Tourism NZ recently launched their latest campaign in Japan - with the help of our ambassador in market, actress Kana Kurashina.

Together they are inviting Japanese visitors to reconnect with nature, experience exceptional food, and return home feeling refreshed and restored after a trip to New Zealand.

The activity is expected to support TNZ’s overall goal of 3.9 million visitor arrivals with an additional 8,496 incremental arrivals, including PR and media impact, Air New Zealand activity and trade joint ventures.

Japan’s Cabinet Office projects real GDP growth of 0.9% for the 2026 financial year (April 2026 to March 2027). Preliminary data for July 2026 indicates that Japan’s current cycle of economic growth may have become its longest period of economic expansion since the end of World War II, the current period beginning in May 2020 following COVID-19 pandemic lows.

Read the full report here.

ElaraGrid delivers market-leading energy management solutions to commercial and industrial clients across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Serving a diverse range of sectors - including manufacturing, wood and fibre processing, cold storage, ports, and large-scale facilities including education, health, and retail campuses - ElaraGrid brings deep expertise to the complex energy challenges facing modern industry.  At the core of ElaraGrid's offering is proprietary smart software designed to optimise the performance of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This technology enables clients to reduce energy costs, strengthen supply resilience, and manage the demands of their specific operational environments. Headquartered in Auckland, ElaraGrid combines local knowledge with a growing regional presence, supported by dedicated sales and service capability across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

NZ Bio Forestry converts forestry biomass into biochemicals, bioenergy, and biomaterials, fully monetising the whole tree while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and petroleum. They have secured their first site in New Zealand, where they will convert an existing wood engineering facility to install a biorefinery. This site allows them to utilise established infrastructure, energy supply, logistics, forestry resources, land consents, and rail hub connections. Their business model is designed to replicate this approach across New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Currently, they are working with off takers to replace plastics in food and beverage services, as well as providing the biochemical building blocks for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Marine Fuels.

Aica New Zealand Ltd is a leading New Zealand manufacturer and distributor of industrial adhesive, resin and surfacing systems. Established in New Plymouth in 1989 and Nelson in 1997, Aica New Zealand has a long-standing history of supplying customised resin systems to the panel board industry, including MDF, plywood, LVL, particleboard, strandboard and decorative surface manufacturers. Many of these products are formulated specifically to meet individual customer requirements. Aica New Zealand is part of Aica Kogyo, a Japanese parent company with two key business divisions: Chemical Products and Laminates & Building Materials. Both Aica New Zealand sites manufacture liquid chemical products for industrial applications, supported by the company’s technical expertise, manufacturing capability and strong connection to Aica’s international operations.

PrimePort Timaru is the gateway port for New Zealand’s Central South Island, connecting one of the country’s most productive agricultural and manufacturing regions to global markets. Established in 1878, PrimePort handles a diverse range of cargo including containers, bulk commodities, fuel, fertiliser, forestry products, and seafood, while also supporting a growing cruise industry. The port operates five wharves and nine berths, supported by modern marine infrastructure and significant recent investment. Strategically located on New Zealand’s east coast, PrimePort provides efficient, reliable, and sustainable supply chain solutions while supporting regional economic growth and international trade.