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About the event
Join us for the 4th Korea–New Zealand Smart Cooperation Forum on Thursday, 22 October in Auckland.
Since 2023, this annual forum has tracked the evolving Korea-NZ relationship — from energy transition and smart cities, to clean energy and aerospace, to the 10th anniversary of the Korea-NZ Free Trade Agreement. In 2026, the forum turns to AI, infrastructure, and energy as the next frontier of bilateral cooperation.
This event is co-hosted by the Korea New Zealand Business Council (KNZBC) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Zealand and partnered with New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), and Asia New Zealand Foundation.
Supporting Partners
agenda
Thursday, 22 Oct 2026
4th Korea-New Zealand Smart Cooperation Forum
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MC: Jack Holloway, Trade Strategist at Fonterra & KNZBC Board Member
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Gareth Coleman · Chairmen, KNZBC, Head of Transaction Banking Sales ANZ NZ
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H.E. Byung-ha Chung · Korean Ambassador to New Zealand
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Trade, Innovation and Investment Ties · Comprehensive Partnership
Hon Todd McClay
Hon Damien O'Connor
Moderator: Leonard Hong
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09:40 – 09:50
Richard Dunsheath · Trade Commissioner South Korea, NZTE
09:40 – 10:20
NZ Exporter Panel · 30 mins - Moderator: Andrew Watene, Head of KPMG Propagate
Jason Jun, Otoki New Zealand, Manufacturer & Exporter of the Year Finalist
Ron Park Founder & CEO, Kōrure Pets
James Greenlees, CEO, Grove Avocado Oil
Rob Walkinton, General Manager, Endeavour Consumer Health
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Moderated by Dahee Sohn, KNZBC Executive Director
Hon Melissa Lee - List MP, National Party
Michaela Shaw - Group CFO/COO, Armstrong Group
Yoonyoung (YY) Lee - Partner at PwC New Zealand
Heejung Cecilia Lim Director at GoNeuro Asia
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Dr Julia Macdonald - Asia New Zealand Foundation
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Darsel, Director at the CIE, University of Auckland
Daniel Xu, AI Forum New Zealand Exec Council and co-founder of an AI start-up
Tana Isaac Division Head of Engineering, Lunit Cancer Screening - Moderator/Panel
Natalie Kim, Founder, Inflection Group
Patrick Moynahan - CEO at Echo Tech
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Hon Simon Bridges · CEO, Auckland Business Chamber
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Gareth Coleman
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Speakers & Guests
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H.E Byung-ha Chung
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to New Zealand
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Gareth Coleman
Chairmen of KNZBC
Head of Transaction Banking Sales ANZ New Zealand
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Hon Todd McClay
Minister for Trade and Investment and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs
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Hon Damien O'Connor
Spokesperson for Trade & Export Growth, Labour Party
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Simon Bridges
Chief Executive of Auckland Business Chamber
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Dr Julia Macdonald
Director Research and Engagement, Asia New Zealand Foundation
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Hon Melissa Lee
List MP, National Party
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Michaela Shaw
Group CFO / COO, Armstrong Group
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Yoonyoung (YY) Lee
Partner, Risk Services, PwC NZ
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Cecilia Lim
Director at GoNeuro Asia
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Richard Dunsheath
Trade Commissioner - South Korea, NZTE
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Andrew Watene
Head of KPMG Propagate™, New Zealand Agri-Food and Geopolitics Lead
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Jason Jeon
CEO, Otoki New Zealand
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Patrick Moynahan
Chief Executive Officer of Echo
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Ron Park
Founder & CEO, Kōrure Pets
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Tana Isaac
Head of Engineering Div, Lunit Cancer Screening Group
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Darsel Keane
Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at The University of Auckland
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Natalie Kim
Founder, Inflection Group
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Daniel Xu
CEO of ElementX
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Hayden Mackenzie
Head of Energy Investment at Invest New Zealand
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Min Jae Kim
Managing Director
POSCO International
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Kangwook Jeon
First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Korea
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Jack Holloway
Trade Strategist at Fonterra
MC for the event
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Leonard Hong
Political Economist
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Dahee Sohn
Executive Director, Korea New Zealand Business Council
Venue & Date
71 Mayoral Drive, Auckland 1010
Thursday, 22 October 2026
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Forum Themes
"Smarter Together: Advancing Korea–New Zealand Innovation and Partnership"
The 4th Korea–New Zealand Smart Cooperation Forum brings together business leaders, government representatives, and innovators from both nations to explore the next frontier of bilateral cooperation.
As Korea and New Zealand deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, this forum spotlights the real opportunities emerging across trade, technology, energy transition, and leadership — creating a platform where ideas meet action, and connections become collaboration.
Program Overview
This year's forum features four dynamic sessions designed to inform, inspire, and connect:
Part 1 Sessions
Beyond General Trade: Diversified Market Entry Opportunities
Hear directly from New Zealand exporters who have successfully entered the Korean market — spanning food and beverage, technology, gaming, and agriculture. Led by NZTE Trade Commissioner for South Korea, this session offers practical insights and real stories for businesses exploring Korea as their next growth market.
AI Session: Bridging the Innovation Gap
Korea is a global leader in AI infrastructure and semiconductor technology; New Zealand brings agile innovation and unique data ecosystems. This session explores where the two nations' strengths intersect — and how businesses on both sides can leverage the partnership.
Part 2 Sessions
Energy & Infrastructure: Transition to Renewables
With New Zealand's world-class renewable energy base and Korea's advanced clean energy technology, the potential for collaboration is significant. This session examines live cooperation opportunities in clean energy, renewables, and infrastructure investment between the two countries.
Women in Leadership: Diversity & Impact
A powerful closing panel bringing together Korean and New Zealand female executives, founders, and public-sector leaders. This session celebrates the role of diverse leadership in driving bilateral business growth — and the women shaping Korea–NZ relations today.
Why Attend?
Join leaders from government and business at New Zealand's premier Korea–NZ bilateral forum.
Gain insights on trade, AI, clean energy, and market entry opportunities.
Hear real business stories, discover new partnerships, and connect with the people driving the future of Korea–NZ cooperation.