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The American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2024 AmCham-DHL Express Success and Innovation Awards, the 25^th year of these awards celebrating success and innovation for companies doing business with the USA.

AmCham Executive Director, Mike Hearn said that “bilateral trade with the US continues to grow, with the US taking over as New Zealand’s second largest trading partner this year. With more flights than ever before tourism numbers are up both ways.”  

“We are delighted to welcome Auckland International Airport back as a silver sponsor and Insprie Labs as a new silver sponsor.”

“This year’s exporter finalists come from a more diverse background to previous years, coming for manufacturing, food and beverage and technology sectors”

The supreme winner also receives an airfare to anywhere in the USA on United Airlines, US$5,000 of advisory services from Sweeney Vesty, introductions to venture capitalists, economic development agencies in the USA as well as to other valuable connections. Over the last twenty-five years our sponsors have provided over $375,000 worth of prizes to our award winners.

Commenting on the awards, Mark Foy, Managing Director New Zealand & Pacific Islands, DHL Express, said “DHL Express is proud to have partnered with AmCham for the last 15 years to deliver the AmCham-DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards. As the leading international express service provider, we are thrilled to continue supporting Kiwis in navigating the international trade market and exporting to the USA. For 25 years, Kiwi ingenuity and innovation have been a driving force behind the success stories of Kiwi businesses in the United States export market. DHL would like to extend our congratulations to all the 2024 finalists on their international success.”

This year’s awards and finalists are:

Exporter of the Year to the USA - Manufacturing Innovation
Bison Group Ltd
Carac International Ltd
Ohmio Automation Ltd

Exporter of the Year to the USA - Technology Innovation
Adeption Ltd
Immortal Camera Systems Ltd
Kara Technologies Ltd
Toku Inc

Exporter of the Year to the USA - Food & Beverage Innovation
Free AF Drinks
Rockit Global Ltd
Westland Milk Products

Bilateral Connections with the USA
Cambridge Partners Ltd
International Working Holidays Ltd
Stewart Germann Law Office

Contribution to Tourism with the USA
Great Journeys New Zealand
Canuckiwi  Ltd
IGG Destination Marketing 

Investor of the Year to or from the USA

AgriZeroNZ
TBA

One of the above will be selected to receive an award for their Commitment to Social Impact and one as the Supreme winner.

One other award will be presented on the night:  The AmCham Supporter of the Year
The awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner at the Pullman Hotel Auckland on 15th August for details and tickets see www.amcham.co.nz

The keynote speaker will be The Hon Judith Collins KC, Attorney-General, Minister of Defence, Minister for Digitising Government, Minister Responsible for the GCSB, Minister Responsible for the NZSIS, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Minister for Space, and Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques. MP of Pakuranga.

In addition to AmCham, DHL Express, United Airlines, the awards are supported by ANZ Bank, Auckland International Airport, Insprie Labs, Ironside McDonald Intellectual Property, Lockheed Martin New Zealand. Media sponsor - The Business. Wine sponsor - Constellation Brands. Event Manager and sponsor – DD Events.

Previous winners of the Supreme Award have included Peace Software; Airways Corporation; HumanWare; Tenon; Orion Health; Zeacom; SMI Group; Fonterra; Pratt & Whitney Air New Zealand Services t/a Christchurch Engine Centre; Buckley Systems; Greenshell New Zealand; Vista Entertainment; Fisher & Paykel Healthcare; Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Zespri International; Tourism Holdings; Peter Beck, Seequent Ltd, Oritain Global and Auror Ltd.

For tickets to the awards dinner book at  https://www.amcham.co.nz/event-5409323

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has finished a successful four-day visit to the United States with meetings in California on his final day focusing on innovation and investment. 

“It has been fantastic to be in San Francisco today seeing first-hand the deepening links between New Zealand and California.

“New Zealand company, EV Maritime, is integral to the Bay Area’s transition to a more sustainable future, as they work towards incorporating their innovative propulsion technology to the fleet,” Mr Luxon says. 

