Korea New Zealand Smart Cooperation Forum 2026
Description
Join us for the 4th Korea–New Zealand Smart Cooperation Forum on Thursday, 22 October in Auckland 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.
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.
What to expect:
Welcome addresses from KNZBC Chair Gareth Coleman and H.E. Ambassador Byung-ha Chung
A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlook session with senior NZ government representatives
Keynote on Korea-NZ trade opportunities beyond export sectors
An innovation panel spanning Digital, AI, and Energy
A dedicated Korean Women in Leadership panel
Closing remarks from Hon. Simon Bridges (CEO, Auckland Business Chamber)
Who should attend:
Business leaders, exporters, government officials, trade professionals, and anyone interested in Korea-NZ economic cooperation.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026
Time: 8:30am - 1:30pm
Venue: Ballroom, Grand Millennium Auckland
Hosted by: Korea New Zealand Business Council, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in NZ, NZ MFAT, NZTE
Supported by: Auckland Business Chamber, ExportNZ, Asia New Zealand Foundation, University of Auckland
This half-day event is an unmissable platform for networking, insights, and building the next chapter of bilateral collaboration between Korea and New Zealand.
Find more about Agenda & Speakers: https://knzbc.co.nz/knzf2026
Video
Gallery
Agenda (4th Korea-New Zealand Smart Cooperation Forum)
- 8:30 am - 8:50 am
Registration & Coffee / Networking
- 8:55 am - 9:00 am
Call to Order
MC: Jack Holloway, Trade Strategist at Fonterra & KNZBC Board Member
- 9:00 am - 9:05 am
Welcome
Gareth Coleman · Chairmen, KNZBC, Head of Transaction Banking Sales ANZ NZ
- 9:05 am - 9:10 am
Opening Address
H.E. Byung-ha Chung · Korean Ambassador to New Zealand
- 9:10 am - 9:40 am
Advancing Korea–New Zealand Smart Cooperation
Trade, Innovation and Investment Ties · Comprehensive Partnership - Hon Todd McClay - Hon Damien O'Connor - Moderator: Leonard Hong
- 9:40 am - 10:20 am
Opportunities for NZ exporters in Korea & NZ Exporter Panel
Richard Dunsheath · Trade Commissioner South Korea, NZTE 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
- 10:20 am - 10:50 am
Women in Leadership
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
- 10:50 am - 11:10 am
Morning Tea Break
- 11:10 am - 11:25 am
Perception of Asia - Korea focused
Dr Julia Macdonald - Asia New Zealand Foundation
- 11:25 am - 11:55 am
Energy & Infra Session Partnership session
- 11:55 am - 12:40 pm
AI & Tech: Bridging the Innovation Gap and Opportunities
- 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
- 12:40 pm - 12:45 pm
Reflection of the day & Seoul Visit
Hon Simon Bridges · CEO, Auckland Business Chamber
- 12:45 pm - 12:50 pm
Closing
Gareth Coleman
- 12:50 pm - 2:00 pm
Networking Lunch
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
