Current Projects

AHK New Zealand, together with iMOVE and the Ostasien-Verein e. V. (OAV – German Asia-Pacific Business Association), invites German vocational education and training providers to an information event on 5 May 2026 at iMOVE/BIBB in Bonn.
 

Within the Market Entry Programme (MEP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), this is the first time that AHK New Zealand focuses on the Pacific region in this context – looking at Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Samoa as emerging markets for training and skills development in the energy transition.

What can participants expect?

• a concise overview of energy and market developments in the four target countries
• insights into where German VET and training offers can add concrete value
• initial ideas for cooperation and project opportunities in the Pacific

A key highlight:
The programme will feature speakers from all four markets. Experts from Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Samoa will outline

• where they see the biggest skills gaps,
• which types of vocational education and training are needed, and
• how they envisage collaboration with German VET providers.

The event is aimed at German-based VET providers developing or offering programmes in renewable energy, energy efficiency, green technologies and related skills and upskilling, and who are interested in exploring new markets and partnerships in the Pacific region.

Key facts & set-up

• Implementing organisation: AHK New Zealand
• Cooperation partners: iMOVE and OAV – Ostasien-Verein e. V. (German Asia-Pacific Business Association)
• Funding: Market Entry Programme (MEP) of BMWE

Project Summary:

The project aims to create an inclusive and sustainable energy system by involving a variety of stakeholders, including energy provider Te Aponga Uira and several government ministries (Education, Tourism, Environment, and Infrastructure). The goal is to contribute to climate protection, energy security, and cost reduction, with a focus on knowledge transfer, particularly to local communities, students, and youth.
 

Key Outcomes:

• Feasibility study and model project plan.
• Establishment of a long-term, sustainable stakeholder network.
• Training and capacity-building for the local community to support future energy initiatives.
   

Objectives: The project will focus on integrating technological, economic, and social factors, with key locations like Motu Beachfront Villas Resort, Kent Community Hall, and Titikaveka School serving as demonstration platforms. Smart meters will be installed at these sites to gather energy data, essential for the feasibility study and developing the project plan. Workshops will promote renewable energy awareness, fostering community engagement and ensuring long-term project sustainability.

The Project Exploration Trip (PER), conducted under the German Energy Solutions Initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), is intended to open up new business opportunities for German companies in the Cook Islands and to support the Cook Islands to reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels and assist their transition towards renewable energy.

During the business trip to the Cook Islands from 1-5 December 2025, organised by the GNZCC, the participating German companies will have the opportunity to engage with local stakeholders to discuss specific projects where German technology and know-how are needed. Local individuals, businesses and institutions are invited to present their projects so that solutions can be found through cooperation. The programme will further include executive roundtables, site visits, cooperation talks, group meetings and B2B discussions.

German companies specialising in renewable energy solutions, including their subsidiaries, can apply to participate in this project exploration trip. Relevant local stakeholders from the Cook Islands who are planning relevant projects are encouraged to express their interest and will then have the opportunity to engage in person with the German companies in December 2025.

Project Objectives:

• Assist the Cook Islands in achieving the transition towards renewable energy and reducing the reliance on imported fossil fuels through proven technologies and solutions from Germany.
• Contribute to protecting the environment on the Cook Islands through energy infrastructure and e-mobility solutions.
• Support German SMEs in exploring and entering the Cook Islands market through targeted matchmaking and B2B meetings.
• Connect German SMEs with the aim to form a consortium to offer turnkey solutions for the Cook Islands.
• Enable access to the wider Pacific region for German SMEs.
• Foster bi-lateral collaboration and cooperation.

This project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), is part of the Market Entry Programme (MEP) designed to support German SMEs in accessing international markets. Focusing on water resilience in New Zealand, the initiative brings together German technology providers and New Zealand stakeholders to address shared infrastructure challenges, particularly those driven by extreme weather events.

Through market insights, a dedicated business delegation visit, a high-level industry conference, expert roundtables and tailored B2B meetings, the project facilitates meaningful exchange and long-term partnerships. German participants will showcase innovative technologies that address water supply security, wastewater management, system monitoring, and climate adaptation.

Project Objectives

• Strengthen water infrastructure resilience in New Zealand by introducing proven technologies and solutions from Germany.
• Support German SMEs in exploring and entering the New Zealand market through targeted matchmaking and visibility opportunities.
• Foster bilateral collaboration and knowledge-sharing between German solution providers and New Zealand stakeholders.
• Promote sustainable innovation to tackle the impacts of climate change on urban water systems.