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News Updates : 2025

HONG KONG : Jim Thompson  (Crown Worldwide Group) receives EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award
January 2025

NEW ZEALAND : Faull family (Swiss-Belhotel International) EY Entrepreneur of the Year NZ Family Business award
January 2025

Jim Thompson, the founder and chairman of NZCCHK corporate member Crown Worldwide Group, has been awarded the EY Entrepreneur of the Year™ 2024 award for Hong Kong/Macau.


This prestigious award acknowledges his lifelong contribution to building a globally competitive business within the region over nearly six decades.


Starting out with just US$1,000 in 1965, Jim has ridden the waves of accelerated globalization to build Crown, a privately owned, global logistics company committed to making it simpler to live, work, and do business anywhere in the world.


Crown has relocated millions of families and helps organizations maximize their corporate assets, from information to office furniture. With five international brands and local businesses like Crown Wine Cellars in Hong Kong, the company employs 3,000 people in 45 countries.


The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards celebrate entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in business. Jim’s accomplishment, which comes just weeks before the organization he set up and led celebrates its 60th anniversary, highlights his personal success but also underscores the impact of his entrepreneurial spirit on the Hong Kong and China region at large.

The award also recognized that his impact goes beyond business. He is heavily involved in several charities and serves on the boards of various organizations, particularly those devoted to children’s welfare, cancer research, education, and the arts. Jim has ensured that giving back to the local communities in which we operate makes up the fabric of Crown’s DNA and its values.




At the award ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel in Guangzhou, Jim received the Grand Winner title among the top 10 winners across multiple categories, including Health Sciences and Wellness, Technology, Services, and Energy and Resources.




Accepting the award, Jim said: “Entrepreneurs are the backbone of the global economy, and I am grateful to EY for recognizing our contributions globally. However, no entrepreneur is a one-man band, and I dedicate this award to my team. Crown’s success is owed to the incredible people in our company, not just in Hong Kong but all over the world.


“But having lived in Hong Kong for most of my life, I feel very much at home here. Crown’s success, and indeed my own, is in many ways, down to the opportunities and advantages of operating from Hong Kong, which has been our global headquarters for over 50 years. I believe we are now in the Asian century, and I’m excited to see the development of Hong Kong and Greater China and what the future holds.


“It is humbling to receive this award now, as we get ready to celebrate 60 wonderful years, and as the organization continues to diversify further and meet the needs of its customers. This, of course, requires an entrepreneurial spirit that I am proud exists right the way through our great company; a spirit that takes us into the next 60 years with great excitement and optimism.

EY International operators of the Global Enterprise of the Year is thrilled to announce that the Faull family of Swiss-Belhotel International (NZCCHK corporate member) and Faull Farms have been honoured with the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year – 2024 New Zealand award in the Family Business category.


This esteemed recognition celebrates the vision, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit that Swiss-Belhotel International and Faull Farms, an internationally recognised dairy operation, under the leadership of Chairman and President Gavin M. Faull, brings to the hospitality and agriculture industries.


The EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme celebrates entrepreneurs shaping the future with innovation, leadership, and dedication. Winning in the Family Business category highlights Swiss-Belhotel International and Faull Farms' remarkable expansion while remaining deeply rooted in its core family values. Gavin, together with his sons Matthew, Oliver, and Edward, drives Swiss-Belhotel International forward with culture of Swiss hospitality professionalism and Asian-inspired passion - Swiss-Belhotel International’s philosophy of Passion and Professionalism™ - delivering outstanding hospitality experiences and applies the same culture to Faull Farms - expanding globally through Fonterra - the largest single dairy company in the world.


Gavin Faull expressed gratitude and humility for the award, stating, “Being recognized as the Family Business winner at EY Entrepreneur of The Year is a tremendous honour. This award underscores the importance of family values in our business and the passion and professionalism™. We’re excited to continue expanding our legacy in the hospitality and agriculture industries, reaching new heights in the years to come.”


This is the third family business award won in the last year and earlier this year. The two others are Legacy Family Business Award New Zealand by Family Business Association 2023 and Legacy Family Business Award Asia Pacific by Family Business Excellence Awards 2024.


As the Faull family celebrates this milestone, Swiss-Belhotel International and Faull Farms remain committed to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and advancing the industry through visionary leadership and global impact and truly sustainable systems and culture in hospitality and agriculture.

