we also discussed the need to build on the very deep foundations of our relationship.
Whoever is in office, whether Democrat or Republican, my Government’s job is to pursue New Zealand’s interests, to fully harness what our two countries offer one other, and ensure the relationship is at its best.
So, you can expect my Government to bring action and urgency across three inter-connected lines of effort with the United States:
Growing both countries’ prosperity;
Strengthening our security; and
Deepening our relationship.
I will address each in turn.
The US recently eclipsed Australia to become our second-largest export market. And it’s growing exceptionally well: two-way trade is 36 percent higher this year than before the pandemic, with a trend towards value over volume. We offer American exporters open access to our market, with the main driver of growth in our exports being the strength and relative openness of their economy.
Our primary sector remains a mainstay, with nearly $6 billion of safe, sustainable and premium agricultural products sold – exports that often compliment US agriculture producers.
We have also seen phenomenal growth in services trade, with tourism and recreation now a bigger export category than beef.
As a company like RocketLab illustrates, the US is also a rapidly growing market for Kiwi entrepreneurs that specialise in technology and other innovative exports. And our products support a range of critical US supply chains and jobs.
My Government will continue to work with colleagues in Washington DC to sustain that trade and, where possible, to increase it, by tackling the non-tariff barriers that snarl up exporters’ trade. We will also work with the Administration to build our economic security agenda.
I am determined that we attract more, quality US Foreign Direct Investment. The US is already our third-largest investment partner. But my Government will improve our regulatory settings to attract more US investment flow. And we are pitching directly to American investors. When I was in the US in July, I met a series of them. And I intend to bring a select group of investors to New Zealand in 2025 to showcase what we have to offer.
As I said earlier, there can be no prosperity without security. Besides Australia, the United States is our most important defence and security partner.
We benefit from that partnership, whether that’s the US role in supporting a stable Indo-Pacific, sharing intelligence, or busting the organised criminal gangs that prey on our communities.
New Zealand, too, is an active partner making a difference for our friends in Washington DC. New Zealand personnel join the US in operations and exercises from the Middle-East to the Indo-Pacific.
I talked earlier about what we do on the Korean Peninsula. We also cooperate with the US (and other partners) to uphold freedom of navigation, whether in the Red Sea or the South China Sea. These are freedoms crucial for ensuring New Zealand’s trade can flow unimpeded.
And our joint membership of the Five Eyes directly contributes to protecting New Zealand’s national security interests.
New Zealand welcomes the step-up in US commitment in the Pacific. We will continue to work with Washington DC as a constructive partner for our region.
New Zealand must also remain a credible strategic partner. That’s why my Government tasked Defence to complete a capability plan. One that ensures the NZDF is fit for purpose and builds on its capability for tomorrow. That is going to take money, and we all know the economic environment is challenging. So, the Government will need to be careful and thoughtful as we come up with the Defence Capability Plan. In coming months, though, we will announce capability priorities out to 2040.
Ladies and gentlemen, with the Trump Administration coming to power, you can and you should expect us to be investing in building connections. Indeed, that is a focus right now. In addition to talking with the President-elect last week, I used my July visit to build connections with influential Republicans on the Hill and elsewhere in Washington DC. Winston Peters has been doing the same and, as the new Administration unfolds, other ministers will be connecting with their new counterparts, too.
I know from my personal experience just how important those relationships are. They enable us to find new areas of opportunity and they also create the bandwidth to deal with areas of disagreement. There will always be areas of difference between Wellington and Washington DC – whoever occupies the White House. Just as we have things on which we do not see eye to eye with Australia, that is true with the US, too. But these differences are dwarfed by our common interests, and so the relationships we build will enable us to manage those differences sensibly
New Zealanders feel they know the US well – whether through tourism, media, popular culture, sports, business, or education. After living and working for many years in the US, I worry that New Zealanders assume too much about America.
It’s imperative that our emerging and future leaders, our entrepreneurs, our scientists, Māori, and people from other walks of life familiarise themselves with what the United States is really about. A young country with one of the fastest growing populations in the OECD, it’s not a monolithic place. Rather its layered with sub-cultures and sub-geographies.
America is growing steadily more ethnically diverse, with the population of a State like California now more than 40 percent Hispanic - even while others on the East Coast remain predominantly White. This is a country where the average resident of Mississippi earns significantly less than half as much as a New Yorker. It’s a country that can embrace the Olympic phenomenon that is Simone Biles, while at the same time sitting at the feet of the Sage of Omaha, Warren Buffett.
And, in a similar vein, we need to increase the number of influential leaders in the US who know New Zealand better and understand our priorities, too.
Ladies and gentlemen, my Government’s focus continues to be on growing New Zealand’s economy and easing the cost of living. That doesn’t happen by looking inward.
The strength of the New Zealand economy depends on the success of our world-leading goods and services exporters – many of you are here today.
Access to foreign markets remains the key to growing our exports. And, yet, the environment in which we operate is more turbulent than it has been for the past thirty years:
Enthusiasm for trade liberalisation has waned.
