Businesses going global

• CASE STUDY – CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF TRADE WITH JAPAN
• 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

Celebrating 70 years of trade with Japan

This year marks 70 years since the establishment of New Zealand-Japan diplomatic relations. Both countries are forerunners of free trade, leading agreements like CPTPP and RCEP. Kea World Class New Zealander Jacky Scanlan-Dyas is an M&A lawyer who advises major Japanese corporates and trading houses investing outside of Japan and many international corporates investing and doing deals in Japan. She spoke to Kea about the importance of the 70 year milestone and the opportunities she sees for Kiwi companies interested in our 4th largest market. READ MORE

North America

Kea was pleased to support a visit led by Air New Zealand which included the Minister of Finance Hon Grant Robertson and CEO’s and Chairs of some of New Zealand’s largest businesses. The delegation met with business and thought leaders in New York and strengthened connections with our vibrant Kiwi community. Our North America Regional Director Gary Fortune has the highlights. READ MORE

China

October was a busy month in China with celebrations for Golden week and the much anticipated 20th CPC National Congress. The country is still experiencing a number of pandemic restrictions and this inability to travel is giving rise to a rather particular sector which could hold possibilities for Kiwi exporters. Our China Regional Director Rebecca Bao explains. READ MORE

UK and Europe

There has been more upheaval in the UK in October with the resignation of Prime Minister Liz Truss after just 45 days on the job. The country also has a new Chancellor and is looking to steady the economic uncertainty that’s plaguing the country. Our UK and Europe Regional Director Sara Fogarty has a wrap of the changes and what it means for Kiwi exporters. READ MORE

New Zealand

In October Education Minister Chris Hipkins led a delegation to The Republic of Korea, Indonesia, and Singapore to encourage people to study in New Zealand and promote the fact our country is welcoming international students back. Our Global Director Government and Industry Saya Wahrlich looks at this and the review of our electoral system. READ MORE

BUSINESSES ASSISTED MADE IN MARKET THIS MONTH**

SECTORS KEA CONNECT SUPPORTED THIS MONTH

*Year to date reflects financial year commencing 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023
**Some businesses were provided with connections in more than one market

AI Marketing system accelerates car sales

DriveText uses AI-automated descriptions and data to automatically create engaging marketing content for vehicle listings with the aim of helping car dealerships sell cars faster. The platform is looking to expand into the UK market and came to kea Connect searching for market validation and insights.

Kea was able to connect DriveText with an automotive specialist from a digital performance marketing agency in Wales, a marketing lead of SaaS automotive sales platform in England and an Executive Chairman of a global automotive research company.

Virtual event and training platform eyes US market

V-Unite offers virtual event, training and marketing management software. The company is looking to tap into the US market and sought connections with US organisations to identify the problems their target customers are having around events and experiences so they can tailor their offering to the marketplace.

Kea introduced V-Unite to several people including a Snr Executive Producer of Special Events & Media at an events service company, a VP of Partnerships at a large insurance company, Head of Consumer and Digital Marketing from a large pharmaceutical business and a Managing Director of an interoperability & intelligence software company.

NZ-UK FTA Roadshow 2022

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is hosting a series of events later this month for New Zealand businesses to learn more about the NZ-UK FTA and to engage with experts. Come along to hear from MFAT and NZ Inc. experts, including New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner for the UK and Ireland Nick Swallow. READ MORE

Deel partners with WeWork to create more flexible workspaces

Deel has partnered with WeWork the leading flexible workspace provider, to offer companies WeWork All Access memberships for employees. As international hiring has skyrocketed over the past few years, distributed teams are becoming more commonplace. There is still, however, a need for workspaces – to maintain in-person connections, build culture, and facilitate collaboration. READ MORE

“Pick a date and make it happen“

For Kiwi returner Marie-Anne, moving home to New Zealand had been on the cards for several years, however, it wasn’t until after the birth of her second child that the family took the plunge. She talks to Kea about experiences moving home, including finding a job and settling into a new community and shares her top piece of advice for others feeling the pull of home. READ MORE

