A Day of Innovation and Connection: Day 2 of the Netherlands Delegation Mission

Sometimes a day is so full of engaging conversations, inspiring discoveries, and fruitful connections that it’s almost hard to believe. Day 2 of the Innovation Mission with our friends from the Netherlands was one of those incredible days.?

When planning this programme, our goal was clear: to connect with familiar faces, forge new friendships, and create opportunities for like-minded people to exchange insights and ideas with our friends from the Netherlands. We are thrilled to share that today was a huge success.?

Our journey started in Palmerston North, where the team at 新西兰梅西大学 gave us a warm welcome. The delegation had the chance to hear about the groundbreaking projects in the pipeline and the innovative work of their students, which left everyone inspired and energized. Special thanks to Chris Anderson for helping set up the session.

Following on, a big thank you to AgResearch for hosting us and facilitating insightful discussions. One highlight was learning about the fascinating Map & Zap project, which uses laser technology in innovative ways. Thanks to Kioumars Ghamkhar and the team for supporting the meeting. Also thanks for the use of the wonderful Karaka Building, where we held our lunch networking event. It was an ideal setting to welcome our special guests from C-Dax, Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) , FoodHQ , Lincoln University (NZ) , Manawatu Chamber of Commerce, NovoLabs , Spearhead, The Factory, Palmerston North City Council and of course our friends at Massey University. A wonderful meeting of the minds over kai.?

From there, we travelled to Napier and visited the remarkable Craggy Range Winery. CEO Craig Sims and David T Peabody shared how they’re leading the way in sustainability and innovation. It was enlightening to learn about their global partnerships and how they collaborate to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the wine industry.?

Our day wrapped up with an evening networking session (yes two in one day) at the Urban Winery, another outstanding venue. We extend our appreciation to all the special guests who joined us, making the evening even more memorable including BOSTOCK New Zealand , CR Automation , Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association , the team from Metris, New Zealand Apples and Pears , The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited , T&G Global Limited , RossAi Ltd, Zespri International , LandWISE and anyone else who came along. ?

?

It was an action-packed day filled with knowledge sharing, meaningful connections, and new possibilities. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing these relationships flourish and are excited about the collaboration opportunities that lie ahead.

?Here’s to the start of something truly fruitful (pun fully intended)!

Stay tuned for more....

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Callaghan Innovation Brendan O'Connell Kylie Horomia Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New Zealand