“My meeting with California Governor Gavin Newsom also showed that there are plenty of further opportunities in green technologies, geothermal energy, aerospace, and renewable energy. I would like to thank him for his generous hosting and warm hospitality.”

Governor Newsom and Prime Minister Luxon moved forward the collaboration between California and New Zealand on clean energy, with a statement committing to new work together on geothermal energy, offshore wind and transport decarbonisation.  

“I met with a range of venture capitalists to promote the investment opportunity that New Zealand represents. The chance to meet the New Zealand interns at the NASA Ames Research Center was a highlight. The focus on innovation during my visit to Apple Park indicates to me that the future is bright, with Apple’s research work in Auckland creating high tech jobs for New Zealanders.”

Mr Luxon’s visit also advanced New Zealand’s technology and investment opportunity with the United States.

“I am pleased that New Zealand will be launching a bilateral technology dialogue with the US this year. As a trusted partner, this will offer yet another opportunity to engage in an area critical to our future prosperity.”

“Attending NATO in Washington DC reaffirmed the importance of the liberal rules-based order which underpins New Zealand's prosperity and security. Bringing together the Indo-Pacific Four also underlined for me that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific are indivisible. That’s why we continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal invasion, and to work with NATO to buttress our collective security.”

A link to the joint statement between California and New Zealand is attached and can be found here: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/media-and-resources/prime-minister-wraps-up-us-visit-in-california

Source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/

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It’s no secret that the residential renovations sector has traditionally been rife with budget blowouts and disputes. In New Zealand it’s a problem Refresh Renovations has been successfully solving since 2009, and now the company is exporting its unique home renovation franchise business model to overseas markets.  

Ask Refresh Renovations founder and director Jon Bridge what his absolute milestones are in his 15 years of business, and he’ll tell you it’s not about milestones.

“I don’t ever have absolute milestones. I have objectives and I work as hard as I can to achieve them,” he explains. “The objectives I set are always slightly out of reach, so I have to work hard to reach them.”

You’ll never achieve anything if you don’t stretch yourself, adds Jon. “If you have a clear vision of what you want to create you need to stick with it and keep going. Things take longer, cost more, and are always harder than you think.”

Refresh Renovations occupies a unique spot in New Zealand’s franchise sector, and now it’s looking to achieve a bold new objective – to spread its wings into offshore markets.

Jon believes the brand’s success is the result of identifying a real issue for home renovators and creating a solution that successfully addresses it.

“The issue we identified is that with residential renovations there’re often budget blowouts and it’s estimated that 20 to 30 percent of projects end in dispute.”

In such a huge market, and he’s talking the worldwide market here, it’s an issue that’s definitely worth solving, he says.

Jon explains that the main cause of budget blowouts and disputes is the huge fragmentation at the builder level of the renovation value chain, and the resulting scarcity of brands that need to look after their reputation. The market needs larger businesses that need to look after their brands, he believes.

“Small companies also don’t have the resources to invest in the required systems and processes. So, there was a need for someone to establish a large format renovation company that was underpinned by a brand, strong marketing, and strong systems and processes that could be rolled out at a local level.”

Refresh Renovations ticks all those boxes.

“Our model can address the issue anywhere it exists,” says Jon. “So, the key here is to identify markets overseas that have the same structure and the same problems. In our case, the renovation market is incredibly fragmented in every country, and the same categories of people are affected, so the model can work everywhere.”

Changing mindsets, addressing differing regulations

As it markets its franchise business offshore, Refresh Renovations recognises that different cultures have different risk-taking appetites, as well as different levels of openness to innovation and different ways of doing things.

“Our approach requires a change of mindset,” says Jon, “and that’s been our biggest challenge.”

He says it’s about finding early adopters who understand the business concept and the values of collaboration – who are good at growing teams, are process and customer-focused, and willing to take a risk on a model not yet proven in their particular market.

