Our CEO Blanche Morrogh spent a whirlwind week in Australia as part of the New Zealand Trade mission with Jacinda Adern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, and 30 other delegates.
The aim of the visit was to advance the business interests of those on the delegation, broadly promote transtasman linkages and enhance the overall quality of New Zealand's trade relationship with Australia.
The trip commenced in Melbourne, with a highlight being the Taste New Zealand dinner that celebrated some of New Zealand's best producers and products. We were honoured to have New Zealand born, two-hatted head chef, Peter Gunn from Ides Melbourne use our honey for components of the dinner, creating a Kanuka Honey & Flaxseed Sourdough that was served with a Kai Ora Mānuka Honey butter.
Peter Gunn showcasing Kai Ora Honey with a Kanuka Honey & Flaxseed Sourdough that was served with a Kai Ora Mānuka Honey butter
Morrogh was still buzzing after the once-in-a-lifetime trade mission and said it had fuelled her desire to push even harder for better innovation and collaboration across the Te Taitokerau business sector.
"I truly am proud to have been able to represent Northland's quality foods and beverages over the past week," Morrogh said.
She said setting the foundations in innovation, in particular, would position the community to continue to grow well into the future.
"A big takeaway from this trip is that to be successful moving forward, we need more innovative collaboration between businesses in order for us all to survive and thrive," Morrogh said.
Morrogh said the new Free Trade Agreements with Australia and European Union were also set to benefit New Zealand businesses, with demand for Kiwi products secured as part of the new deals.
Sustainable and innovative businesses were also said to be key predictors of future success, according to Morrogh, who reiterated the need for Northland business owners to ensure they don't get left behind in the race to remain competitive and relative.
The delegation travelled to both Sydney and Melbourne for various events, including the Discover New promotion whereby, in partnership with David Jones, 25 New Zealand consumer brands were showcased online and in DJ's Sydney flagship store on Elizabeth St.
The group also took part in recognising and celebrating NAIDOC week - a week-long national celebration of the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
See a video summary of the trip from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise here.
View full article from The Northland Age here