Community culture driving Fintech success

When it comes to competing in the global fintech industry, Wellington really punches above its weight. So what is it about the capital that’s helping create these incredible companies which are flying the Kiwi flag in markets around the world? Kea spoke to three fintech founders to find out.  READ MORE

Taking a bite out of the snack food industry

Globally the snack food industry is estimated to be worth around 105 billion USD and is predicted to grow this year by around 3%. It’s a lucrative market and one which many Kiwi companies have carved out a niche for themselves. One of these is Wellington company, Tom and Luke. We catch up with CEO Matt Donn to find out how the industry has changed recently and what advice he would give to companies looking for an edge. READ MORE

KEA X BNZ MOVING TO NEW ZEALAND WEBINAR: This webinar offered practical advice for those looking about moving to New Zealand. Our three panellists provided important advice on finances, including how to open a bank account from offshore, the relocation process and five things that should be top of your checklist, plus what to expect when you arrive. If you know someone looking to relocate to New Zealand please share this recording with them. to LISTEN

WORLD CLASS SPEAKER SERIES: In our latest World Class speaker series, we caught up with cognitive neuroscientist and Kea World Class New Zealand winner Dr Kerry Spackman. Dr Spackman has used years of cognitive research and his background in mathematics to create a world changing learning tool which has been adopted by top schools, universities and governments to help better understand ‘wicked’ problems. LISTEN

KEA MEETUPS: Our next meetup will be held in Auckland on December the 7th, at The Chatham, 27 Drake Street from 17.30. If you know a Kiwi business owner, entrepreneur or recently returned Kiwi please encourage them to come along and expand their networks. These meetups are also a great opportunity for our Kea partners to meet members of our community. SIGN UP

For the past 20 years, Kea has worked to nurture a vibrant and diverse community of offshore Kiwi who share a passion for New Zealand and the success of its people and businesses. Ensuring these internationally talented Kiwi remain part of Aotearoa no matter where they are based, is a key driver of Kea’s work.

Kea CEO Toni Truslove says being able to draw on Topham Guerin’s impressive track record of engaging communities will substantially elevate and increase the reach of Kea’s storytelling. 

“Being able to share the inspiring, world leading stories of our offshore Kiwi with the wider New Zealand community is crucial in ensuring the next generation of Kiwi entrepreneurs understand the opportunities and possibilities available to them. Partnering with Topham Guerin allows us to combine these incredible stories with world class digital creative to truly showcase and engage our community.”

Every month, Kea supports on average more than 40 Kiwi companies to tap into the knowledge and networks of Kiwi offshore. They also work to help land Kiwi returners back into New Zealand, supporting them to thrive and to help ensure our nation benefits from their offshore experience – whether that be as employees or business owners. 

Toni says as a Kiwi startup themselves, Topham Guerin will also be uniquely positioned to understand the stories of Kea’s business community. 

“While Topham Guerin now has offices in both the UK and Australia the agency began in much the same way as many Kiwi startups. A group of hardworking Kiwi with a desire to make a difference. This shared experience of success on the world stage puts Topham Guerin in a unique position to really connect with our community.”

Topham Guerin Founding Partner, Ben Guerin says the chance to work with individuals and businesses within the Kea network provides an opportunity to create real change for New Zealand. 

“As a creative and digital agency, our core business is developing innovative solutions for our clients to achieve meaningful change. Here, we have the opportunity to align this purpose not just with achieving client goals, but also towards the advancement of Aotearoa.”

The deal, agreed to in principle (with the hope of concluding final negotiations by next year) will give New Zealand exporters unprecedented access to the UK market. For key products where tariffs will be removed over time (such as meat) sizable duty-free quotas have been secured which will cover current exports and allow for significant growth in trade. The FTA also includes provisions covering environmental concerns, animal welfare, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, telecommunications and digital trade, investment, intellectual property, and efforts to combat gender inequality and modern slavery.