“Once you have 20 to 30 good performing franchisees, others who prefer a proven model will then want to get on board and things will really accelerate.”

Another challenge with exporting the franchise is the fact that building regulations vary between countries and, in the case of Australia and the US, between states. Both countries have building regulations stating that the owner of a renovation company must be a licenced tradesperson – or at the very least, each renovation company must have a licenced contractor as a director.

That simply embeds a model that is proven not to work, states Jon.

“Requiring a licenced tradesperson to be a director or owner of a Refresh franchise is obviously a serious limitation with our particular business model. Our model requires that a person with a strong business and/or professional project management background should be the owner of the company, as that’s the skill that is largely missing in the renovation market, and that is what is required to deliver better service,” he says.

“By requiring renovation companies to have a trade-based builder as a director, there’s the real risk that those people would bring the traditional mindset to the business, and kick back against everything we’re trying to achieve.

“We’ve proven our approach works with our dispute rate being 0.33 percent, compared to the industry average of 20 to 30 percent. It’s 60 to 100 times better for customers.”

This is one powerful reason why Texas, in particular, is firmly in their sights.

An opportunity as big as Texas

Refresh Renovations chose Texas, population 30 million, for its first US launch because the state’s legislative environment for business is very similar to New Zealand’s, and the UK’s – particularly around licensing.

“It enables us to maintain our competitive advantage by having franchise owners who are business-oriented, rather than just trade-oriented,” explains Jon.

“Texas is also a big market. Its population is about the same as Australia’s, and the population of Houston alone is larger than New Zealand’s.”

So far, the concept has been well received, and everybody easily understands it. “Now we’re currently going through the process of finding the right first early adopters to prove the model,” says Jon.

Right across the residential renovation industry in Texas the Refresh Renovations model makes sense, he believes, and he expects the business to really accelerate once the first 20 to 30 franchisees are performing well.

Aside from grappling with the different time zones, the biggest challenge so far has been the legislation. It’s not set up to allow for what’s actually needed in the market, says Jon.

“It’s frustrating and not ideal, but we work around it.”

Having good people on board as in-market partners will always be a challenge too, adds Jon.

He admits to being rather impatient when it comes to building the business and needs to remind himself that it will take time to get the right people on board.

“I just wish lots of great franchisees would jump in immediately so we can crack into building our market share!”

Worldwide potential

A billion-dollar revenue in just ten years, that’s the long-term goal for growing Refresh Renovations, and the focus is very much on international markets.

Jon Bridge believes that’s a realistic goal. “But it could take longer, as everything always seems to,” he admits.

They’re not hedging their bets all on one brand either. There are three other brands the company is looking to get established in selected international markets – Zones (landscaping), Oncore (maintenance) and We Sort It (smaller home service-related jobs).

The potential for growing Refresh Renovations is undeniably mind-blowing. The global renovation market is currently estimated at around US$3 trillion a year (NZD$5 trillion) and is forecast to double that by 2032.

New Zealand’s market is worth a potential $12 billion, Australia’s $35 billion, the UK’s £35 billion, and the US over US$500 billion.

While still relatively tiny from a global perspective, several independent research companies still name Refresh Renovations as one of the key players in the global home renovation market.

“This is definitely just the start,” says a confident Jon. “We’re the only company with this international franchise model that addresses the real issues. We’ve built our own custom IT systems, and we are making our model better and better over time.

“$1 billion is a 0.09 percent share of the markets we currently operate in, not even considering other countries. That’s one project per 1,000 projects done in each market.

“There’s nothing to say we can’t we get to $1 billion and way higher.”

Refresh Renovations could raise the capital to grow even faster, but they’re currently content to grow organically, adds Jon.

“We’re happy either way.”

Source: https://exportertoday.co.nz/

McKay has been appointed by Aurora Marine Design to serve as the electrical systems integrator for the Golden Gate Ferries of San Francisco, Liwa Class ferry programme.

