United States Business Summit 2024

A NEW ERA

★★★★

Friday 22 November 2024

Now in its third year, this one-day Summit takes place just weeks after the highly anticipated US Presidential election, a decisive moment in history that has seen Donald Trump once again headed to the White House.

This timing offers an unparalleled opportunity to analyse and comprehend the immediate implications of the re-election of President Trump on New Zealand-United States relations.

The Summit is an opportunity for delegates to engage in debate and discussion that will inform the direction for New Zealand’s future with the United States, and network with senior business and political leaders.

Featuring

Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Zack Cooper

Professor Delwyn Moller

Rob Coneybeer

Hon Barbara Edmonds

Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon will once again open the US Business Summit, providing insight into New Zealand’s evolving relationship with the United States.
Leading geopolitical expert and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Zack Cooper will break down the implications of the election of Donald Trump as the next United States president on security and trade for New Zealand and the Indo-Pacific.
Co-founder of Shasta Ventures and a 24-year veteran of venture capital, Rob Coneybeer will discuss how New Zealand can position itself to attract foreign direct investment. Rob will shine a light on New Zealand’s appeal as an investment destination, sharing insights into how the country can attract much needed foreign direct investment and thrive in the global market.
With the US now New Zealand’s second-largest trading partner, Minister for Trade Hon Todd McClay will outline how New Zealand businesses can seize and leverage opportunities in the new era and capitalise on this growing partnership.
Hon Barbara Edmonds, Labour’s Finance Spokesperson, will explore how New Zealand can take advantage of US investment, bringing a fresh perspective on Labour’s approach to fostering stronger economic ties and capitalising on opportunities.
Best-selling author, thought leader, and NZTE Beachhead Adviser Simon Taylor will draw on his experience advising top executives at companies including Disney and Warner Bros. to deliver practical strategies for New Zealand businesses operating in the US market, including decision-making, communication styles, and managing teams across borders.

A CRITICAL PARTNER

The United States Business Summit is a premier event focused on strengthening the critical relationship between New Zealand and the United States. Over the past year, bilateral trade between our two countries has continued to thrive, with the United States surpassing Australia to become New Zealand’s second-largest export market as of March 2024. This underscores the deepening economic ties.

INSIGHTS FROM THE ELECTION

President Donald Trump’s election result will bring significant shifts in US domestic and international policies, impacting areas such as trade, security, climate change, and immigration. The Summit will provide valuable insights into how these changes might affect trade, investment and cooperation between our two nations.

In his opening address to the Summit, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will outline how the New Zealand government views its evolving relationship with the United States and lay out strategic plans for the future.

AN EVOLVING RELATIONSHIP

The 2024 summit will build on the momentum of previous years, focusing on the vast potential to expand the economic partnership between the United States and New Zealand. As a key source of foreign direct investment, innovation, research, and tourism for New Zealand, the United States is a vital partner for growth. The Summit will offer businesses a platform to explore new avenues for collaboration, including in emerging sectors such as green technologies, high-value sustainable agriculture, space exploration and deep tech partnerships.

As geopolitical shifts and evolving consumer expectations continue to reshape the global landscape, the Summit will dive deep into the impact of these changes on the United States-New Zealand relationship. It will allow business leaders and policymakers to consider how to recalibrate our approach to align with the new realities.

AGENDA

7.00AM: REGISTRATION

7.30 AM: CALL TO ORDER

Tim McCready Master of Ceremonies

7.35 AM: WELCOME

Summit Co-Chair: Fran O’Sullivan ONZM, Managing Director, NZ INC.

7.40 AM: PRIME MINISTER OPENING ADDRESS AND Q&A

Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon will open the United States Business Summit, providing insights into New Zealand’s evolving relationship with the United States.

Fresh back from the APEC Economic Leaders meeting in Peru, the Prime Minister will provide a readout on the geostrategic forces now shaping the Indo-Pacific region and New Zealand’s role in this contested environment.

Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand
Moderator: Fran O’Sullivan, Summit Co-Chair

8.20 AM: U.S. AMBASSADOR TOM UDALL

The Ambassador will reflect on the enduring partnership between New Zealand and the United States.

8.25 AM: WHAT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION MEANS FOR BUSINESS

Fran O’Sullivan with Greg Foran, former Walmart US CEO during the first Trump presidency – now CEO of Air New Zealand – who will share his insights into business with the U.S. in the ‘New Era’ and why it remains the main game for global innovation.

9.00 AM: KEYNOTE ADDRESS AND PANEL: ZACK COOPER

Leading geopolitical expert and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Zack Cooper will break down the implications of the US Presidential election for security and trade for New Zealand and the Indo-Pacific.

With extensive experience at the White House and Pentagon as well as in think tanks, Zack will provide forward-looking analysis critical for New Zealand’s strategic positioning and insights and advice on how NZ can best pursue its interests in the US.