Efficiency is giving way to caution, resilience and protectionism.
And global stability and security underpinned by international law is fraying.
New Zealand is not unique in wrestling with these changes. Working with friends and partners is key to protect and promote our interests. I am passionate about the United States. But, through our foreign policy reset, we are bringing new energy and new activism to all our partnerships in other parts of the Indo-Pacific, too, whether Southeast Asia, Japan, or India. These are all consequential relations for our security and our prosperity, too. Just as is China, with President Xi Jinping and I agreeing last week on the importance of sustaining our already strong NZ–China relationship, one where we continue to capitalise on areas of cooperation, while not shying away from areas of difference, which we will discuss in a predictable and consistent manner.
Today’s focus is the US, which is and will remain a critical relationship for New Zealand. My Government is primed and ready to work with the incoming US Administration to create new opportunities for both of our countries to benefit. To build the stability and resilience in our region that we both need to safeguard our people, our prosperity, and our freedom of action.
I, for one, am looking forward to that work. Thank you.
Source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/
As global competition in the film industry intensifies, the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) welcomes the direction of the government’s new draft creative and cultural strategy, Amplify. This strategy aims to grow New Zealand’s creative sector's contribution and aligns with NZFC’s ambitions for our film industry.
Graeme Mason, Chair of the Film Commission, says a delegation of 30 Kiwi businesspeople will visit the United States to promote New Zealand as a world-class destination for screen production. At the same time, an NZFC representative will attend the NFDC Film Bazaarin India to promote New Zealand films, projects and filmmaking talent, as well as co-production and inbound production and post-production opportunities with New Zealand.
“New Zealand should be as well known for its creative and technological innovations as we are for our dairy exports and world-class tourism. There is no better industry than our vibrant film industry for showcasing that on the world stage.”
The upcoming trip to Los Angeles called KIA ORA LA, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will facilitate events and meetings for screen sector leaders and assist marketing multi-million-dollar infrastructure facilities.
NZFC’s work with international clients supports, private-sector businesses who rely on attracting offshore production to sustain their operations. The Australian, United Kingdom, and Irish national screen agencies maintain a permanent presence in Los Angeles and compete directly with New Zealand for productions.
NZFC Chief Executive Annie Murray says New Zealand needs to do everything it can to encourage multi-million-dollar film, television and streaming projects to choose to film and/or post-produce here.
“The NZ screen industry contributes over $1 billion annually to the economy, and we are working hard to grow this. New Zealand must remain at the heart of international conversations on the most successful locations for basing film and television productions.”
Murray says NZFC’s upcoming visit to South Asia's premier film market in India also provides compelling opportunities.
“New Zealand has so much to offer the Indian film industry. The major Bollywood film Kannappa wrapped up filming in the Bay of Plenty last year. A local producer supported the production, with significant accommodation and catering contracts also boosting the regional economy. We’re confident this visit will spark interest among other Indian filmmakers in picking New Zealand as their next backdrop.”
© Scoop Media https://www.scoop.co.nz/
The NZUS Council looks forward to farewelling our 2024 cohort of congressional interns as they head to Washington DC to take part in the NZUS Council Mike Moore Congressional Internship Programme.
NZUS Council Chairman Jonathan Mason said “the internship programme provides a rare opportunity for New Zealand university students to gain firsthand experience of American politics. It is designed to help the next generation of New Zealand leaders build a deeper understanding of the USA through working in Congress as well as gaining a deeper appreciation of the value of the bilateral relationship. It fits very well with our goal of providing platforms for New Zealand and US engagement and fostering close bilateral connections.”
The internship programme is named in honour of former New Zealand Ambassador to the USA, Rt. Hon Mike Moore, who established the programme after the Christchurch earthquakes in 2010-11. Through the programme, exemplary students from across New Zealand are selected to work in the offices of US Members of Congress. Since 2012, 40 students from New Zealand Universities have undertaken internships for up to ten weeks in the offices of various Members of Congress.
This year the Council’s programme partners are the University of Canterbury Law School and the University of Auckland Law School and with support from Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC. This year’s intake are Benjamin Christy (University of Auckland), Isellah Gordon (University of Canterbury, Jessica Wratt (University of Canterbury) and Silas Zhang (University of Canterbury).
“The opportunity to observe the US law making process from the inside, and to build their understanding of America’s politics and culture, is very special for these students” said University of Canterbury Dean of the School of Law, Professor Petra Butler. “It is a unique opportunity that enhances the development of our students and helps prepare them for their careers and making a difference in the world.”
Auckland University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Engagement, Dr Erik Lithander, said “This year’s internship programme takes place at a historic moment during the transition from one US Presidency to the next. The interns will gain invaluable insights and forge meaningful connections with Members of Congress and their staff”.
The interns depart in two groups, on 9th and 14th November.
For more information, contact Fiona Cooper, NZUS Council Executive Director: fiona@nzuscouncil.org | +64 21 934 466
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