The Liwa Class ferry program, set to commence in early 2025, will retire and replace Golden Gate Ferry’s existing fleet of vessels with eight, Liwa Class ferries by 2033.

Measuring an impressive 50.5 meters with the capacity to accommodate 500 passengers, the Liwa Class ferries will integrate McKay‘s award-winning Alarm, Control, and Monitoring System (VCAM), along with a custom Human Machine Interface’s (HMI’s) designed for the vessel’s Danfoss hybrid power generation system.

Through developing its Liwa Class fleet, Golden Gate Ferry, responsible for four passenger ferry routes plus special event services connecting Marin County with the City and County of San Francisco, will achieve greater operational efficiency and exceed the new emission requirements set by CARB CHC. Utilizing McKay’s HMI and Danfoss’s Hybrid Power Generation system to generate electrical power for the cleanest EPA certified engines with Diesel Particulate Filters and Selectric Catalytic Reduction systems from MAN Diesel engines.

McKay, a leading marine Systems Integrator, brings a wealth of experience to the Liwa Class ferry, having a strong track record of delivering complex electrical marine projects to a wide range of vessels, including superyachts and research ships from 18 to 85.6 meters in size, including the complete Electrical Engineering and commissioning of the first fully electric passenger ferry in the Southern Hemisphere.

Ben Haselden, McKay Marine Manager, shared:

“This agreement cements our commitment not only to the United States but also to our dedication in assisting major operators like Golden Gate Ferry in meeting their obligations to the environment and the Californian government.”

With its focus on efficiency, modernisation, and innovative integrations, the Liwa Class ferry program aims to transform Golden Gate Ferry’s fleet and pave the way for more sustainable transportation options.

Source: https://www.mckay.co.nz/

This Summer’s Test of Self-Driving Technology at JFK’s Long-Term Parking Lot is First to Serve Customers

Public May Ride in Self-Driving Test Shuttles Circulating Large On-Airport Parking Lot for Easier, Quicker Access Between Their Parked Vehicles and AirTrain JFK Stations Beginning Tomorrow, July 16

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced today that customers at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) this summer will be able to participate in the agency’s first self-driving vehicle pilot to serve the traveling public. The agency has received approval from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to allow members of the public to ride in autonomous shuttles being tested within a large, on-airport parking lot to bring customers closer to their vehicles.

The autonomous vehicle pilot currently underway at JFK is the agency’s fourth such test of self-driving, or autonomous, technology at its major airports, and the first to include unionized contract staff who currently drive airport shuttles as the self-driving shuttles’ safety monitors. The agency’s two previous tests of autonomous platooned vehicles were held at JFK’s Aqueduct Parking Lot during the past two summers, while a test of a self-driving shuttle was held in mixed traffic at Newark Liberty International Airport last year. 

“We are preparing today for the future by moving forward with our tests of self-driving technology within safe, controlled environments such as our airports, which also happen to be the exact facilities where we want to put this technology into use. We thank ABM Aviation for working with us and providing staff to serve as safety monitors as an extra precaution and for customer service during these tests that will include the public,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Autonomous platoons can give us the opportunity to get more airport customers where they want to go while they’re within our property so that we can serve more people safely and efficiently.”

“Safely incorporating self-driving technology at our facilities is part of the Port Authority’s future, and these tests help to prepare us for that eventuality by building a knowledge base on the possibilities and limits of these vehicles,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We are redeveloping our airports now to be world class, which means incorporating world-class technology in every aspect of operations and customer experience as well.”

The three-monthlong test at JFK’s long-term parking Lot 9 features safety attendants on board who currently serve as JFK airport shuttle bus drivers contracted through ABM Aviation Inc. During the rides, all passengers must remain seated with a seat belt for their safety. The test vehicles are owned by Ohmio, a leading supplier of autonomous vehicle technology based in New Zealand and California, and are clearly marked with signage indicating that the vehicle is self-driving. Two 8-passenger vehicles will circulate around the perimeter of parking Lot 9 to bring customers closer to their parked cars, making 15 stops including those for AirTrain JFK stations at Howard Beach and Lefferts Blvd. Customers may ride the self-driving test shuttles at no cost beginning Tuesday, July 16.

