Irish Secrets – The New Zealand Initiative Delegation to Ireland

June 30, 2023

Growing up in New Zealand, it can feel that you are at the peripherals of the world, looking on as the narrative of global politics, economics, and social change unfold at every moment of every day. Arguably, the geographical distance from international action plays a role in shaping New Zealand’s global outlook. Space creates a hunger for more ideas and new learning from all corners of the world. Something special happens when this appetite combines with another New Zealand trait – Kiwi’s much-celebrated ingenuity. Fresh ideas plus Kiwis’ natural ability to ‘make stuff happen’ creates fearless, game-changing innovation. It’s that particular reaction that’s taking place in Ireland from 25 – June to 1 July as The New Zealand Initiative’s delegation visits Ireland.

The New Zealand Initiative is an independent, non-profit think tank promoting a healthy, market-led economy. Its mission is to help create a free and prosperous New Zealand for all its people. Learning from international best practices and adapting the insights to New Zealand’s circumstances is a vital pillar of the Initiative’s strategy. As such, the non-partisan organization hosts biennial international delegations and has made similar visits to Switzerland and Demark in recent years. With plenty of similarities between New Zealand and Ireland, such as size, proximity to a larger, more prominent neighbour, farming backbone, and educated workforce, it’s easy to see why the Initiative chose to visit Ireland.

Intriguingly dubbed “Irish Secrets,” the delegation agenda doesn’t seek to uncover hidden gems like Sligo’s award-winning food truck, Koha Street Kitchen. Instead, the itinerary sees delegates dive into topics such as the Irish economy, doing business in Ireland, and operating enterprises and institutions on the island. Google, Intel, Teeling Distillery, and Stormont are all scheduled stops in the group’s busy plan.

At the end of the first official day of the Initiative’s visit, 26 June 2023, some New Zealand Business Network Ireland members attended a reception run by the New Zealand Embassy to Ireland and hosted by EY Ireland.

In his welcoming address, New Zealand Ambassador to Ireland, Trevor Mallard, voiced his support for the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement, which the European Union (EU) announced on 27 June 2023, had moved closer to ratification. Once both parties sign at a later date, the agreement will galvanize closer commercial ties between the two trade partners. The approximate EUR 9.1bn of goods bilaterally traded per annum has the potential to grow up to 30%, and EU investment into New Zealand rise up to 80%.

Over two short hours, NZBNI members informally met with some of New Zealand’s most progressive thought leaders from The New Zealand Initiative. It was surprising to hear visitors from the other side of the world talk knowledgeably about a host of topics, from the Celtic Tiger to our ongoing housing crisis.

What secrets will The New Zealand Initiative uncover during the visit, and how will they put them to use? We will connect with the Initiative’s Executive Director, Dr. Oliver Hartwich, on their return to learn more.

In the meantime, register for updates by following the NZBNI on LinkedIn and join the network at www.nzbni.ie.

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