CHINA : Gallagher Security continues growth in China through strategic partnership with Chubb
January 2025

Award-winning global security manufacturer, Gallagher Security (NZCCHK corporate member), has recently announced a strategic partnership with Chubb China, signaling growth and expansion in the region. 


The announcement came as part of the New Zealand-China Business Partnerships Ceremony in Guangzhou where Gallagher was joined by seven other New Zealand companies to signal new cooperation agreements between the companies and their Chinese counterparts. 


The event was attended by New Zealand’s Minister for Trade, Todd McClay. The agreements involve new projects and product launches across multiple industries, further strengthening the economic and trade relationship between New Zealand and China.


This new collaboration with Chubb China aims to promote Gallagher’s solutions, including access control systems, perimeter security, intrusion detection, and cybersecurity solutions, bringing high-quality, integrated security to Chinese consumers.


General Manager for Asia, David Thean, says this partnership with Chubb is expected to deliver greater value to customers as Gallagher grows their presence in the region.


“Security trends in China are different compared to other North Asian countries,” Thean explains.


“Our partnership with Chubb is an opportunity to be more strategic in how we position Gallagher’s solutions and collaborate with the local market. Chubb has a strong on-the-ground knowledge of customers’ needs, and by combing that with Gallagher’s exceptional solutions and our customer-centric philosophy, I believe we can turn potential into real benefits for businesses in the region.”


As Thean explains, the new Channel Partner Agreement with Chubb also deepens ties between businesses across the two countries: “We’re very proud to have been part of the New Zealand-China Business Partnerships Ceremony and strengthen our economic relationship. Our team has maintained a strong partnership with Chubb in our New Zealand headquarters, and I’m excited to grow together in China moving forward.”

CHINA : New Zealand partners with RED 小红书 to grow China originating tourist arrivals
January 2025

Click here for NZCCHK News 2024

In partnership with Chinese platform RED, Tourism New Zealand has launched new activity to drive 2025 autumn and winter arrivals from China to support its year-round and off-peak strategy.


RED (Xiaohongshu  小红书) is a Chinese social media and e-commerce platform that attracts over 300 million active users a month.


“Growing visitation from China will be integral to achieving our year-round and off-peak growth targets(opens in new window). The market is still in recovery so it’s important destination New Zealand remains top of mind for Chinese travelers,” says Angela Blair, Tourism New Zealand’s GM International.


In the latest International Visitor Survey (Sept 2024), New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and scenery were the biggest motivator for nearly 80% of holiday visitors from China.


Tourism New Zealand’s latest consumer research showed that as well as being drawn to landscapes, visitors from China want to relax and unwind and feel a sense of escape and joy in New Zealand.


The new activity positions New Zealand as a great place to relax, enjoy nature and capture life’s best moments, through content creators on RED, media engagement and paid advertising.


There are 62 million people in China considering a visit to New Zealand. New Zealand’s autumn and winter seasons present the biggest off-peak opportunity to convert arrivals from China, with 42% of potential visitors saying they would consider a visit in autumn and 32% in winter.


Visitors from China are also interested in exploring a broad range of regions within New Zealand.


The IVS data showed that nearly a quarter of Chinese visitors explored four or more regions, with one-third of holiday visitors showing an even higher tendency to visit four or more places.


This activity builds on insights gathered during previous campaigns that showed there is about 120 days between visitors from China ‘dreaming’ about their next destination to arrival. Typically, Chinese travellers plan and book a trip to New Zealand around 50 days before they travel.


CHINA : Beijing introduces the Beijing Pass to make visiting the capital easier for foreigners
January 2025

NEW ZEALAND : Chinese icebreaker makes supply visit to Lyttelton on way to Antarctica
January 2025

HONG KONG : New Zealand based OptimaTech data security company opens Hong Kong regional office
January 2025

An information desk staff member displays the Beijing Pass card, a multi-purpose card designed to enhance convenience for international visitors by simplifying payments for transportation, tourist sites and shopping centers, at a service center in Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China.


Eligible citizens from 54 countries can enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country or region. Driven by the travel policy, many international tourists flocked to the country to experience its blend of centuries-old traditions and cutting-edge technology. An enhanced payment environment, bilingual signage and other supports have made travel in China more convenient for foreign visitors.

Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, departed from Lyttelton in Christchurch, recently to carry out a month-long marine ecosystem survey in the Amundsen Sea.