The Port Authority has been testing self-driving technology since 2022, when the agency successfully tested autonomous platooning and lane-keeping technology on retrofitted buses in its Exclusive Bus Lane, which expedites bus travel into and out of the Lincoln Tunnel during rush hours. In 2023, JFK became the first North American airport to host a demonstration of a self-driving platoon of three vehicles. During that test, the agency sought to evaluate the safety and efficiency of multiple self-driving vehicles traveling in unison as a potential way to move a large number of passengers in a single movement. Other potential uses of self-driving shuttle platoons include moving passengers for first-mile/last-mile trips such as journeys between an AirTrain station and a distant airport facility such as car rental offices.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state agency that builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. For over a century, the agency’s network of major airports; critical bridges, tunnels and bus terminals; a commuter rail line; and the busiest seaport on the East Coast has been among the most vital in the country – transporting hundreds of millions of people and moving essential goods into and out of the region. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center campus, which today welcomes tens of thousands of office workers and millions of annual visitors. The agency’s historic $37 billion 10-year capital plan includes unprecedented transformation of the region’s three major airports – LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and JFK – as well as an array of other new and upgraded assets, including the $2 billion renovation of the 90-year-old George Washington Bridge. The Port Authority’s annual budget of $8 billion includes no tax revenue from either the states of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, visit www.panynj.gov or check out the Now Arriving blog

New York’s Architizer INC has awarded Kaynemaile’s RE/8 architectural mesh an A+ Jury Award for ‘Building Envelopes, Cladding, and Roofing’ in its 12th annual awards honoring the world’s best architecture and spaces. Kaynemaile was also the A+ Popular Choice Winner for ‘Sustainable Design.’

The design-led Petone company is on an awards roll following its naming in the U.S. Architectural Record Products of the Year Awards saluting the best building and design products introduced to the US market within the last year.

In 2023 Kaynemaile won ‘Global Gold’ for exporting at Wellington’s Gold Awards and has featured in multiple New Zealand architectural awards won for the Invercargill Central which has transformed the city centre into a vibrant community hub with a beautiful indoor shopping complex.

The U.S. awards are for Kaynemaile’s new RE/8 product launched in San Francisco a year ago. RE/8 is made from 88% bio-circular content from Covestro, the world-leading provider of high-tech polymers. Kaynemaile’s mesh is extremely lightweight, uses 20% of the energy needed to produce steel, and is 100% recyclable.

“Today Kaynemaile is a global leader in specialized architectural product applications that can be found on building exteriors and interiors all over the world,” says Kaynemaile founder and CEO Kayne Horsham. Over 90 per cent of sales are generated through exports.

Horsham says RE/8 has achieved a rare certification from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) organization covering its entire product cycle from ‘cradle to grave.’ RE/8 features a reduction in the carbon footprint of the base polymer material by up to 80%.

Kaynemaile’s focus on the US has seen the recent completion of exterior and interior projects in Atlanta, Dallas, Des Moines, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Santa Clara in Silicon Valley where 1,000 square metres of Kaynemaile 3D kinetic screens cover an 800 space parking garage features almost 1,000 square metres of Kaynemaile mesh screens across the facade.

Horsham says a major building wrap for a high-tech manufacturer has just unveiled in Belgium, with designs in currently progress for retail and hotel installations in the Philippines, Singapore, and Dubai.

Close to home, June 27 sees the formal unveiling of Waimahara, a transformative urban artwork in Myers Park, Auckland. The mana whenua-led project honoring the presence of ancient waters now flowing beneath the ground is an interactive sound and light sculptural installation.

