Rhea Cowell
Consul General
Consulate General of New Zealand
Suite 2250, 1050 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 3S7
phone: 604 684-7388 | email: vancouveroffice@nzte.govt.nz
Resources
- Trade Openness – New Zealand is a founding member of the CPTPP and a strong advocate of multilateral trade rules, giving Canadian companies preferential market access.
- Agrifood and Natural Resources – Known for high-quality dairy, meat, and wine, New Zealand also imports complementary agrifood and technology solutions — areas where Canadian innovation can play a role.
- Clean Tech and Renewable Energy – With a national goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030, opportunities exist for Canadian firms in hydro, geothermal, wind, and green technologies.
- Digital and Innovation – The government’s Digital Economy and ICT strategy is expanding opportunities for Canadian partnerships in fintech, cybersecurity, and smart infrastructure.
- Logistics and Connectivity – While geographically distant, New Zealand is highly integrated into Asia-Pacific value chains and offers Canadian exporters a stable, English-speaking gateway.
Location
New Zealand is an island nation in the South Pacific, consisting of the North and South Islands and several smaller islands. Its geographic position provides access to Asia-Pacific markets while maintaining strong ties to Australia, the Pacific Islands, and global shipping routes.
Economy
New Zealand has a modern, export-driven economy with strengths in agrifood, forestry, fisheries, tourism, and increasingly digital services. It is internationally recognized for transparent governance, low corruption, and an open regulatory environment that is consistently ranked among the easiest places in the world to do business.
- CPTPP Advantage – Canada and New Zealand enjoy reduced tariffs and improved access through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
- Political and Economic Stability – A transparent, rules-based system makes New Zealand a low-risk environment for Canadian businesses.
- Shared Values and Collaboration – Both countries emphasize inclusive trade, sustainability, and Indigenous economic participation, creating natural alignment.
- Innovation Partnerships – New Zealand’s investment in agritech, digital commerce, and renewables offers opportunities for Canadian firms to export expertise and co-develop solutions.
- Government-to-Government Support – Canadian Minister Mary Ng has engaged directly with New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Export Growth on areas like digital trade, CPTPP cooperation, and inclusive economic growth. This political support reinforces opportunities for Canadian companies. Minister Ng speaks with New Zealand’s minister for trade and export growth