The survey will include a comprehensive investigation and monitoring of biological ecology, water, sedimentary and atmospheric environment, and pollutant distribution, according to Luo Guangfu, captain of the oceanic team of China's 41st Antarctic expedition.


Xuelong 2 docked at the Lyttelton Port (image above) to make a midway supply of fruits, vegetables and fuel, as well as to pick up 38 members of the oceanic research team before heading to the Amundsen Sea.


Lyttelton Port is one of the most important replenishment stations for China's Antarctic research, and Christchurch, where the port is located, has been internationally recognized as one of the gateway cities to Antarctica, Chinese Consul General in Christchurch He Ying said on Saturday.


"We will take advantage of the best time in the Southern Hemisphere throughout February in the Amundsen Sea to carry out marine ecosystem survey operations," Luo said, adding the research will cover physical oceanography, marine chemistry, biology and geology.

New Zealand-based information technology solutions provider, OptimaTech, has opened its regional office in Hong Kong, leveraging the city's strategic location as the base to expand in the region.


InvestHK's Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Mr Charles Ng congratulated OptimaTech on the opening of its regional office in Hong Kong. He said, "Hong Kong, as a premier business hub in Asia, has rigorous protection of intellectual property and tech-savvy consumers. It provides an excellent base for technology solution businesses to flourish. In fact, many of the world's leading software services companies base their regional operations in the city to mirror their client's preferences." Hong Kong is the perfect sandbox where innovative companies can adopt and test tailor-made solutions before their product launch in the local and global markets, he added.


The Business Development Director of OptimaTech, Mr Jeremy Cheng, said, "We saw Hong Kong as a strategic location for expanding our business thanks to its dynamic business environment, world-class infrastructure, and status as an international financial and technology hub. As a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, the city offers unparalleled access to markets in Mainland China and Southeast Asia, which aligns perfectly with our growth strategy."


He added, "Hong Kong's strong legal framework, availability of skilled professionals, and extensive network of multinational businesses and local enterprises add further appeal to establish our presence here. We will use the Hong Kong office to drive the development of innovative solutions that protect sensitive information and support businesses in navigating an increasingly digital and interconnected world."


Founded in New Zealand in 2023, OptimaTech specialises in advanced data security solutions, collaboration applications, and managed IT services. By setting up its regional office in Hong Kong, it aims to contribute to the region's growth as a global technology hub while delivering secure, reliable, and efficient services to local and international clients.


For more information about OptimaTech, see www.optimatech.com.hk.


NEW ZEALAND : Invest New Zealand to become autonomous Crown entity; NZTE to be refocussed
January 2025

The New Zealand Government has unveiled a bold new initiative to position New Zealand as a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) that will create higher paying jobs and grow the economy.


“Invest New Zealand will streamline the investment process and provide tailored support to foreign investors, to increase capital investment across critical infrastructure, fostering greater innovation in key sectors and attracting world-class talent to our shores,” Mr McClay says.


The new agency, modelled on Irish and Singaporean best practice, will focus on:


Attracting FDI into high-potential sectors to boost productivity and innovation.

Streamlining processes to significantly increase the capital available to invest in new and existing projects and enterprises including, banking and Fintec, critical infrastructure, including roading and energy projects, manufacturing and private sector growth.

Increasing research and development (R&D) investment in New Zealand by multinational companies.

Encouraging skilled professionals to enhance domestic capabilities and global connections.


Invest New Zealand will incubate within New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and then transition to a new Autonomous Crown Entity, which operates with a clear mandate to attract international capital, infrastructure investment, ideas, and expertise.


Meanwhile, NZTE will be refocused with a single mandate to support Kiwi businesses to export more and grow international markets.


Both agencies will retain all NZTE staff to help achieve the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling exports by value in ten years.


“This initiative will help unlock tens of billions of dollars in global investment opportunities, significantly increase the capital available to support key roading and energy infrastructure and make New Zealand a more attractive and predictable destination for investors.


“With Invest New Zealand leading the charge, we’re rolling out the welcome mat to the world. Streamlining processes and supporting investors as they navigate our legal and commercial landscape,” Mr McClay says.


NEW ZEALAND : Crown research entities to be reformed to maximise investment and outcomes
January 2025

New Zealand's Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins has announced the largest reset of the New Zealand science system in more than 30 years with reforms which will boost the economy and benefit the sector.