Wellington technology investor Movac is lead shareholder in Kaynemaile. Movac founding partner Phil McCaw has been chair of Kaynemaile since 2016 and says the flow of awards to the Petone represents the success of a “wonder product” created by founder Kayne Horsham.

“The work that the Kaynemaile team have done over the past three years executing a major circular economy shift is opening multiple opportunities in architecture and construction as building codes around the world move to exacting new standards of environmental compliance.

“Kaynemaile is a beautiful thing that has taken a long time to bake,” says McCaw. “This is a business that combines architectural aesthetics and functionality, materials and building science, machine design, manufacturing, exporting, intellectual property, and climate mitigation.”

In 2023 Kaynemaile doubled the size of its production facility and commissioned a new injecting molding machine to enable 24/7 shifts as the company closes on some of the largest order enquiries they have experienced. The company works closely with architects throughout the world to customize its mesh systems whether it is a mega carpark façade or a highly decorative atrium chandelier.

Kayne Horsham says a key benefit of Kaynemaile is what he calls the ‘WonderCool Effect.’ “With nearly a quarter of the USA’s population projected to live in extreme heat conditions, there is an urgent need for passive heat mitigation technology in new building designs. Kaynemaile delivers up to a 70% reduction in solar gain on exterior installations. It’s a product made for a hot world.”

About Kaynemaile

With its origins in the Creatures, Armor, and Weapons department of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Kaynemaile has evolved into an international business based on its patented liquid-state manufacturing process coupled with compelling design aesthetics and a team focused on providing custom-made design solutions at scale.

Established in 2006, Kaynemaile designs and manufactures highly versatile architectural mesh systems for commercial, public, and residential building facades, and interiors through to public artworks, lighting effects, and stage shows.

Kaynemaile has been awarded the IF Material Award, NYCxDesign Award for Best New Architectural Product, Architecture MasterPrize for Building Envelope and Construction Materials, and Civil+Structural Engineer Yearbook of Engineering Achievement 2021 and 2022 for Environmental and Sustainability. Most recently Kaynemaile was awarded in Architectural Record’s best building systems and components 2023 and

Architizer’s 2024 A+ Awards for Building Envelopes, Cladding, and Roofing, and Sustainable Design.

About Architizer

Architizer is a portfolio database, media site, and architectural manufacturer search engine that is transforming the architecture community. With over 86,000 projects from around the world, Architizer’s vision is to bring more innovation, efficiency, and quality to the world of architecture and design.

www.kaynemaile.com

Last week on Monday, Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) launched its North American Retail Accelerator project after MPI approved DINZ’s funding application under the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) programme. The agreement will see MPI contribute a third of the $4.9 million investment, with the five venison exporters and DINZ making up the other two thirds.

The project, which started 1 July, will lift demand for New Zealand venison through the retail market, and is forecast to deliver an initial return of $20 million, or 4:1 return of investment.

Rhys Griffiths, interim DINZ chief executive, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The SFF Futures North American Retail Accelerator will leverage great work done by companies and open doors wider for the deer industry. By creating a robust and stable market in North America, we are not only diversifying our export base but also ensuring sustainable growth for our farmers. This project exemplifies our commitment to innovation and excellence in the global marketplace."

The project will enable New Zealand producers to connect more closely with our consumers, using retail channels to diversify away from a historic reliance on the food service sector. It will also enable the industry to tell its story directly to our consumers, highlighting the sustainable farming systems we use and building a general awareness of New Zealand grass-fed venison.

“This project has been a long time in the making, so it’s great news that it has officially kicked off – a huge thank you to MPI,” says Virginia Connell, DINZ assistant markets manager. “I’m looking forward to growing the “New Zealandness” of venison in the North American market and really building on our reputation for excellent farming practice. While this project is focused specifically on retail, it will ultimately create awareness across all sectors as education spreads on New Zealand venison.”

The SFF Futures North American Retail Accelerator includes all five New Zealand venison processing companies, namely: Alliance Group, Silver Fern Farms, First Light Foods, Duncan, and Mountain River Venison.

