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.

In an absorbing presentation, Margaret Cooney outlined the technology-driven approach that Octopus Energy brings to the New Zealand’s electricity market using smart tariffs, data platforms and flexible pricing to help customers reduce costs and shift electricity use to off-peak times. Click on the post for more details.

The New Zealand Hydrogen Council was formed in September 2018 by private and public sector organisations with seed funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to support the progression and uptake of low emission hydrogen in New Zealand. They are New Zealand’s leading hydrogen agency. They are an intrinsic part of New Zealand’s emerging hydrogen industry as well as an important link to the opportunities that are evolving globally.

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.

OpenStar Technologies is pioneering the development of the levitated dipole concept, a simplified fusion energy approach proven viable in under two years for less than $10M. OpenStar combines rapid iteration, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to public engagement to accelerate clean fusion energy to the grid.

Ask Me NZ is an independently run platform that connects New Zealand and Japan through Business, Community and Rugby. In an era where AI can generate answers instantly, I believe that human connection, context, and trust matter more than ever. That is why Ask Me NZ aims to go beyond “information sharing” and become a place where meaningful relationships and opportunities can naturally grow.