Zack will be introduced by Bede Corry, Secretary and Chief Executive, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Discussants:

Hon David Parker, Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson and former NZ Trade Minister
Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber and former National Cabinet Minister and Foreign Affairs spokesperson
April Palmerlee, CEO of AmCham Australia and a former US Assistant Secretary of State and Executive at the Council on Foreign Relations

Moderator: David Capie, Director, Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington.

10.15 AM: U.S. DEPUTY SECRETARY OF COMMERCE DON GRAVES

10.20 AM: FIRESIDE CHAT: HON TODD McCLAY AND SIMON BRIDGES

With the United States now New Zealand’s second-largest trading partner, Minister for Trade Hon Todd McClay will sit down with Summit Co-Chair Simon Bridges to chart how New Zealand businesses can seize and leverage opportunities in the ‘New Era’ and capitalise on this growing bilateral partnership. Minister McClay has just returned from the Apec meeting in Peru.

11.00 AM – 11.30 AM: MORNING TEA

11.30 AM: SUSTAINABLE AGRIBUSINESS: HIGH VALUE EXPORTS AND INVESTMENT INTO THE UNITED STATES

Learn how leading New Zealand agri-exporters are growing in the U.S. through premium consumers, leveraging sustainability (and ESG) attributes to provide a higher return to New Zealand and New Zealand farmers. Delivered through partnerships, focused on a deep knowledge of customer and consumer, underpinned by credible, best-in-class technology investment and adoption on farm in New Zealand to deliver an authentic sustainability/good for the world message.

Charlotte Rutherford, Director of Sustainability, Fonterra
Ruth Leary, Head of Engagement and Strategy, AgriZeroNZ
Kate Beddoe, Chief Sustainability & Risk Officer, Silver Fern Farms
Moderator: Haylon Smith, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Los Angeles

12.30 PM: LUNCH & NETWORKING

1.30 PM: BRIGHT IDEAS AND BIG MARKETS

Two visionary New Zealand leaders will share how advanced technologies in green metal extraction and aerospace innovation are addressing global challenges, from climate change to resource scarcity, while also creating vast opportunities in international markets.

Will Barker, CEO of Mint, will highlight how urban waste can be transformed into valuable green metals, reducing reliance on traditional mining and enabling a low-carbon, circular economy.
Professor Delwyn Moller will present cutting-edge innovations in aerospace technology, showcasing how Earth observation systems and advanced remote sensing are being used to address global challenges.
Moderator: Tim McCready – Summit MC

2.00 PM: TRADE 2025 – GLOBAL TRADE AND NEW ZEALAND

The re-election of Donald Trump as the United States’ next president heralds a significant shift in global trade. Four leading trade experts plot the road ahead canvassing options for exporters to shore up their positions and how we can build resilience in global markets.

Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary Trade and Economic, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Fiona Cooper, Executive Director, NZ US Council
Simon Tucker, Group Director Global External Affairs, Fonterra
Sarah Salmond, Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Moderator: Fran O’Sullivan, Summit Co-Chair

2.45 PM: SETTING UP BUSINESS IN THE U.S.

The United States is the #1 destination for foreign direct investment globally. This panel will look at what makes the United States so attractive to Kiwi firms and the types of support available to them.

Steve Knode, Commercial Officer for Australia, New Zealand, & Pacific Island Countries, U.S. Commercial Services
Ada Echetebu, Founder and Managing Partner, Norris Echetebu Law
Daniel Taylor, Head of Focus Customers, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
Moderator: Mike Hearn, Executive Director, AMCHAM New Zealand

3.15 PM: AFTERNOON TEA

3.30 PM: KEYNOTE ADDRESS: SIMON TAYLOR

Best-selling author, thought leader, and NZTE Beachhead Adviser Simon Taylor will draw on his experience advising top executives at companies including Disney and Warner Bros. to deliver practical strategies for New Zealand businesses operating in the US market, including decision-making, communication styles, and managing teams across borders.

3.45 PM – 4.15 PM: U.S. CAPITAL – THE SPUR FOR NZ’S GROWTH STORY

Co-founder of Shasta Ventures and a 24-year veteran of venture capital, Rob Coneybeer will discuss how New Zealand can position itself to attract foreign direct investment. Rob will shine a light on New Zealand’s appeal as an investment destination, sharing insights into how the country can attract much needed foreign direct investment and thrive in the global market.

He will be joined by Hon Barbara Edmonds, a former tax lawyer and Labour’s Finance Spokesperson, who will explore how New Zealand can take advantage of US investment, bringing a fresh perspective on Labour’s approach to fostering stronger economic ties and capitalising on opportunities.

Moderator: Tim McCready Summit MC

4.15 PM: NEXT STEPS

Summit Co-chair Simon Bridges and NZ US Council chairman Jonathan Mason, will reflect on the Summit and chart the collaborative role New Zealand businesses can play to evolve strong links with the U.S.