March Update from Kea

• CASE STUDY – FEEDING THE FUTURE
• INSIGHTS FROM OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY
• THIS MONTH IN NUMBERS
• GROWTH THROUGH KEA CONNECT
• NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
• TRENDING AT KEA
• UPCOMING EVENTS
• HOW KEA CAN HELP

FEEDING THE FUTURE

Last year $4.9 Billion dollars was invested in the alternate proteins industry, that’s 3x the total amount of the three previous years combined. What opportunities does this create for a food producing country like New Zealand and how are Kiwi businesses getting on board? As the global discussion at Expo 2020 turns to the future of food, we talk to Kea members leading the charge. READ MORE

CHINA

While our borders may be reopening China’s remain very firmly shut with experts predicting they may remain that way for much of the year. We look at what this could mean for foreign brands and offer advice on how to navigate this hurdle as markets around the world reopen. READ MORE

UK & EUROPE

Across Europe many of our Kea community are being both professionally and personally affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Our UK and Europe Regional Director Sara Fogarty looks at what the flow on effect could mean for those wanting to do business in the region. READ MORE

NORTH AMERICA

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is dominating much of the landscape in the US and adding further stress to supply chains already under pressure from the pandemic. Our North America Director Gary Fortune has advice for Kiwi export businesses affected by the upheaval. READ MORE

NEW ZEALAND

Welcome news with the announcement of the reopening of New Zealand borders to tourists. Our Government Relations Director Saya Wahrlich explains the Government’s key strategies for reconnection. READ MORE

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS MADE IN MARKET THIS MONTH**

SECTORS KEA CONNECT SUPPORTED THIS MONTH

*Year to date reflects financial year commencing 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022
**Some businesses were provided with connections in more than one market

LOCKDOWN LEADS TO SUCCESSFUL ONLINE BUSINESS

The Kiwi Artisan Co. is a success story of the pandemic. The business originally started as a market stall in Central Otago supporting local producers. However, as lockdowns hit and local markets and events were cancelled across the country operations ground to a standstill. Determined to not give up the company launched an online platform as a way to support the small-batch artisan community and offer broaden artisan platter options for both Kiwi and global customers. Goods are delivered direct to the buyers door and the business hopes to grow the artisan presence not only within New Zealand but also in the rest of the world.

The Kiwi Artisan Co. approached Kea Connect looking for help to grow in the US market, Kea was able to introduce them to three CEOs of New Zealand brands who have extensive experience in this market. Their insights and on-the-ground knowledge have since helped The Kiwi Artisan co. to explore options outside of New Zealand.

SOCIAL ACTION THROUGH CREATIVITY

Bead & Proceed is a social enterprise that exists to educate people about the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspire action towards them through creativity. The company offers tailored SDG workshops and ongoing SDG consulting for businesses interested in growing their impact. To date, they have worked with a range of corporates and organisations including councils, universities, professional service firms, schools, and other leading businesses in the agriculture and tourism sectors. 

The founder has been training more facilitators to run workshops throughout New Zealand and is seeing growing interest from overseas to facilitate virtual workshops. She approached Kea Connect to gain more knowledge of business strategy advice, mentoring, and connections to build her networks. Kea facilitated connection to help her grow her networks in the UK and Europe.

MARKET YOUR BUSINESS ON WECHAT

With over 1.2 billion monthly active users, WeChat has been described as China’s “super app” NZTE is offering a webinar on the effective use of the platform for businesses. It will cover how WeChat is positioned in China’s digital landscape, how to integrate WeChat into your marketing strategy and how to build traffic to your account. Sign up here

RAISING THE BAR RETURNS FOR 2022

Raising The Bar Home Edition is back, the event features Six fascinating talks from University of Auckland researchers on topics from democracy to wine to genetics. All the talks can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. To register and find out more visit their website

REIMAGINING TāMAKI MAKAURAU

Auckland Unlimited’s report Reimagining Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland: harnessing the region’s potential explores the changes needed for Auckland to reach its potential and become a truly global, liveable and sustainable city that is fit for the future.

CREATING CHANGE ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

“The generation before me paved the way, they fought very hard for me to be where I am and I do not take that for granted.” To celebrate International Women’s Day this March we spoke to five inspiring Kiwi women including World Class New Zealander Chelsea Winstanley, about the biases they have faced and how they are working hard to create change for the next generation. READ MORE

A DOCUMENTARY OF DISCOVERY

“You hope that you are not failing the team, by being out here and doing the work you are doing. You hope you are lifting the game and in turn lifting New Zealand.” This month China based Kiwi Documentary maker Vicki Lin tells us about the responsibility she feels to uphold New Zealand’s creative reputation in China and explains why her Kiwi upbringing has given her a unique edge in the ultra competitive market. READ MORE

RETURNED KIWI SETS SIGHT ON BREWING REBELLION

Grant Caunter has recently returned to New Zealand after working for one of the world’s biggest beer companies. Despite a career in beer, Grant decided to give up drinking during one particularly long European lockdown, now he’s putting his brewing knowledge to good use starting New Zealand’s first zero alcohol brewery that’s focused on full flavour. READ MORE

WORLD CLASS SPEAKER SERIES: Our next World Class Speaker Series features Ronnie Peters. Ronnie is one of the internet’s original designers. The New York based World Class New Zealander is the Founder and CEO of 360 Design and was working in UX before the job title even existed. Join us to hear Ronnie discuss the value of good design and why it’s so important to businesses big and small. Plus hear about the future of the industry and how virtual worlds and the metaverse are helping brands connect with customers like never before. 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 Kea members to build their personal and professional networks and share their experiences with others. The next event will take place on Wednesday the 6th of April. If you know someone who has recently returned to Aotearoa please encourage them to come along. ATTEND