Having previously worked in the Research & Enterprise Office at University of Otago since 2005 leading the Biomedical and Functional Food sectors, David Grimmett has recently returned to the University to lead a similar role which now includes the Environment and Energy sectors.  This follows 18 months working as the Chief Technology Officer at Techion a digital microscopy/diagnostics company.   David has developed an extensive network of relationships in NZ and internationally and has been developing relationships with universities, Technology Licensing Offices (TLOs) and companies in Japan over the past 15 years.  This has led to a range of funding and research or collaboration agreements and a wide network of valuable connections between NZ and Japan. 

Jason's association with Japan dates back nearly 30 years. Following his return to NZ in the early 1990's following a 1-year scholarship in Tokyo, Jason has been emersed in roles associated with the New Zealand Japan business relationship. Initially with Japan Airlines and then Fonterra with roles in the supply chain and sales division, Jason then transitioned to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise where he held the positions of New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Japan based in Tokyo and International Coalitions Manager. Following his time at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Jason spent 5 years at the Bank of New Zealand leading the bank's engagement with the export sector, a key growth focus for the organization. Jason holds a BA an MBA and is highly excited about the future prospects of the Japan New Zealand business relationship.

Japan-New Zealand Summit Meeting
https://www.mofa.go.jp/a_o/ocn/nz/pageite_000001_00409.html

Japan-New Zealand Joint Leaders’ Statement
https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100686771.pdf

Business Mission
https://www.nzte.govt.nz/blog/top-business-leaders-join-prime-minister-in-japan

New Zealand company Fabrum, a world leader in zero-emission transition technologies to enable a lower-carbon economy, is set to supply Toyota with its proprietary liquid hydrogen storage technology. https://fabrum.nz/new-zealand-company-fabrum-collaborates-with-toyota-for-liquid-hydrogen-storage/

Air New Zealand will add 30,000 seats to its Tokyo route from November 2024 to March 2025.

The airlines said it will increase the frequency of its 777s services to boost numbers.

“Japan is an incredibly important visitor market for the New Zealand tourism industry, so additional seats over our busiest season means more inbound travel from Japan,” said chief executive Greg Foran, who announced the increase while on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trade trip to Japan this week.

Rocket Lab has signed a landmark deal to send 10 satellites into space for a Japanese company, Synspective. The agreement is Rocket Lab’s largest single launch contract to date. Its scale is significant in the context of deals signed in the industry. Synspective will use small SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellites to collect data, which it can sell to companies or governments.

Established in 1996, the Blues is one of the most successful franchises in world rugby. As winners of the inaugural Super Rugby championship, we have a legacy of four titles making the Blues the second most successful club in Super Rugby history. The Blues represents a region that produces one third of all registered players in New Zealand and is based in the country’s largest city with a dynamic economy and international outlook. We have a proven history of developing strong partnerships with international partners, sharing the Blues way of high-performance rugby development and platform for our partners commercial and marketing growth.

Here are some new NZTE insights into doing business in Japan.

https://my.nzte.govt.nz/article/planning-your-market-entry-into-japan

https://my.nzte.govt.nz/article/setting-up-operations-in-japan

https://my.nzte.govt.nz/article/is-japan-the-right-market

https://my.nzte.govt.nz/article/recruiting-in-japan

Please join us on Thursday 4 July, from 11:45 am at The Northern Club, Princes Street, to find out more about the benefits and access of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The CPTPP is currently under review - this is your opportunity to hear from experts and to give your opinion on the review process.

In Person Registration

Online Registration

Elemental Group is an energy consultancy and development advisory dedicated to delivering solutions for a world in energy transition. We are a diverse, hard-working, and innovative team, providing services across the energy sector. Recently (April 2024) Elemental Group was part of an NZTE delegation to Japan talking to potential Japanese investors in New Zealand renewable developments that will contribute to Power to X (hydrogen, ammonia, green methanol) and eventually the export of green fuels to Japan. Elemental Group is currently contracted by a Japanese company to look at renewable energy developments to improve the energy security of a third world country in the Timor Sea region.

Te Whakahaere is a climate change advisory firm based in Aotearoa New Zealand, specialising in integrating climate considerations into business strategies and operations. We offer comprehensive services in climate disclosures, climate strategy development, transition planning, and climate education, ensuring organisations are well-equipped to address and adapt to climate challenges. Our approach is deeply rooted in principles of sustainability and ethical practice, focusing on enhancing capacity and capability for a climate-positive future. Te Whakahaere collaborates closely with clients to embed climate resilience into corporate governance, leveraging extensive research and tailored advisory solutions to drive transformative change.

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components, and on-orbit management. As a global leader in launch and space systems, we are transforming the way we access and use space. Our capabilities span the space economy, including satellite design and manufacture, space software and components, and reliable launch services.

Japan Homes has been delivering quality houses to New Zealanders since 2008. For the past 16 years, we have showcased the Japanese spirit for quality control and on-time delivery. Our mission is to contribute to providing affordable housing in New Zealand. We undertake various types of housing projects, including freestanding homes and townhouses, ranging from individual units to larger developments. Additionally, we are actively working with overseas investors for Build-to-Rent projects to address Auckland's housing shortage issue.

Founded in 1993 and known originally as BCS Group Ltd., the company joined the Daifuku Group in 2014, and rebranded to Daifuku Oceania in 2020. The company provides sales, engineering, installation, and after-sales services for airport systems, sortation systems for parcel delivery centers, and systems for manufacturing and distribution. Daifuku Oceania is headquartered in New Zealand and also has offices in two other countries. In addition, the company has factories located in Australia and Malaysia. 

Drawing on the IP and experience of its giant parent company, and adding smarts of its own design, NEC New Zealand has been bringing tech solutions to Aotearoa for more than four decades.

For more information, click here.

JNZBC AGM (members event)
Date: Monday 29 April 2024
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Venue: Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, Level 9, 45 Queen Street, Auckland
RSVP: to mail@jnzbc.com by Wednesday 24 April

To view the March newsletter, please visit the Members Section.

To view the February newsletter, please visit the Members Section.

Click here to read the latest edition of Gekkan NZ, which includes a New Year message from Chair Ian Kennedy on page 10.

The 49th Japan New Zealand Business Council Annual Joint Conference was held in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand, on 19-21 November 2023. The Joint Statement is now available here.