Business Councils

The Auckland Business Chamber is the official contact point for the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) in New Zealand.

The EEN helps businesses innovate and grow on an international scale. It is the world’s largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions.

The Network is active worldwide. It brings together experts from member organisations that are renowned for their excellence in business support.

Member organisations include:

• chambers of commerce and industry
• regional development organisations
• universities and research institutes
• innovation agencies

The FNZCCI (formerly the French New Zealand Business Council) was created in 1985 from the desire to foster stronger and sound business relationships between France and /or French Pacific Islands and New Zealand. 

Today the organisation counts 120+ members (such as Corporates, SMEs and Individuals) and continues to expand recruiting new members every year. The Chamber is based in Auckland, has a chapter in Wellington and sometimes runs missions in Pacific islands.

The Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association (HKNZBA) has been helping foster business links since it was founded in 1988.

Membership has grown to include major corporates, SMEs and individuals. Some have joint membership with its sister organisation, the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

HKNZBA provides its members with a solid network of contacts in Hong Kong and substantial knowledge databases. Similar links are in place with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Launched in June 2007, NZIBF brings together business leaders from some of New Zealand’s largest internationally oriented companies together with the country’s peak business organisations.

Collectively, these business leaders from the dairy, meat, seafood, kiwifruit, apples, pears, wine and services industries represent companies and sectors with a combined turnover in excess of $30 billion. The business organisations represent New Zealand’s export, manufacturing and services sectors.

NZIBF is the only forum where these multi-sector leaders gather to discuss strategic trade and investment issues.  The Board meets four times a year and directs NZIBF’s work programme according to a 3-year strategic plan and an annual business plan. NZIBF’s work programme is supported by a range of associate members who receive regular updates, are engaged directly in NZIBF activities and meet at least twice a year with the Board.

Between 1840 and 1852 the North Island of New Zealand was known as New Ulster, the South Island was New Munster and Stewart Island was known as New Leinster.

An Irishman, William Hobson from Co Waterford, signed the Treaty of Waitangi on behalf of the crown. Three former Prime Ministers of New Zealand were Irish emigrants — Daniel Pollen from Dublin, John Balance from Antrim, and William Massey from Derry – while many more were of Irish heritage.

Countless bishops, mayors and business founders have contributed to the fabric of New Zealand society down through the year. Thomas Russsll from Cork founded BNZ while the iconic Smith & Caughey’s department store on Queen St was founded by a family from Co. Down. Dublin man Henry Blundell started The Dominion Post newspaper while Robert Hannah from Antrim was behind several department stores and the iconic Hannahs footwear brand.

Founded in 2000, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand (ICCNZ) has been a key platform for businesses, professionals, and organisations, promoting Italian excellence and fostering trade and cultural ties between Italy and New Zealand.

ICCNZ connects members with valuable resources and a robust network of contacts, supporting business development through business intelligence, guidance, and events. The Chamber regularly hosts Italian-style Aperitivo events, offering members and guests a relaxed setting to network and strengthen business relationships.

With the Italian Ambassador to New Zealand as Honorary President and key Italian trade representatives as Honorary Members, ICCNZ is a trusted link between Italy and New Zealand for businesses looking to expand, connect, and grow.

Cultivate Stronger relationship between New Zealand & Korea

The Korea New Zealand Business Council came into being in 1978, in association with the first-ever trade mission from New Zealand to the Republic of Korea.

Since then, KNZBC endeavoured to connect and network with businesses and government representatives involved in doing business with Korea in New Zealand.

In 2024, KNZBC has big mission to revitalise the Council. We have a solid plan and strategy to reinstate the relationships with our key partners and members.

Our Mission
“To foster business opportunities and strengthen trading ties between New Zealand and Korea for the benefit of our members and the wider business community in New Zealand.”

The Latin America New Zealand Business Council is the leading business organisation focused solely on the promotion of trade and commerce between New Zealand and Latin America.

The Council holds regular networking events, provides introductions to trade and government connections, delivers relevant information to its members, and lobbies the government on issues that impact trade. The LANZBC is a membership-based organisation, funded by annual member subscriptions, event income, project grants and sponsorship.

In the last decade India’s economy has grown rapidly by capitalising on its large domestic market (that is bigger than all of Europe), a youthful and technologically adept labour force, and an expanding middle class. India ranks 5th in the world’s GDP rankings for 2024 and the IMP has estimated India’s GDP growth at 7 percent. (Source: Forbes, September 2024).
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In December 2022 Australia and India signed the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). In March 2024 India signed $100 billion free trade deals with Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The UK and India may soon have a deal after 14 round of talks over the past two years.

