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More than 130 business leaders, exporters, iwi and hapū representatives and government agencies gathered last week to explore how changing global markets, trade agreements and international trends could create new opportunities for Northland businesses.
Hosted by Northland Regional Council, the ‘Global Shifts, Local Future’ event were held in Waitangi and Whangārei and combined global trade insights from Deputy Secretary Trade and Economic at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Vangelis Vitalis, with practical lessons from Northland exporters already succeeding in international markets.
Discussions focused on what a rapidly changing global environment means for New Zealand businesses, including the importance of strong international relationships, market diversification, resilience and innovation.
Attendees also heard about opportunities emerging through New Zealand’s evolving trade agreements, including the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, and how businesses can position themselves to take advantage of future opportunities.
Vitalis said New Zealand’s prosperity is closely connected to international trade.
“New Zealand is a trade-dependent nation, with around one in four New Zealand jobs and one in three Māori jobs depending on exports.
“From what I saw, the present and the future of New Zealand exporting clearly lies in the hard work being done in Northland – a region most definitely on the up.”
Regional councillor Geoff Crawford, chair of the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee, said creating opportunities for Northland businesses to hear directly from experienced exporters and trade leaders was a key objective of the events.
“Northland has world-class businesses creating jobs and opportunities here at home while successfully competing in international markets.
“Bringing exporters, industry leaders and government agencies together helps share practical insights, strengthen connections and ensure Northland businesses are well placed to respond to changing global conditions and seize future opportunities.”
Council chair Pita Tipene said the events highlighted both the strength of Northland’s export sector and the opportunities ahead.
“He iti noa iho te mokoroa, engari ka hinga te kahikatea i a ia.
“Although the mokoroa grub is small, through persistence it can bring down the mighty kahikatea tree.
“It’s a reminder that while Northland and New Zealand, may be small, we make a significant impact, something highlighted by our Black Caps cricket team when playing in India.”
“Success comes from understanding our strengths, backing ourselves and continuing to show up, build relationships and create value over time.”
Exporting already plays an important role in Northland’s economy, with around $2.6 billion worth of goods and services exported from the region in 2025, an increase of around eight per cent on the previous year.
Approximately three-quarters of that export value comes from Northland’s manufacturing and primary sectors.
The events brought together businesses at different stages of their export journey, from emerging exporters to globally recognised brands.
Despite operating across diverse sectors, a consistent message emerged: Northland does not need to compete on size alone.
Success comes from understanding customers, focusing on distinctive strengths and finding the markets where Northland products, services and expertise can meet customer needs and create the greatest value.
Global Shifts, Local Future panellist Bruce Larsen, general manager of Northpine, said businesses need to be clear about where they can make the biggest impact.
“The world is a big place, and Northland is right at the bottom of it.” “We don’t need to take it all on, we just need to find the part where what we do is valued.”