“The reforms will maximise the value of the NZ$1.2 billion in government funding that goes into the science sector each year, creating a more dynamic science, innovation and technology system that can respond to priorities and keep pace with technological advances,” Ms Collins says.


“Getting the system settings right is the best way to boost long-term economic performance and ensure our scientists can pursue meaningful careers in New Zealand.”


The reforms will:



“The four new PROs will be designed to maximise the long-term NZ Inc benefits. They will be adaptable and responsive to government priorities, accountable through appropriate cost recovery, and set up to be well-coordinated and to avoid unnecessary duplication. The PROs will also look for partnerships with private sector investors in research capability, facilities and knowledge production.


“The PROs will play a role in stewardship of public good science, which the Government recognises the benefit of,” Ms Collins says.


“Callaghan Innovation will be disestablished and its most important functions moved to other entities. Callaghan has simply been spread too thinly across too many functions, leading to poor financial performance and an over-reliance on Crown funding.


“The new Prime Minister’s Science Innovation and Technology Advisory Council is charged with setting national priorities for the system, including across the four PROs.


“A key role of the Council will be to make sure the taxpayer funding that goes to the sector is spent in the best way possible to grow the economy, because innovation and technology are the future.


“Invest New Zealand will be the Government’s one-stop-shop for foreign direct investment, excluding public infrastructure, and will be an Autonomous Crown Entity.


“It will be focussed on attracting greater investment into truly innovative activities in existing sectors and those with high potential to raise productivity and drive economic growth, as well as greater research and development investment and innovative activity in New Zealand by multi-national companies.


“Invest NZ will also be tasked with attracting more skilled professionals to New Zealand, to help foster innovation, raise domestic capabilities and improve international connections.


“The Government wants to reward and incentivise people in the industry and will therefore develop a national policy for managing Intellectual Property (IP) for science, innovation and technology-funded research.


“This will be based on the model used by Canada’s Waterloo University, which vests ownership of IP with the researchers who create it.


“We will also be considering how this policy will apply to the new PROs, with the intention being that researchers receive a share of the financial rewards from commercialising intellectual property.


“This work, along with our move to overturn what has effectively been a 30-year ban on gene technology, will unlock enormous opportunities for our science sector and New Zealanders,” Ms Collins says.


“The changes we have announced are extensive but they will ensure a science system that generates maximum value for the economy and, therefore, for New Zealanders.”


CHINA : English language version of Beijing map now available to assist visitors to the city
January 2025

Beijing has recently launched an English map to enhance travel services for foreign nationals in the city. The map is now available for a one-month trial run on the Beijing Platform for Common Geospatial Information Services.


The Beijing English Map includes both digital and printed versions. The digital map covers categories such as administrative divisions, natural features, transportation, government institutions, international organizations, education and culture, healthcare, sports and leisure, residential areas, and commercial facilities, with over 30,000 annotations in total.


The digital map also includes six additional thematic sections with over 4,000 annotations, such as bank card services and SIM card services, offering convenient information for foreigners visiting, working and living in Beijing.


The printed map notably marks historical landmarks like the Beijing Central Axis.


During the trial run, feedback will be collected to improve and enrich the map's content.


NEW ZEALAND : New Zealand's bold move to attract foreign direct investment
February 2025

The New Zealand government recently announced a bold new initiative aimed at positioning the country as a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). This move, spearheaded by the newly established agency Invest New Zealand, is designed to streamline the investment process and provide tailored support to foreign investors. The goal is to boost productivity, innovation, and economic growth by attracting high-quality investments into key sectors.


Invest New Zealand will initially operate within the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) development agency before transitioning to its own Autonomous Crown Entity. This new agency will focus on attracting FDI into high-potential sectors such as banking, financial technology, critical infrastructure, and manufacturing. By doing so, it aims to significantly increase the capital available for new and existing projects, fostering greater innovation and creating higher-paying jobs.


One of the key motivations behind this policy is New Zealand's current position as the most restrictive OECD country in terms of FDI policy. The government has committed to reforming the Overseas Investment Act to remedy this, with the establishment of Invest New Zealand being a crucial part of this strategy. The agency will offer a "one-stop-shop" experience for foreign investors, helping them navigate the legal and commercial landscape of New Zealand.


The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, emphasized that this initiative is about more than just attracting investment—it's about unlocking global opportunities and making New Zealand a more attractive and predictable destination for investors. The government's ambitious goal is to double exports by value in ten years, and Invest New Zealand is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving this target.


