PARTNER EVENT | Global Trade Breakfast: Growing Canterbury's Global Reach

Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026  

Time: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Venue: Ilex Event Space, Christchurch

Admission Fee: Free for GNZCC Members

Breakfast, tea, coffee included.

Overview

From Lyttelton’s Next Chapter: Te Awaparahi Bay to Opportunities in Europe’s Largest Markets, Germany and the EU.

What will an $821 million investment at Lyttelton Port mean for Canterbury exporters? And where are the opportunities for local businesses looking to enter or grow in Germany and the wider European market?

For our final Global Trade Breakfast of 2026, we’re bringing together two important perspectives on Canterbury’s international trade future.

Graeme Sumner, Chief Executive of Lyttelton Port Company, will provide an update on the Te Awaparahi Bay Expansion & Resilience Project, including the new five-hectare container terminal, deepwater wharf and infrastructure being developed to support Canterbury’s future freight needs.

We’ll also be joined by the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce for practical insights into doing business in Germany and the EU, including:

• Market entry strategies, regulations and logistics
• Making use of the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement
• Customs tools and government support available to exporters
• Lessons from New Zealand businesses entering the European market
• How to approach German trade fairs strategically and maximise your return

We’ll finish the morning with facilitated table discussions, giving exporters and trade professionals the opportunity to compare experiences, discuss current challenges and share what’s working in international markets.

Who should attend?

This breakfast is particularly relevant for exporters, manufacturers and businesses considering international growth, including business owners, directors, CEOs, export managers and senior leaders.

You’ll leave with:

• A clearer understanding of the infrastructure developments affecting Canterbury’s international trade connections
• Practical knowledge for entering or growing in Germany and the EU
• Ideas and experiences from other Canterbury exporters
• New connections across Canterbury’s export and international trade community