Co-hosted by

Event Sponsors

Supporting Partners

About the event

Join us for the Korea–New Zealand Smart Cooperation Forum 2025 on Friday, 24 October in Grand Millennium Auckland.

This special forum marks the 10th anniversary of the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (KNZFTA) and brings together government, industry, and innovation leaders from both countries to celebrate a decade of partnership and explore new opportunities.

This event is an unmissable platform for networking, insights, and building the next chapter of bilateral collaboration between Korea and New Zealand.

This event is co-hosted by the Korea New Zealand Business Council (KNZBC), the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and New Zealand Trade & Enterprises.

Speakers

  • H.E Changsik Kim

    AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA TO NEW ZEALAND

  • Maurice Crosby

    KNZBC Chair, former CEO of Jack Link’s New Zealand

  • Hon Melissa Lee

    List MP, Mt Albert at National Party

  • Simon Bridges

    Chief Executive of Auckland Business Chamber

  • Matthew Prichard

    Board Chair KPMG New Zealand


  • Suzannah Jessep

    Chief Executive (CE) at Asia New Zealand Foundation

  • Tana Issac

    Executive Vice President Product and Technology at Volpara Health

  • Stephanie Ward

    Partner KPMG, Infrastructure and Government Commercial Advisor

  • Simon Ansley

    Investment Director at Invest NZ

  • Hayden Mackenzie

    Head of Energy Investment at Invest New Zealand

  • Chris Blenkiron

    Chief Executive at New Zealand Aluminum Smelter

  • Rachael McGuckian

    International Market Manager at NZTE

  • Joonyoung Park

    Senior Commercial Manager, Hyosung Heavy Industries

  • Kee Youn (Liam) Shim

    Regional Director Hyundai E&C Sydney Office

  • Nathan Jones

    General Counsel at NZ Steels

  • Kerrin Connolly

    Manager Commercial Investment, MBIE

  • Bongman Ko

    Managing Director of Kores Australia, Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources (KOMIR)

  • Jack Holloway

    Trade Strategist at Fonterra

    MC for the event

  • Changhoon Seo

    Director, Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development

  • Mina Hwang

    POSCO Australia

Why Attend?

Celebrate 10 years of the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement with leaders from government and industry.

Gain insights on trade, infrastructure, energy, and minerals.

Hear real business stories, discover new opportunities, and connect with partners driving the future of Korea–NZ cooperation.

Forum Themes

Smart Cooperation Forum 2025 will bring together experts and leaders to discuss emerging opportunities in infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development. The thematic sessions will reflect on the past decade and explore future pathways for strategic collaboration.

Themes include:

  • Celebrating 10 Years of the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement

  • Bilateral Economic Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships

  • Infrastructure Development and Investment

  • Minerals and Renewable Energy Opportunities.

Program Overview

Smart Cooperation Forum 2025 will be structured into two sessions, each highlighting a key phase of the Korea–New Zealand relationship: reflecting on the past decade and shaping the next.

Part 1. Morning Session

Reflecting on 10 Years of Partnership

The morning session will feature keynote speeches, a cross-market business panel, and a special recognition ceremony for organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the Korea–New Zealand relationship. This session will focus on lessons learned, milestones achieved, and the evolution of economic collaboration since the KNZFTA was signed.

Key Topics:

  • Celebrating 10 Years of the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement

  • Bilateral Economic Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships

Part 2. Afternoon Session

Strategic Foundations for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, the afternoon session will focus on emerging opportunities for collaboration in high-impact sectors. With a spotlight on infrastructure, clean energy, and critical minerals, this session aims to spark strategic dialogue around investment, sustainability, and shared innovation for the decade to come.

Key Topics:

  • Infrastructure Development and Investment

  • Minerals and Renewable Energy Opportunities

Venue & Date

Grand Millennium Hotel

71 Mayoral Drive, Auckland 1010

Friday, 24 October 2025

10 AM – 5 PM

Share this event

 

For additional event or venue information,

please send an email to event@knzbc.co.nz

Contact Us