Thursday 8th May, 7:00am – 9:30am
Trade on Toast – 2025 series
What to expect
With President Trump back in office, global trade dynamics are shifting rapidly — and New Zealand must be prepared.
Join us for a timely breakfast briefing exploring the implications of US tariffs, shifting diplomatic priorities, and evolving trade policy on New Zealand’s economy and global position.
Agenda
- 7.00am Doors open, registration
- 7.20am Call to take seats
- 7.30am Welcome and Introduction – Simon Bridges
- 7.35am Breakfast served
- Welcome from the Port – Chris Mills
- Keynote address – James Waite
- Panel discussion and audience Q&A via Slido
- Thanks and Close
Sponsor address – Chris Mills, General Manager Marine and Multi-Cargo at Port of Auckland, sets the scene with insight into trade flows and infrastructure.
Keynote – James Waite, Head of the Americas Division at MFAT, outlines New Zealand’s strategic response to changes in US trade policy.
Panel discussion – Hon Tim Groser, Fran O’Sullivan, Graham Painter, and Philip Gregan will unpack the likely impacts for New Zealand businesses, with Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges guiding the conversation.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions live via Slido.
This is a must-attend session for business leaders, exporters, and professionals keeping pace with the fast-changing global trade environment.
Further speaker details below
Date: Thursday 8th May 2025
Time: 7:00am – 9:30am
Location: Pullman, Auckland
Sponsor Address
Chris Mills
General Manager Marine and Multi-Cargo
Chris Mills joined the Port of Auckland executive team in March 2022.With over 20 years of experience in a range of senior human resource and operational leadership roles, he brings a wealth of expertise to the team. Chris previously worked as the Vice President – People and Culture for WestJet, a large Canadian airline based in Calgary with over 14,000 employees. Prior to this, he held senior HR roles at Air New Zealand, Coca-Cola and Ford Motor Company. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, with a major in Management and Employee Relations. After two years in the role of General Manager People, Culture and Communications at Port of Auckland, in November 2024, Chris took on the role of General Manager Marine and Multi-Cargo. Chris has led large operational teams at companies like Coca Cola and Air New Zealand and is looking forward to leading operational teams at Port of Auckland. Chris is a champion of diversity and inclusion. He has been learning te reo Māori and is now comfortable to mihi on marae and at the port whakatau.
Keynote Speaker
James Waite
Leader of the American Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
James Waite serves as the head of the Americas Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, bringing a wealth of experience in international relations, security, and diplomacy. Throughout his career, he has represented New Zealand in key postings abroad, including as Ambassador to Mongolia (2022–2024), Deputy Head of Mission in Beijing, and in roles in Washington, D.C. (2014–2017) and Jakarta (2008–2011).Since joining the Ministry in 2005, James has also played a vital role in capital-based leadership, heading the Southeast Asia Division (2018–2021), the United States Unit (2018), and the North Korea Task Force (2017). His academic accomplishments include a PhD in U.S. Foreign Relations History from Ohio University and the publication of The End of the First Indochina War: A Global History (2012), adapted from his dissertation.In addition to his academic and professional achievements, James is fluent in Indonesian, enhancing his diplomatic capabilities.
Panel Discussion
Hon Tim Groser
Former NZ Minister for Trade & Climate
Hon Tim Groser is a global expert in trade policy and international diplomacy. As Chair of Groser & Associates, he advises on trade and economic strategy.
He served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States (2016–2018) and Minister of Trade (2008–2015), leading Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. Previously, he was Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and New Zealand’s Chief Negotiator for the GATT Uruguay Round.
A Victoria University of Wellington graduate with First Class Honours, Tim continues to shape global trade and economic policy.
Philip Gregan
CEO NZ Wine
CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, the national industry organisation that represents, researches, and promotes the interests of Aotearoa’s grape growers and wine makers. Wineries currently export more than $2 billion of wine per year.
Philip has worked in wine industry organisations since 1983, and has a long-standing interest in international trade issues. He sits on the Board of the NZ International Business Forum, which he has chaired since 2020.
Fran O’Sullivan
Managing Director NZINC
Fran O’Sullivan is an influential business and political opinion leader in New Zealand writing for the NZ Herald on business, politics and international affairs.She is a founding director of the New Zealand United States Council and in 2022
launched the annual United States Business Summit in partnership with the Auckland Business Chamber.
This Summit is an important touchstone for the bilateral relationship, provides valuable insights into the geo-political forces shaping the Indo-Pacific and technological opportunities, like space, where New Zealand firms are building a strong footprint.
Graham Painter
International Trade Law Specialist
Graham specialises in international trade law, market access, and cross-border disputes. He has worked with leading US trade law firms and represented clients before the WTO, USITC, and US Department of Commerce.
A former trade policy adviser to the New Zealand government, he played key roles in WTO, NAFTA, and APEC negotiations. His expertise is highly relevant to potential US trade sanctions against New Zealand.
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