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.

Japan is progressing plans for a temporary reduction in the rate of consumption tax applied to food items in response to inflation and rising living costs. Japan currently applies a 10% consumption tax, with an 8% reduced rate for take-home food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Click here for details

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.