As New Zealand’s largest and longest-operating wood pellet manufacturer, Nature’s Flame delivers world-class renewable energy backed by 20 years of expertise. From our modern Taupō plant—which features a scalable site footprint and secure wood fibre supply ready for expansion—we transform sustainable radiata pine residues into premium, carbon-neutral fuel, with DINplus and FSC certifications guarantee consistent quality and long-term sustainable supply. Driven by an ambition to grow, expanding our exports to Japan plays a critical role in our future. We look forward to building stronger partnerships within the NZ-Japan business community to scale our reliable green energy exports.

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.

BRANZ is New Zealand’s independent building science and research organisation, the only national research institution focu​​sed exclusively on building and construction. BRANZ also turns independent building science into practical tools, testing and guidance the sector can trust. This work supports more affordable, resilient, sustainable and higher-quality buildings.  BRANZ’s research laboratories include fit-for-purpose fire, materials and structural engineering laboratories, as well as a series of weathering sites across New Zealand.  BRANZ also provides product, material and system testing, assurance and certification services on a commercial basis.

The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao brings together New Zealand’s four leading bioeconomy research institutes, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion, into a single organisation.

 We are more than 2,300 people, including more than 1,500 scientists and researchers, located across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.

 Together, our world-class science can advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and develop new bio-based technologies and products.

 The Bioeconomy Science Institute is a Crown Research Institute, owned by the New Zealand Government and governed by an independent Board of Directors. We have deep relationships with business, industry bodies, Māori iwi and hapū, universities, independent research organisations, government, and communities.

Atlas Finance & Lease is an Asset Finance business. We provide finance and leases to business for items such as trucks, excavators, forklifts, tractors, harvesters, manufacturing equipment, buses, company vehicles, etc. We are based in Christchurch but do business across NZ.

Yamaha Agriculture exists to make growers more sustainable, profitable and resilient. Through robotics, automation and AI-powered analytics, Yamaha Agriculture serves growers in the rows, blocks, and farms they manage every day. Combining decades of manufacturing excellence and field-tested reliability together with hardware, software and intelligent systems, Yamaha Agriculture delivers a connected platform for orchards and vineyards – spraying where needed, monitoring what matters and gathering insights growers can trust. Yamaha Agriculture’s growing portfolio includes Prospr, an autonomous hybrid vehicle platform; technology for autonomous fruit packing; AI-powered yield prediction and analytics; and integrated farm management systems. Every product is tested and refined on Kando Farm, Yamaha Agriculture’s working orchard, in close partnership with growers across the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Precision agriculture that’s built to perform – today, and for the future.   

Bill Buckley will talk about his extraordinary journey, showcasing the indomitable spirit and relentless innovation that have defined his successful business career. From humble beginnings to becoming a leading entrepreneur and business owner of Buckley Systems Ltd, Bill has always been at the forefront of engineering design in New Zealand. Click here to view the flyer.

New Zealand Immigration Partners provides comprehensive immigration advice and visa services for individuals, families, and employers. Their licensed advisers assist with all major visa categories, including visitor, student, work, residence, family and investor visas, as well as citizenship. They guide clients through complex immigration processes, prepare and manage applications, resolve visa issues, and support employer compliance. The firm focuses on simplifying immigration, reducing risk, and maximising approval outcomes through expert advice and ongoing case management.

The Exquisite Group is a premier luxury inbound tour operator, specialising in curating bespoke travel experiences across New Zealand. We'd welcome the opportunity to work with other members of the Council to showcase the best of New Zealand to your international clients or your own team in New Zealand.

Air New Zealand has released a sale today, with Narita included.
The timing coincides with the forthcoming JNZBC Conference to be held in Sendai from Sunday 1 to Tuesday 3 November.
https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/usa-canada-asia-on-sale?o=AKL

On June 2, Mr. FUNAKOSHI Takehiro, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Vice Ministers’ meeting in the form of a working lunch with Mr. Bede CORRY, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand, who visited Japan.

For more details, click here. (source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)

Japan’s economy saw moderate growth, estimated at 1.1%, during the 2025 financial year (April 2025-March 2026). There were some positive signs. Private consumption and business investment were robust, and real wages grew in January and February 2026, breaking 13 months of consecutive declines. However, inflation over the same period was above target rates of 2%, with core consumer prices growing by 2.6%.

For more information, click here.

This year is the 40th Anniversary of the relationship between Fukuoka and Auckland. The Auckland-Fukuoka sister city agreement was signed in 1986 to encourage cultural understanding and to promote connectivity in education, culture, tourism and trade.The current focus of the relationship is on collaboration on innovative business – particularly fostering innovation thought startup support. Auckland will a delegation from Fukuoka in late July, with activities including a pitch event at GridAKL for startups interested in the Auckland and Fukuoka markets. We encourage any interested startups to get in touch. Auckland Council introduced the Embassy to Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN) who facilitated the visit. Shun Ono, FGN, and Fukuoka officials attended the inaugural Auckland Startup Week in October last year and will be supporting the visit in July.

The new routes will begin progressively from late October, with Christchurch-Singapore launching on October 28, Christchurch-Tokyo (Narita International Airport) commencing on November 28, and Christchurch-Perth starting on November 30, subject to regulatory approval.