October Update from Kea

• OCTOBER CASE STUDY – IMAGINING THE PERFECT CITY OF TOMORROW
• INSIGHTS FROM OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY
• GOVERNMENT UPDATE
• THIS MONTH IN NUMBERS
• GROWTH THROUGH KEA CONNECT
• IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
• TRENDING AT KEA
• UPCOMING EVENTS
• HOW KEA CAN HELP

IMAGINING THE CITIES OF THE FUTURE

This week the global conversation at Expo 2020 turns to urban development, and more specifically imagining the perfect city of tomorrow. New Zealand has some of the most sprawling cities in the world, Auckland, home to just under two million people is 120km from top to bottom. Compare that to London, home to more than nine million people which is just 50km from top to bottom.

New Zealand has some amazing opportunities when it comes to our cities of the future so how can we harness technology, culture, sustainability and the power of nature to build better? And how can we learn from others around the world tackling the same challenges? We speak to experts in our Kea community to find out.

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CHINA

Official figures show China’s total imports and exports expanded 22.7% year on year in the first three quarters of 2021, recording a fifth consecutive quarter of growth. This growth will likely continue this quarter with retailers gearing up for the annual Double 11 or Singles day period, the biggest selling day on the Chinese calendar. Our China Regional Director, Ciara Liu explains how Kiwi businesses are getting on board. READ MORE

UK & EUROPE

The big news in the UK this month is the agreement in principle of the UK-NZ FTA. The groundbreaking agreement will see tariffs lifted on 97% of Kiwi exports and is estimated to be worth almost $1 billion to New Zealand’s GDP. Our UK and Europe Regional Director Sara Fogarty looks at the next steps in the agreement and what Kiwi businesses need to focus on. READ MORE

NORTH AMERICA

In North America supply chain problems are causing global headaches for both importers and exporters. So much so that US President Joe Biden has announced a 90 day sprint which sees LA ports working around the clock in an effort to clear the backlog. It remains to be seen how much of the problem can be fixed. Our North America Regional Director Gary Fortune, looks at how the we got to this point and what Kiwi exporters need to be aware of. READ MORE

MIQ CHANGES, UK FTA AND NEW CLIMATE TARGETS ANNOUNCED

The big news this month for Kea’s offshore community and Kea Connect customers keen on business travel was the announcement of further changes to the MIQ system from 14 November. The managed isolation period for international arrivals into New Zealand will reduce from 14 days to 7 days, followed by a period of isolation at home, while the self-isolation period for business travellers in the pilot will be shortened to 10 days at an approved location. To support the expected resurgence of travel, Air New Zealand are looking at upping domestic flight frequency and eyeing a reboot of the direct Auckland – New York flights that were planned to launch in 2020, opening up access to Europe and the US East Coast.

New Zealand and the UK reached an Agreement in Principle (AIP) on a free trade agreement that will remove over 97% of tariffs on exports into the UK the day the FTA enters into force. Kea Connect businesses exporting to our seventh-largest trading partner will be watching the progression of the AIP with interest, as benefits include not only tariff reductions, but also the removal of administratively burdensome and costly non-tariff barriers. The aim is to conclude the NZ-UK FTA by the end of the year.

In time for COP26, New Zealand has announced a revised pledge with a 50% reduction in gross 2005 emissions by 2030, which will have an impact on New Zealand businesses. This new figure is in line with the Climate Change Commission’s draft advice, but falls short of New Zealand’s fair share under the Paris Agreement. To help New Zealand meet its international obligations and achieve its target of zero carbon by 2050, the Government is also inviting New Zealanders to inform our first Emissions Reductions Plan, which will set the direction for climate action out to 2035 and has recently announced mandatory climate-related disclosures for financial institutions and listed companies.

Saya Wahrlich, Global Director, Government & Industry

*Year to date reflects financial year commencing 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

SECTORS KEA CONNECT SUPPORTED THIS MONTH

DOES THE HUMBLE BEE HOLD THE KEY TO SUSTAINABILITY?

Humble Bee Bio are on a mission to build better materials for society using nature inspired innovations known as biomimicry. Alongside Victoria University and The Ferrier Institute, Humble Bee bio are analysing a specific species of bee to understand how nature creates materials with properties that are useful industrially – such as resistance to water, flame, high temperatures, and chemicals.

Using the bee’s genetic blueprint, they are developing a method to develop and manufacture this novel material sustainably and at scale. This material can potentially be used to replace plastics used by industries in textiles and other consumer products.

SHAKING UP THE HOSPITALITY BUYING INDUSTRY

HospoConnect are a Kiwi startup with big ideas for the hospitality industry. Their Founder grew up in his parent’s fruit & vegetable business and has a unique understanding about the manual and often clunky process between suppliers and hospitality representatives. HospoConnect is an app which addresses these challenges by improving the connection and processes between wholesale suppliers and hospotality buyers.

The app allows those on the buyer side (for instance, chefs, bar staff) to order from multiple suppliers via one app, see specials and products updates, find new suppliers etc. From a supplier side, the app allows wholesale suppliers to receive orders in a consolidated way, eliminating mistakes and saving time. HospoConnect has raised $500k and is about to embark on a $3m raise in a few months’ time. They are currently focusing on new opportunities offshore, particularly in the UAE.

SMALL BUSINESSES WEATHER COVID STORM

The strength of small and medium enterprises has always been their adaptability. Head of Central Auckland, Partnership Banking at BNZ, Jo Duncan looks at how, in this climate of uncertainty, business owners are digging deep and finding ways to weather the storm.

LONELY PLANET NAMES AUCKLAND AS BEST CITY TO TRAVEL TO IN 2022

During what is an incredibly challenging time for Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland’s visitor economy has had some positive news – being named the number one city to visit next year in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022.

DLA PIPER LAUNCHES VIRTUAL COP26 EXPERIENCE

DLA Piper has launched Explore Shift, a virtual experience, which allows people to browse our sustainability news, insights and analysis during COP26. Access the virtual experience here

FOREIGN, FEMALE AND CHANGING THE FACE OF THE NBA

Chelsea Lane spent six years working within the NBA. As one of only a few females in a management role she has helped pave the way for women in one of America’s top sports. READ MORE

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE UK FTA

The NZ-UK free trade agreement, will give New Zealand exporters unprecedented access to the UK market. Here are 5 key things you should know. READ MORE

FOR THE LOVE OF LANGUAGE

Kiwi returner Ethan Jones talks about his move home and how his love of languages has helped him reconnect with his cultural roots and discover his ideal future path in Aotearoa.   READ MORE

WEBINAR: Opportunities for the future of New Zealand infrastructure Aotearoa’s construction workforce needs to grow by almost 60,000 employees across the next 30 years to keep up with demand. This growth provides big opportunities for New Zealand to benefit from returning Kiwi with essential skills and experience in the infrastructure and urban planning. Join our webinar to delve into the future of the industry SIGN UP

VIRTUAL RETURNER MEETUPS: Every month Kea holds returner meetups to build our community of recently returned Kiwi. It’s an important way for our community to build their personal and professional networks and share their experiences with others. If you know someone who has recently returned to Aotearoa please encourage them to come along. ATTEND