While the announcement has been met with optimism, it also raises questions about the potential risks and challenges associated with increased foreign investment. Critics argue that while FDI can bring economic benefits, it can also lead to issues such as loss of local control over key industries and potential environmental impacts. It will be crucial for the government to strike a balance between attracting foreign capital and ensuring that investments align with New Zealand's long-term economic and social goals.


In conclusion, the New Zealand government's new policy on foreign direct investment represents a significant step towards enhancing the country's economic landscape. By creating a more welcoming environment for foreign investors, New Zealand aims to boost innovation, create jobs, and drive economic growth. However, careful consideration and strategic planning will be essential to ensure that these investments benefit the country as a whole.


This article authored by: Microsoft Copilot


NEW ZEALAND : Online submissions to "COVID19 Lessons Learned" inquiry now available
February 2025

New Zealand's Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has announced the opening of an online portal for the public to submit to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned.


“The portal is an easy way for members of the public to have their say to the Inquiry about how the response to the COVID-19 pandemic affected them, their families, and their businesses. The terms or reference covered by Phase 2 of the Inquiry includes the use of vaccines, lockdowns, testing, and public health materials,” says Ms van Velden.


Last year the Government announced that there would be a second phase of the Inquiry into COVID-19 covering outstanding matters of public concern. Both the ACT-National and New Zealand First-National coalition agreements include commitments to expand the Inquiry into COVID-19. Phase 2 of the Inquiry began on 29 November and will deliver the final report in February 2026.


Any member of the public can submit to the Inquiry using the portal at www.covid19inquiry.nz. Submissions close at midnight on 27 April 2025.


“I would strongly encourage New Zealanders to have their say by making a submission to the Inquiry. I look forward to seeing the final report delivered to me in February 2026.”


The full terms of reference for Phase 2 of the Inquiry is available here:


https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2022/0323/latest/LMS792965.html


The Phase 1 report is publicly available at the Royal Commission’s website:


https://www.covid19lessons.royalcommission.nz/


HONG KONG: Kai Tak Sports Park undergoes stress test prior to 1 March 2025 opening
February 2025

A large-scale stress test has been held at the Main Stadium of Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), with 50,000 spectators attending the Hong Kong Premier League U22 football match between Kitchee and North District. The exercise was conducted to assess the operational readiness of the Main Stadium and its surrounding facilities for sports events with maximum attendance, with a view to ensuring full preparedness for the official commissioning of the Sports Park.


The drill was co-ordinated by the Exercise Team of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and covered five major testing and evaluation areas, namely security screening and ticket checks; venue signage and designated seating arrangements; inter-agency co-ordination in response to emergencies; various crowd management measures; and passenger flow management by public transport operators.


During the exercise, the Fire Services Department (FSD) simulated two fire incidents of varying scales, aiming to test the communication and response capabilities of Fire Services personnel in co-ordination with the Police, venue security and other emergency response teams. The Police also simulated an emergency incident involving public safety and security to test the response of all stakeholders.


The stress test was scheduled for a weekday evening, with a slight overlap between the entry time and rush hour after work. Meanwhile, the exercise concluded at a later time, with most participants choosing to leave the park immediately afterwards, thereby increasing the pressure on the transport system. In addition, the Police again implemented new crowd management measures, such as using large display panels along the exit routes to MTR stations to convey crowd management information (including the latest public transport arrangements and estimated waiting times), playing music and deploying police officers to provide real-time information on the spot to help participants leave safely and orderly.


With the close collaboration of all parties, the exercise proceeded smoothly, achieving the anticipated results and testing objectives. The public transport system and surrounding facilities were able to divert the large passenger flows within a short period of time, allowing participants to enter and leave the venue in an orderly manner.


The retractable roof of the Main Stadium was opened for the first time during the stress test, aligning the testing time and mode more closely to the actual conditions of sports events, and the volume of noise during the test was found to be within the acceptable sound level.


A total of 50,000 civil servants, government employees and members of community groups simulated crowd flows during the test. A number of bureaux, departments and organisations, including the HKPF, the FSD, the Transport Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the MTR Corporation Limited and the KTSP Limited, also sent their staff to participate in the exercise.


In future test events and stress tests co-ordinated by the Exercise Team, the “Red Team” concept will continue to be applied to identify vulnerable areas, working in concert with relevant bureaux, departments and organisations to continuously review and enhance various aspects, with a view to ensuring the smooth and orderly operation of the KTSP upon its official commissioning.


