Mission to boost trade in NZ

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery will lead a second trade mission to New Zealand in May after the first, last November, yielded about $740,000 in sales for local businesses.

This visit, from May 31 to June 4, received the green light at last week’s general council meeting.

A report presented to councillors said the November 2022 visit not only generated significant sales, but also resulted in four new investment leads and achieved a media reach of nearly one million New Zealanders.

“More than 100 New Zealand businesses were engaged in the program development, and meetings and exchanges were held with more than 30 senior government and business leaders,” the report said.

“Following the success of the 2022 visit, the attending business delegates requested that Council consider returning to Auckland in 2023 with an increased business representation and the conduct of additional workshops/seminars with target businesses with a focus on sustainability, as this was of interest in New Zealand.”

The second visit aims to generate greater outcomes for delegates. Council will conduct an expression of interest process to identify up to 10 qualified and complementary local businesses to join the mission. The theme being explored is sustainability in manufacturing.

Through the contacts and networks developed during the previous visit, Council will deliver a three-day business program supporting the travelling businesses, including a showcase event and networking opportunities in Auckland.

The visit is expected to include:

• Bilateral briefings with the Auckland Council and the Port of Auckland;

• Briefings from Australian/Queensland officials based in Auckland, such as the ConsulGeneral and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner and/or Queensland’s Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) Commissioner;

• Business networking events, including a partnership opportunity with the New Zealand Warriors and their networks;

• Trade and investment meetings with local businesses/industry, including a networking and business showcase event; and

• Attending the inaugural Dolphins game against the Warriors on June 2.