The agreement is extensive and covers a number of areas, but here are five key areas that will provide a big boost for Kiwi export businesses.

1. The UK’s market access commitments for services exporters and investors are among the best it has agreed with any FTA partner. The UK has also committed to extend any future market opening agreed in future FTAs to New Zealand.
2. The UK has agreed to extend visa commitments for business people, adding more sectors and categories to the existing access under the WTO.
3. Modest improvements have also been made in government procurement, with the UK expanding the types of service contracts New Zealand providers can bid for.
4. Non-tariff barriers have also been tackled. For example, the FTA will recognise a number of New Zealand wine-making practices and address burdensome labelling and certification requirements faced by New Zealand’s wine makers.
5. Many other outcomes will make trade with the UK easier, less costly, and more accessible for small businesses. This includes streamlined customs procedures and provisions that will facilitate digital trade and promote connectivity between New Zealand and the UK.

The agreement is also breaking new ground in a number of other areas that will boost Aotearoa’s productivity, including

• Reflecting New Zealand’s Trade for All agenda, we have achieved leading edge commitments on trade that are sustainable, inclusive and reach many New Zealand communities. This includes outcomes in areas such as trade and labour, as well as a chapter on trade and development, and new chapters on trade and gender equality to support women’s economic empowerment, and consumer protection. A chapter on digital trade will support the growth of New Zealand’s tech exports and promote cooperation in regard to new technologies.
• The environment chapter includes ground-breaking commitments for both countries. The agreement is New Zealand’s first bilateral trade deal to include specific commitments on climate change and will contain provisions eliminating environmentally harmful subsidies. This includes commitments to take steps to eliminate harmful fossil fuel subsidies, and to prohibit fisheries subsidies which lead to overfishing. The environment chapter will also prioritise the elimination of tariffs on at least 268 environmentally beneficial products – the largest environment goods list ever agreed in an FTA.
• The agreement recognises the unique and historical relationship that exists between Māori and the British Crown – as original signatories of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. In addition to the inclusion of New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi exception, Māori economic and trade interests were prioritised in negotiations and are reflected across the agreement. This includes a dedicated chapter that will create a future platform for cooperation on a range of issues important to Māori.  

Thank you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their help with this article. For more information, please visit their website

The company’s rise to success has been phenomenal but behind the premium brand lies a uniquely Kiwi story. Wai Mānuka is the brainchild of three lifelong friends Lance Paora, Wayne Atkins and Joe Harawira, and Joe says the idea started over a few drinks. 

“We were at a New Year’s Eve BBQ together and I was drinking pineapple kombucha and I said to the boys, this is not a good option for a social event. We started discussing other possibilities and by the end of that night we had decided that we were going to take honey from Gisborne and mix it with spring water from the Bay of Plenty. Early on we were going to call it ‘The healing water of Aotearoa’ but we soon met with a compliance expert who was like “no you can’t call it that!’ so Wai Mānuka was born.”

The company’s first big break came when a mentor sent through an expression of interest form to be part of the America’s Cup. Joe says the mentor told them it was probably too early for something this big but he wanted them to understand the opportunities that could be available to them in the future.

“We thought oh well why not, let’s just give it a crack, and then a few months down the track the America’s Cup took us on board as one of the non-alcoholic beverage suppliers, alongside Coca-Cola. In terms of launching a startup we couldn’t have asked for a better platform to generate the exposure and awareness we experienced. Off the back of that opportunity we were able to secure a number of high-end partnerships.”

From there the company has continued to grow. They have just appointed an advisory board and are looking to grow their presence in Aotearoa, whilst being a focus customer of NZTE and validating global markets in Asia and the UAE. With the help of Callaghan Innovation they have also recently proven some health benefits surrounding Wai Mānuka and are looking at how to best maximize those results. 

