Erin Daly
Manager Business Development Australasia/Trade Fair Manager (Members based in NZ & AUS)
+64 9 304 0702 edaly@germantrade.co.nz
From the moment the doors opened, the response to the German Pavilion was overwhelmingly positive. A steady stream of visitors engaged with a range of cutting-edge solutions presented by leading German exhibitors, including ifm, Wilo Group, Röhren- und Pumpenwerk Bauer GmbH, GEA Group, Treffler Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, and more. Showcasing the very best of German agritech solutions, from precision engineering to the very best of Germany’s agri-tech sector – from precision engineering to sustainable farming technologies.
Strengthening Ties Through Technology and Trade
A special highlight of the Pavilion was the visit from distinguished members of #TeamEurope. We were honoured to welcome:
- H.E. Nicole Menzenbach, German Ambassador to New Zealand
- H.E. Lawrence Meredith, European Union Ambassador in New Zealand
- Patryk Błaszczak, Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Poland to New Zealand, Samoa and Tuvalu
- H.E. Ard van der Vorst, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to New Zealand, Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Tuvalu
- H.E. Jane Connolly, Ambassador of Ireland to New Zealand
Their presence underlined the critical role of international cooperation in driving innovation, sustainability, and shared solutions in the agricultural sector.
A Week of Collaboration and Discovery
In addition to the countless curious visitors coming to discover the German Pavilion, we also hosted and co-hosted three well-attended networking events with the New Zealand Europe Business Council Inc., offering valuable opportunities for dialogue and exchange.
Another standout moments was a full-day programme organised for the visiting delegation from Germany’s Bundesministerium für Landwirtschaft, Ernährung und Heimat (Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity). Beginning with morning networking over coffee and meetings with German exhibitors, the delegation was introduced to the innovation ecosystem that makes Fieldays® a key event in the Asia-Pacific region.
Participants joined a curated Innovation Tour led by Steve Chappell, Programme Manager at Fieldays, which spotlighted pioneering Kiwi companies such as AgriSea, CropX, Mara Bio, and Gallagher Group Ltd. The tour highlighted shared challenges and complementary solutions between the two nations’ agritech sectors.
In the “Science for the Farmer” tent, the delegation took part in an engaging exchange of ideas featuring brief talks from representatives of New Zealand’s research and policy community, including Dr Matthew Barnett from AgriDENZ. The informal discussions touched on topics such as emissions reduction and the role of agriculture in the emerging bioeconomy. NZTE’s Lisa Marcroft also guided visitors through key exhibits, highlighting opportunities for partnership and collaboration.
The programme wrapped with a networking lunch and remarks from:
- Winnie Switakowski, Deputy Head of Mission, Counsellor – Agriculture & Rural Development, German Embassy Wellington
- Iris Heinz, Head of DEinternational, Projects & Services, GNZCC
- Olaf Schäfer, Deputy Director-General, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, Germany
- Richard Lindroos, Chief Executive, New Zealand National Fieldays Society
Their words reinforced the shared ambition to deepen collaboration, support sustainability, and harness innovation for a more resilient agricultural future.
Looking Ahead
With Fieldays® 2025 now concluded, we’re reflecting on an incredibly rewarding debut for the German Pavilion. The event has been a fantastic platform for connecting with industry leaders, innovators, and partners across New Zealand and beyond.
We’re excited to build on the many new connections made and to continue strengthening and maintaining our existing relationships. This year’s Pavilion has set a strong foundation, and we’re already looking forward to the next edition — and to deepening collaboration between Germany and New Zealand in the agritech sector.
About the German Pavilion
The German Pavilion at Fieldays® 2025 was jointly organised by IFWexpo Heidelberg GmbH and the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Inc. (GNZCC). It is part of Germany’s Foreign Trade Fair Programme, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, and AUMA – Association of the German Trade Fair Industry.