The project will be overseen by a project steering committee chaired by Scott Champion, with the rest of the group made up of Mark O’Connor, representing the venison exporter companies; Paddy Boyd as farmer representative; signatory representatives from DINZ and MPI; and the DINZ SFF Futures project team.

As an industry, we are poised to achieve new growth and establish New Zealand venison as a premium choice in the North American market.

Source: https://www.deernz.org/

The world’s first trade agreement for indigenous people is being led by Aotearoa New Zealand, with Northland’s Pita Tipene as co-chairman.

The Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Co-operation Arrangement (Ipetca) aims to strengthen indigenous businesses, increase trade between indigenous people and promote indigenous values like sustainable economic development.

The genesis came in 2021, when New Zealand hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (Apec), Tipene said.

Despite the forum being held virtually due to Covid lockdowns, New Zealand wanted to showcase its partnership between Māori and the Crown, as well as support indigenous people coming together.

The arrangement was promoted by then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Trade Minister Damien O’Connor, but continues to be supported by the coalition Government, he said.

Tipene and Federation of Māori Authorities leader Traci Houpapa are the Indigenous co-chairmen, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Māne Waetford represents the Government as co-chairman.

With New Zealand leading the arrangement, Canada, Australia and Taiwan have joined as founding members, Tipene said.

The United States now has observer status, while Chile, Peru, Mexico and Hawaii have shown interest in joining.

Some other Governments are loathe to join the agreement, due to contentious arrangements with their own Indigenous people, Tipene said.

But he was able to witness the trailblazing nature of Ipetca firsthand last month, with a face-to-face forum in Vancouver.

“It was the first time that Canadian Indigenous people had met with Indigenous people from the US, which was really surprising because they are only just across the border: It was really, really important.”

The Vancouver meeting was immediately followed by a meeting in Washington DC.

Tipene, who is a Ngāti Hine leader and chairman of the Waitangi National Trust, was able to meet with leaders such as US ambassador to Canada David Cohen, Hawaii senior senator and Senate Committee on Indian Affairs chairman Brian Schatz, US treasurer and Mohegan chief Lynn Malerba - also known as Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash or “Many Hearts” - and Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng.

New Zealand leading the way with Indigenous relations

Traci Houpapa believed New Zealand was the only country capable of leading Ipetca, because it had a unique, treaty-based partnership between its indigenous people and Government - Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“Aotearoa New Zealand has succeeded, and will continue to succeed, on the world stage because Te Tiriti o Waitangi provides us with a partnership framework which ensures that people are recognised and mana whenua are supported alongside government to deliver what is best for our country.

“I think the fact that some people are only just starting to understand the benefit or importance of the treaty is, in part, disappointing but, in whole, an opportunity to do better.”

The need for Ipetca was shown by the size of the indigenous economy, which covers 476 million people - 70% of whom live in Asia-Pacific, Houpapa said.

In New Zealand, Māori have previously been viewed as a drain on the economy but are now being recognised as industry leaders, she said.

“Māori tribal groups or land corporations and trusts own 50% of fisheries, 40% of forestry, 35% of red meat and dairy, 30% of lamb and 10% of renewable energy - the numbers in itself show Māori economic development and turnover are critical for Aotearoa.”

Alongside this, customers are starting to demand more sustainable and ethical business practices and this is also key for Indigenous people, Houpapa said.

IPETCA now has a work plan to ensure it continues moving forward, with virtual meetings every two months, to bring results to the people, Tipene said.

“It’s really got to matter for the people back in the valleys - if it doesn’t, we’re really not doing our job.”

Tipene will travel to Taipei next month to meet with Taiwanese leaders, and Ipetca would next meet in person in August during the Apec forum in Peru.

Source: Northern Advocate

It’s an incredibly special day for the team at Florenz.

The largest seller of New Zealand sourced and manufactured Manuka honey products in North America has come home and into our ownership.