Joe says they want to leverage the global reputation of Mānuka honey and Aotearoa whilst celebrating the Māori provenance story. 

“Every day we aim to live by the values of Kaitiakitanga, Hauoratanga, Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga, these values help guide decision making and are inherent to Wai Mānuka. This is also acknowledged in our brand identity through a Māori motif that speaks to the integral role that nature plays in the process of creating Wai Mānuka. There’s an evocative story behind the product that offers people a deeper insight and connection to Aotearoa. This is what led us to establish our vision He taonga no Aotearoa – A precious gift from New Zealand.”   

That feeling of connection is one which Joe says he hopes Wai Mānuka will inspire not just here, but for Kiwi all over the world.

“When Wai Mānuka is available around the world we want people who enjoy it to feel like they have their own little slice of Aotearoa. At the same time if you’re a Kiwi offshore we would love for you to be proud of Wai Mānuka when you see it in a restaurant or a cafe or a bar, we want you to think, wow that comes from home, that’s where I’m from.”

“You know when it was just an idea on New Year’s eve it was about the three of us boys doing something to stay more connected. As time has gone on, we feel the support we are getting from our hometown and all around the country, and it’s been massive and we now realise and appreciate the fact that this is bigger than us, and if we are talking about celebrating the finest of Aotearoa on the world stage then that comes with a greater sense of responsibility. Nevertheless we feel very privileged to be in this position and if we stay grounded and true to our values then hopefully, we can do it justice”

It’s been hard mahi for the three ‘Māori boys’ from the Bay of Plenty. Wai Mānuka was funded by their savings and bank loans, and money borrowed from family members and Joe says there have been some expensive lessons learned along the way. 

“We had a number of bottles explode on the production line earlier this year. We found out the hard way that one of the reasons companies don’t make carbonated honey drinks is because the honey is extremely volatile during the carbonation process. If your measurements aren’t exact or your glass bottle is slightly too thin the drink will explode. It’s a mistake you only make once.”

All three of the guys kept their day jobs while running Wai Mānuka on the side, and Joe says it’s now got to the point where their biggest challenge is time, so he has made the decision to resign from his current role with New Zealand Rugby and go full time to focus on growing the business.

Future plans include producing a 750ml sparkling version to position Wai Mānuka as the beverage of special occasions and a non-alcoholic alternative to drinking prosecco and champagne, an idea that was suggested by Government House. The boys are also keen on creating a still version to compliment the sparkling and broaden its range. The online store opens on Labour weekend and a documentary on their story is due for release on NZ screens in February. 

Joe says he wants their story to be proof that anyone, especially young Māori, can achieve their dream if they want it badly enough.

“If 3 Māori boys from Whakatāne can make a premium non-alcoholic beverage throughout a global pandemic and partner with the likes of America’s Cup, then you can do anything! We started this journey to stay more connected as mates, and honestly now it feels like we’re married! But it’s great because we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, we’re straight up with each other and we lean on each other during tough times. We don’t agree on everything but by working through those issues and upholding each other’s mana, we come out better for it. Our advice to anyone thinking of starting a business. Do one thing everyday that brings you closer to achieving your vision. It doesn’t matter how small. Mauri ora’

Wai Mānuka were passed on to Kea Connect by our Global partner BNZ. Kea Connect was able to introduce them to Kiwi experts in the Hong Kong and China F&B channels. The company recently reached out a second time asking for connections to high end restaurants, cafes and hotels as part of their NZ growth strategy.

Kea World Class New Zealander Delwyn Moller, a trained engineer, has worked in the space industry for a number of years. She was part of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California where she worked on radar technology, primarily with a focus toward Earth science, before arriving back in New Zealand three years ago.

She’s an adjunct Professor at the University of Auckland and right now is working on a collaboration project between the University of Auckland and NASA which will see a Global Navigation Satellite System Receiver (GNSS-R) fitted onto an Air New Zealand Q300 plane. Delwyn says the GNSS-R will act as a scientific “black box” gathering data as the plane flies around Aotearoa on its scheduled passenger flights. 