Brazil, with its population exceeding 200 million and a GDP surpassing USD 2 trillion, presents extensive opportunities for New Zealand companies across diverse sectors.

The primary objective of the NZBBC is to fortify economic ties, foster business growth, and amplify collaboration between companies in Brazil and New Zealand. With offices in Auckland and Sāo Paulo, the NZBBC aims to provide comprehensive support to companies from both nations.

NZCTA is a bilateral business council promoting and fostering trade, investment and other business links between New Zealand and China. It is the oldest business Association of its kind in New Zealand involved with China. The Association was formed in 1981 by a group of pioneer business leaders enthusiastic about the potential of trade between New Zealand and China. Its inaugural membership comprised importers and exporters that wanted to establish a network to discuss and overcome the challenges of trading with China at the time. Over the years, NZCTA has evolved alongside the changing dynamics of our trading relationship and  today our membership of more than 200 organisations and individuals encompasses a diverse range of stakeholders. We are proud to have Chinese corporations that have established businesses in New Zealand, as well as exporters, importers, entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors, and service providers from both countries along with the support of government agencies from New Zealand and China.

Our recently updated mission is to promote and build on the trade relationships between the NZ and China by celebrating success, championing an active trade community and fostering the next generation of business leaders between the two countries.

The New Zealand Fiji Business Council (NZFBC) was established in 1987 with the purpose of maintaining a link and communications between businesses in New Zealand and Fiji, irrespective of who was in government in either country. The Council is apolitical and has withstood the effects of changing times, events and political landscape.

Founded in 2021, the NZ Israel Innovation Hub (NZIIH) is a professional association dedicated to fostering strong, mutually beneficial business ties between New Zealand and Israel, with a particular focus on technology and entrepreneurship. Powered by a network of over fifty volunteers from diverse business and technology sectors across both countries, we are recognised for delivering unique market insights, hosting networking events, and facilitating high-value professional connections. Beyond these core activities, NZIIH also publishes market briefs, organises business delegations, and provides a range of business support services in both Israel and New Zealand.

The NZMBA is an organization dedicated to connecting Malaysians in New Zealand with the broader business community, promoting bilateral trade and networking between Malaysia, ASEAN, and New Zealand-based enterprises. It offers inclusive B2B connections and supports members in various areas such as entrepreneurship, legal, finance, immigration, and tax advice, fostering business growth and collaboration.

The NZMBA leverages extensive professional connections to address specific business needs and provides relevant guidance. Through curated events, introductions, and industry access, it fosters meaningful relationships, helping members expand their networks, exchange insights, and explore collaboration opportunities.

By joining the NZMBA, members can unlock opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and confidently navigate export and import landscapes, enhancing bilateral trade between New Zealand and dynamic markets in the ASEAN, Middle East, and Pacific regions.

New Zealand has significant economic and trading interests in the Middle East.

Our vision is to enable New Zealand businesses to flourish in one of the world’s most diverse economies.

Our executive committee brings together the expertise required to be successful across the region’s diverse markets. We foster relationships with businesses, government, representative offices, returning expats, emerging traders and businesses with a long history of trade to help our members build and maintain market share.

Facilitate the growth of bilateral trade and investment between New Zealand and Pacific Island countries and territories. The Object for which the NZPBC is established is supported by the three (3) underlying principles as follows:

• Tautoko Support
• Āki Advocacy
• Ikapahi Networking

Stay connected with them through Facebook and Linkedin.

The Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) is a non-governmental body, serving as a regional forum for cooperation and policy coordination in the Asia Pacific to promote regional economic growth and development. The New Zealand Committee of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (NZPECC) is a founding and active member of the PECC community. NZPECC works to gain strong business and institutional links into the Asia Pacific market and to tie public policy theory and research into practical business outcomes for New Zealand.

PECC was formed in 1980 and now has 26 Member Committees. Each Member Committee brings together leading thinkers, and decision makers from government, academia and business in an informal setting to discuss and formulate ideas on the most significant challenges facing the Asia Pacific.

PNBC was formed in New Zealand in 2025 as an Incorporated Society. PNBC structure comprises Business and Professional wings. Each wing is dedicated to achieving its strategic goals and objectives as set up by the PNBC committee.

The New Zealand Papua New Guinea Business Council was established in 1993 with the underlying objective to heighten awareness of the business environment and market opportunities in Papua New Guinea.

