The highly touted NZ-India Free Trade Agreement officially begins today, and for New Zealand businesses looking towards India they’ll have the chance to hear from some of the most influential figures in the relationship when the New Zealand-India Business, Sport and Innovation Summit comes to Auckland on November 12-13.
With tariffs removed on more than half of New Zealand’s exports to India, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says the likes of winemakers would be among the biggest winners. Other tariff-free products included are sheep meat and wool, coal, and most forestry products. This presents big opportunity for New Zealand businesses.
“We launched talks in March 2025 and, by working harder and faster, concluded them in just nine months. That’s a record for India on a comprehensive trade agreement, and it’s one of the highest quality deals they’ve signed. Today, just 19 months after we started, it’s in force and working for exporters,” McClay says.
“India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is forecast to reach NZ$12 trillion by 2030. Getting in early, on good terms, matters. The gains go well beyond exports. They reach suppliers, local businesses and the towns that depend on them.”
The New Zealand-India Business, Sport and Innovation Summit, hosted across AUT and the New Zealand International Convention Centre, centres on how New Zealand organisations can engage with India’s growing market. Sessions will also cover artificial intelligence, digital transformation, the Māori economy, tourism, education, talent and sport.
The speaker line-up includes India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Her Excellency Muanpuii Saiawi; Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar; entrepreneur Sir Ian Taylor; Tourism New Zealand chief executive Rene de Monchy; and former India cricket captain Ajinkya Rahane. Dame Therese Walsh will chair the event.
Delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Sport New Zealand, the summit is part of 100 Years of Unity Through Sport, a year-long programme marking a century of sporting ties between the two countries.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill says bringing government, business and industry leaders into the same room creates opportunities to share expertise and build relationships.
“Auckland has an important role to play in connecting New Zealand capability with international markets, and this Summit is an opportunity to build partnerships that deliver lasting benefits,” he says.
Programme and registration details are available at nzindiasummit.com.