“We will be looking at the difference between the direct signal from the satellite and what’s being reflected off the earth’s surface. The GNSS-R will allow us to collect data on changes in soil moisture, wetland monitoring, flooding, and susceptibility of drought to name a few. We will get these continual records over months to years, which will allow us to see short term dynamics and also long term changes to our environment.”

The project is a first of its kind collaboration in terms of a commercial airline partnering to gather data from space. Delwyn says the focus on collecting information to help us be better custodians of this planet is something New Zealand is uniquely positioned for. 

“We have a long, skinny country covering a large range of latitudes, lots of ocean, close to Antarctica and we have strong relationships with the Pacific. We also experience a range of natural disasters. In terms of being able to carry out research into different climate issues, we are a perfect proving ground.”

The use of our unique climate to help collect satellite data is also a focus for the New Zealand Space Agency. Paul Stocks, head of the agency at MBIE, says beyond rocket launches, New Zealand has strengths in applying space-based data in areas such as agri-technology, hazard management, natural resource management, oceanography and meteorology.

“The positive impact of space-based data and services for understanding climate change and mitigating or reducing environmental harm is immense. A good example of this is MethaneSAT, which is New Zealand’s first government funded space mission which uses state-of-the-art satellites designed to detect global methane emissions. In partnership with US environmental NGO the Environmental Defense Fund, it is focused on rapidly reducing oil and gas industry emissions but can be used for measuring methane from other sources such as agriculture.”

These collaborations are just some of many projects happening right now across New Zealand’s space industry. Spacebase NZ founders Eric Dahlstrom and his partner Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom emigrated to New Zealand four years ago because they recognised the huge potential of the Kiwi space industry. Emeline says our increasing expertise in this area has really made the world sit up and take notice. 

“New Zealand has an excellent reputation in the space industry right now, a couple of years ago an Australian company built a satellite and they wanted to launch it. Normally this process takes around two years, however Rocket Lab and others behind the scenes worked really hard and launched the satellite in just two months. The speed at which this was done made the whole world sort of wake up and take notice, no one ever thought something like this could be done so quickly.”

She says New Zealand is also leading the way when it comes to the sustainability of the sector.  

“Clean space is an area we are already leading the world in, other countries are talking about five and ten year plans to make their space programmes more sustainable and environmentally friendly and all the things on these plans are things New Zealand is already doing, it would be great to see us take advantage of that and continue to be a leader in this area.” 

The global space economy has grown significantly over the past decade and is currently valued at around $350 billion US dollars. Investment company Morgan Stanley has forecast it to grow to more than one trillion US dollars by 2040. In New Zealand alone the economic contribution of the space economy was $1.69 billion in 2018-19.

So how do we continue to grow benefits here? Offshore Kiwi Lau Saili leads the development of the Space sector for the Queensland State Government in Australia and says there are opportunities for New Zealand and Australia to further cement their position in this global industry through collaboration. 

“For most of history the space industry has been predominantly government-led, in the last decade there has been a transfer of risk and opportunities to the private sector. Companies like Rocket Lab have shown the way for what’s possible in safe developed countries which are strategically placed. Currently the majority of space launch activity is in the Northern hemisphere, we have a real opportunity, I think, to bring a lot more of it down our way especially if New Zealand and Australia work together to cement our place in the future of this industry.”

Eric Dahlstrom says Spacebase is helping Kiwi startups create success in the industry and people should know that the future for New Zealand’s industry is bright. 

“There are all these little pockets of activity for building satellites and sensors and getting them ready to fly but the biggest opportunities are around what to do with all this satellite data. There are a lot of companies in New Zealand that are focused on interpreting this data in clever ways with machine learning and AI. There are some great opportunities in New Zealand to work in the space industry and we need to make sure people know that.”