The Council exists to promote and facilitate economic and trade relations between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. We provide an environment where knowledge is shared and business connections are made.

Koruza is our name, taken from a Maori word ‘Koru’ meaning new life, regeneration, growth, strength, peace, creation, perpetual movement and Za Mzansi, a South African term meaning, pride, and identity.

Koruza (New Zealand South Africa Chamber of Commerce) aims to foster strong business relationships between New Zealand and South Africa, promoting trade, investment, and cultural ties.

Any business operating in New Zealand or South Africa, or globally involved with either country, is welcome to join.

The New Zealand Thailand Business Association (NZTBA) is to be recognized as the go-to platform that connects business players, fosters synergies, and drives innovation. Through our dedication to maximizing business potential, we strive to create a sustainable business ecosystem that benefits our members and contributes to the overall economic development of both New Zealand and Thailand.

The New Zealand Tonga Business Council (NZTBC) was established in 2010 with the purpose to grow and develop the international relationship between New Zealand and Tonga. Its role in the business community is to encourage and support bi-lateral trade*, grow investment opportunities, enhance economic development between New Zealand and Tonga, and also work collaboratively with each respective government, its key stakeholders. The NZTBC does this by positively influencing the environment in which businesses operate and by providing information and advice that assists the success of businesses in both countries that have an interest in Tonga and New Zealand.

The Vision Statement of the Council is to promote positive bilateral trade* relations between New Zealand and Tonga.

Stay connected with them through Facebook and Linkedin.

The objectives of the New Zealand Ukraine Business Association (NZUBA) are to raise awareness in New Zealand of the economic and trade opportunities in Ukraine, both short-term and long-term, and to promote business and trade relations and cooperation between interested New Zealand and Ukrainian businesses and organisations.

Established in 2001, we are a non-partisan, non-government organisation focused on advancing New Zealand’s interests in a strong bilateral relationship.

We are funded by business, academia, civil society, and government to provide platforms to advance opportunities for New Zealanders, communicate the importance of the relationship, and build supportive constituencies for New Zealand in the US.

The New Zealand–Vietnam Business Council (NZVBC) is the dedicated platform connecting businesses operating between New Zealand and Vietnam to drive real commercial outcomes.

Focused on practical, on-the-ground engagement, NZVBC facilitates trade, investment, partnerships, and market access by convening decision-makers, leading delegations, and creating sector-specific opportunities.

Through structured business engagement and active representation, we work to convert relationships into measurable growth, delivering tangible value to members and strengthening the bilateral economic relationship between New Zealand and Vietnam.

POLANZ was established in March 2015, under the patronage of the Polish Ambassador in New Zealand, to promote cooperation between businesses from Poland and New Zealand, and to encourage and stimulate interest in trade, investment, and culture between these two countries.

The Samoa Trade and Investment Council (Formerly NZSTIC), commenced in 2011 with the goal to facilitate and promote trade and investment between New Zealand and Samoa through the development of partnerships, ideas and empowering our people both in New Zealand, Samoa, and around the world with opportunities, tools, accessibility and visibility for sustainable social and economic prosperity.

As New Zealand’s fourth largest trading partner with a total trade value of $10.33 billion in the year ending December 2023, Singapore holds significant importance in New Zealand’s economic landscape.

Singapore Business Association New Zealand (SBANZ) is thus dedicated to fostering and enhancing business relationships between Singapore and New Zealand. By actively promoting partnerships, encouraging networking and facilitating the flow of knowledge, SBANZ aims to play a nurturing role in advancing bilateral trade, investments and goodwill between both countries.

With the aim of creating value for our members, SBANZ’s efforts will include hosting business events, alongside social and networking occasions. By inviting Singaporean ambassadors, ministers, and business delegations, we provide a platform for important and inclusive dialogue between Singaporeans and the wider New Zealand community.

By harnessing the collective strength of our members and their diverse networks across an array of industries, SBANZ is committed to fostering warm friendships while helping local and international businesses thrive.

The Sri Lankan Business Association of New Zealand (SLBANZ) is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of Sri Lankan businesses in New Zealand.

Its vision is to create a thriving, interconnected, and inclusive Sri Lankan business community that contributes significantly to the country’s economy while preserving and promoting Sri Lankan cultural values. Members can expect to be part of a supportive network that prioritises growth, offers valuable resources, and actively works towards creating a vibrant and prosperous business environment in New Zealand.