NEW ZEALAND : Going for Growth: Unlocking investment in New Zealand
February 2025

The Government is modernising visa settings to incentivise migrants to invest in New Zealand.


“Foreign investment has the potential to provide jobs for Kiwis, lift incomes by delivering new businesses and investing in existing ones. We should be rolling out the welcome mat and encouraging investor migrants to choose New Zealand as a destination for their capital,” Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says.


“Unfortunately, changes made to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa category by the previous government had the effect of discouraging potential investors from seeking New Zealand residence. Since 2022, migrants entering New Zealand under the AIP category have invested just $70 million. By contrast, in the two years prior to COVID-19 migrants invested $2.2 billion.


“Rather than turning potential investors away, this Government is intent on welcoming people who want to contribute to New Zealand. We are already making it easier for digital nomads to work remotely while visiting here and have established Invest New Zealand to promote investment into this country,” Ms Willis says.


“Capital is highly mobile and in an increasing complex world, people are looking for a safe and stable country to do business. We are now making our investor visa simpler and more flexible to incentivise investors to choose New Zealand as a destination not just for their capital, skills and international connections, but to build a life for themselves and their family here,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.


From 1 April the current complex weighting system for the AIP will be replaced with two simplified investment categories:


The Growth category will focus on higher-risk investments, including direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It will require a minimum investment of $5 million for a minimum period of three years.

The Balanced category will focus on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. There will be a minimum investment of $10 million over five years.

Other changes include expanding the scope of acceptable investments and removing potential barriers to investment, such as the English language requirement.


“Incentivising, simplifying and broadening the investment offerings will make New Zealand more attractive and accessible to more foreign high-value investors. These changes will turbocharge our economic growth, bringing brighter days ahead for all Kiwis,” Ms Stanford says.

Note: The above news articles are provided for information only. Professional advice should be obtained prior to acting on any of the information contained within the articles. The articles are sourced from news and press releases in the public domain. The views expressed in each or any of the articles and/or associated podcasts do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong nor its members.


NEW ZEALAND : International investment summit to boost infrastructure and jobs
February 2025

About 100 of the world’s high-profile investors, business leaders, and construction companies are expected to visit New Zealand in March for a global investment summit, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop have announced.


“The Government is relentlessly focused on accelerating the growth New Zealand needs to lift our incomes, strengthen our businesses, and create opportunities for all Kiwis,” Mr Luxon says.


“That means we need to stop saying ‘no’ to growth opportunities like foreign investment and start saying ‘yes’.


“To make it clear we are open for business, the Government will host an international investment summit in March, highlighting partnership opportunities for overseas investment across our economy that will boost growth.


“I will open the summit and many Cabinet Ministers will be at the event to share the Government’s ambitions and plans over the two days.


“We’re using every tool in the box to kick our economy into high gear. We recently announced the creation of Invest NZ, a new agency to attract investment here, Fast-Track has started cutting through the red tape holding back important projects, and just yesterday we announced visa changes to attract international investors who are as excited about New Zealand’s bold growth agenda as we are.


“This is one of many announcements the Government will be making over the coming weeks and months as part of our ambitious Going for Growth plan.”


Mr Bishop says greater foreign investment and more partnerships with Government will help address our massive infrastructure gap.


“The investment summit will bring together around 100 leaders from global investment and construction companies, among others, to showcase our infrastructure vision and highlight upcoming investment and development opportunities.


“As well as showcasing upcoming infrastructure opportunities for partnership and investment, the summit will highlight changes to policy, regulation, and legislation that make it easier to do business here, along with other investment opportunities in a range of growth sectors and the Māori economy.


“Attendees will be left in no doubt that New Zealand is a country worth investing in.”


The Infrastructure Investment Summit is one of many growth initiatives in the Government’s first Quarterly Action Plan for 2025, Mr Luxon says.


“The plan has a strong focus on boosting growth through initiatives such as upgrading visa settings, delivering smarter regulation for our agriculture sector, and reshaping our planning rules so that people can get stuff done in this country.


“We have hit the ground running with many of the priorities in our Q1 plan already ticked off, including allowing digital nomads into New Zealand and laying the groundwork for AI to improve public services.”

Majestic view of beautiful green hills with wind turbines on them and sea coast as background.