United States Business Summit 2024: A new era

CALL TO ORDER

Tim McCready Master of Ceremonies

WELCOME

Summit Co-Chair: Fran O’Sullivan ONZM, Managing Director, NZ INC.

PRIME MINISTER OPENING ADDRESS AND Q&A

Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon opened the United States Business Summit, providing insights into New Zealand’s evolving relationship with the United States.

Fresh back from the APEC Economic Leaders meeting in Peru, the Prime Minister provided a readout on the geostrategic forces now shaping the Indo-Pacific region and New Zealand’s role in this contested environment.

• Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand
• Moderator: Fran O’Sullivan, Summit Co-Chair

U.S. AMBASSADOR TOM UDALL

The Ambassador reflected on the enduring partnership between New Zealand and the United States.

WHAT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION MEANS FOR BUSINESS

Fran O’Sullivan spoke with Greg Foran, former Walmart US CEO during the first Trump presidency – now CEO of Air New Zealand – who shared his insights into business with the U.S. in the ‘New Era’ and why it remained the main game for global innovation.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS AND PANEL: ZACK COOPER

Leading geopolitical expert and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Zack Cooper broke down the implications of the US Presidential election for security and trade for New Zealand and the Indo-Pacific.

With extensive experience at the White House and Pentagon as well as in think tanks, Zack provided forward-looking analysis critical for New Zealand’s strategic positioning and offered insights and advice on how NZ could best pursue its interests in the US.

Zack was introduced by Bede Corry, Secretary and Chief Executive, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Discussants:

• Hon David Parker, Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson and former NZ Trade Minister
• Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber and former National Cabinet Minister and Foreign Affairs spokesperson
• April Palmerlee, CEO of AmCham Australia and a former US Assistant Secretary of State and Executive at the Council on Foreign Relations

Moderator: David Capie, Director, Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington.

U.S. DEPUTY SECRETARY OF COMMERCE DON GRAVES

FIRESIDE CHAT: HON TODD McCLAY AND SIMON BRIDGES

With the United States now New Zealand’s second-largest trading partner, Minister for Trade Hon Todd McClay sat down with Summit Co-Chair Simon Bridges to chart how New Zealand businesses could seize and leverage opportunities in the ‘New Era’ and capitalise on this growing bilateral partnership. Minister McClay had just returned from the Apec meeting in Peru.

SUSTAINABLE AGRIBUSINESS: HIGH VALUE EXPORTS AND INVESTMENT INTO THE  UNITED STATES

This session discussed how leading New Zealand agri-exporters are growing in the U.S. through premium consumers, leveraging sustainability (and ESG) attributes to provide a higher return to New Zealand and New Zealand farmers. Delivered through partnerships, focused on a deep knowledge of customer and consumer, underpinned by credible, best-in-class technology investment and adoption on farm in New Zealand to deliver an authentic sustainability/good for the world message.

• Charlotte Rutherford, Director of Sustainability, Fonterra
• Ruth Leary, Head of Engagement and Strategy, AgriZeroNZ
• Kate Beddoe, Chief Sustainability & Risk Officer, Silver Fern Farms
• Moderator: Haylon Smith, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise

BRIGHT IDEAS AND BIG MARKETS

Two visionary New Zealand leaders shared how advanced technologies in green metal extraction and aerospace innovation were addressing global challenges, from climate change to resource scarcity, while also creating vast opportunities in international markets.

• Will Barker, CEO of Mint, highlighted how urban waste can be transformed into valuable green metals, reducing reliance on traditional mining and enabling a low-carbon, circular economy.
• Professor Delwyn Moller presented cutting-edge innovations in aerospace technology, showcasing how Earth observation systems and advanced remote sensing are being used to address global challenges.
• Moderator: Tim McCready – Summit MC

TRADE 2025 – GLOBAL TRADE AND NEW ZEALAND

The re-election of Donald Trump as the United States’ next president heralds a significant shift in global trade. Four leading trade experts plotted the road ahead canvassing options for exporters to shore up their positions and how we can build resilience in global markets.

• Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary Trade and Economic, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Fiona Cooper, Executive Director, NZ US Council
• Simon Tucker, Group Director Global External Affairs, Fonterra
• Sarah Salmond, Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
• Moderator: Fran O’Sullivan, Summit Co-Chair

SETTING UP BUSINESS IN THE U.S.

The United States is the #1 destination for foreign direct investment globally. This panel considered what makes the United States so attractive to Kiwi firms and the types of support available to them.

• Steve Knode, Commercial Officer for Australia, New Zealand, & Pacific Island Countries, U.S. Commercial Services
• Ada Echetebu, Founder and Managing Partner, Norris Echetebu Law
• Daniel Taylor, Head of Focus Customers, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
• Moderator: Mike Hearn, Executive Director, AMCHAM New Zealand

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: SIMON TAYLOR

Best-selling author, thought leader, and NZTE Beachhead Adviser Simon Taylor drew on his experience advising top executives at companies including Disney and Warner Bros. to deliver practical strategies for New Zealand businesses operating in the US market, including decision-making, communication styles, and managing teams across borders.

U.S. CAPITAL – THE SPUR FOR NZ’S GROWTH STORY

Co-founder of Shasta Ventures and a 24-year veteran of venture capital, Rob Coneybeer discussed how New Zealand can position itself to attract foreign direct investment. Rob shone a light on New Zealand’s appeal as an investment destination, sharing insights into how the country could attract much needed foreign direct investment and thrive in the global market.

He was joined by Hon Barbara Edmonds, a former tax lawyer and Labour’s Finance Spokesperson, who spoke about how New Zealand can take advantage of US investment, bringing a fresh perspective on Labour’s approach to fostering stronger economic ties and capitalising on opportunities.

Moderator: Tim McCready Summit MC

NEXT STEPS

Summit Co-chair Simon Bridges and NZ US Council chairman Jonathan Mason, reflected on the Summit and charted the collaborative role New Zealand businesses can play to evolve strong links with the U.S.

SUMMIT SUMMARY AND PRIZE DRAW

Tim McCready along with Summit event director Katy Riddell and Air New Zealand’s Reuben Levermore.