TheWedderspoongroup was founded 24 years ago, and its products range from Manuka honey to Manuka honey lozenges, drops and lip balm as well as Bee Propolis throat sprays. Its products are stocked in more than 23,000 stores in the United States and Canada ranging fromCostco WholesaletoWalmart,CVS PharmacyandWhole Foods Market. The firm also has a growing footprint in Asia, Central America and Europe.

Wedderspoonjoins our growing stable of New Zealand wellness companies, including Christchurch-based vitamins and supplements exporterXtendlife Group Limited, Blenheim-based ingredients manufacturer Dry Food New Zealand and innovative blackcurrant-based sports performance supplement exporter2before Performance Nutrition, which was purchased from Government-owned Plant and Food Research. Florenz is also a cornerstone shareholder of iconic New Zealand herbal remedies companyHarker Herbals, which was established more than 40-years ago.

There is burgeoning global demand for natural health products backed by science from trusted brands and countries with first class reputations, such as New Zealand.

Brand New Zealand has never been stronger overseas and consumers globally are rapidly moving away from synthetic health products to support their wellbeing. Our nation has some of the best natural ingredients in the world and access to incredible other ingredients offshore. Put alongside that our nation’s cutting-edge science capabilities, and we can curate here in New Zealand products that make a positive impact on wellbeing globally.

A huge thank you to our parent company Christchurch-based Masthead Ltd for its ongoing support of Florenz as our team continues to build a world-class export business that Kiwis can be proud of.

Mike Tod, CEO

Driving further global growth with a strong foothold across Asia Pacific

Sydney, Australia, 02 July 2024 – Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, is pleased to announce the opening of its office in Sydney, Australia with Beau Dixon accepting an offer to lead Australia and New Zealand, to further establish its presence in the region. With offices in India, China and now Australia, Advent continues to build out its capabilities across the Asia Pacific region.

Mr Dixon, a highly experienced private equity professional with over 18 years of experience in the Australian and New Zealand markets, will join as Managing Director and head of Advent in Australia and New Zealand. Mr Dixon, who most recently was a Managing Partner at Anchorage Capital Partners and a member of the Investment Committee, has a strong investment track record and sound operational and board experience with portfolio companies. He will be responsible for leading a high calibre team to ensure that Advent can deploy its investment philosophy in Australia and New Zealand. This is with the aim of investing in leading companies that operate in Advent’s core sectors, including business and financial services; healthcare; industrial; retail, consumer, and leisure; and technology.

Australia and New Zealand are key markets for growth, with significant opportunities for private capital to be deployed in high quality companies with strong investment potential. Establishing a presence in the Australian and New Zealand markets is part of Advent’s continued global growth, and further enhances its presence in the attractive Asia Pacific region. This also builds on Advent’s experience in the Australian and New Zealand markets with investments including luxury fashion brand ZIMMERMANN, Transaction Services Group (now part of Xplor Technologies), a leading provider of business management software and integrated payments solutions to the Health & Fitness and Childcare verticals, and Cobham and Ultra Electronics, two leading defence, aerospace and technology companies, with past and present operations in Australia.

Shweta Jalan, Managing Partner at Advent International, said, “We are pleased to welcome Beau Dixon as Managing Director and head of Advent in Australia and New Zealand. Establishing a presence in Australia and New Zealand will support our continued growth in the Asia Pacific region, where we are already well-established in India and China. As a global private equity firm with a strong investment track record, we apply both in-market and sector experience to unlock local opportunities at scale and build businesses. We are thrilled at the opportunity to bring our world-class model to our current and future investments across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.”

Beau Dixon said, “I look forward to joining one of the leading global private equity investors and working closely with the Advent team to build out our presence in Australia and New Zealand. Advent has excellent global experience and sub-sector specialisation, which will add further depth and sophistication to the local market. Together, we will look to invest and build forward-looking businesses and drive sustainable growth.”