NZEBC Diplomatic Breakfast Event - Europe House, Auckland

Held on 6 June 2025, we hosted eight NZ ambassadors accredited to Europe and over 50 invited guests. Each ambassador spoke for around five minutes followed by Q&A. The EUNZ FTA had been very positive for NZ in its first year with growth in NZ exports of around 20%. EU economic growth was estimated at 1% for 2025 with some countries evidencing higher growth and some lower. The OECD forecasts for global growth were at 2.9% with much of Asia being above this.

Trevor Mallard, NZ Ambassador to Ireland

Ireland was getting richer every year. In the last 30 years Ireland’s income had multiplied three times. Ireland had a very high proportion of tertiary educated people and was helped by a 12.5% corporate tax. Major American companies located in Ireland were now running significant businesses in Ireland. Ireland remained a popular country for overseas companies to get established in Europe and Ireland had a close relationship historically with the USA.

Mark Trainor, NZ Ambassador to Russia

Russia was in a war economy and most of its trade with the West was halted. Interest rates hovered around 21%. The oil price had moved below US$61 per barrel. We were now in the fourth year of the war in Ukraine with over one million Russian casualties, counting dead and wounded. At this stage we could only hope that in future trade would open up again. New Zealand was aligning itself with the European support of Ukraine.

David Taylor, NZ Ambassador to Scandinavia based in Sweden

Defence spending was moving towards 3% of GDP. Finland and Sweden joined NATO in 2024 which meant that all five Nordic countries were NATO members. This year Norway had allocated US$13 billion to Ukraine and others had also committed large amounts. China was an increasing focus. The relationship between the Nordics and New Zealand was excellent and trade was going well, though trade numbers were understated. Just Volvo Trucks and Scania Trucks exports to NZ were as big as the official total Swedish exports to NZ. David also mentioned Carbonscape graphite now active in New Zealand, Maersk Global seeking reduced environmental impact from its shipping and iconic IKEA was in the process of opening in Auckland later this year.

Tara Morton, NZ Ambassador to Spain

Spain’s economy was booming, now the 15th largest economy in the world. The outlook was very optimistic with the FTA gains already to be seen for both NZ and Spain with trade up by 18%. Two-way trade was $ 1.2 billion. Spain was Zespri’s third largest customer. Spain had been active with NZ infrastructure, providing trains and locomotives. Spain was very much a relationship culture. The relationship between the two countries was very good.

Jackie Frizelle, NZ Ambassador to Italy

Italy was also doing well with good growth. NZ EU trade had grown 28% in one year with NZ exports growing faster. Italy was now stable politically. One problem for Italy was high government debt. Italy was now inviting digital nomads to come and work there. Both Italy and NZ were focused on food and beverages. NZ high quality wool products fed nicely into Italian fashion needs. In the area of geothermal energy, there were many touch points between the two countries. The marine industry was also alive and well in both countries, offering opportunities. Italians respond to ‘made-in-Italy.’ Meloni had good relations with the US administration. Italy was looking for new markets. Defence spending was trending towards 2%. Winston Peters was due to visit very soon. Italy was preparing for the Winter Olympics and in 2027 Italy was hosting the America’s Cup. Italy was hosting a Ukraine reconstruction conference. There was also keen interest in the upcoming EU Summit in New Zealand in October 2025. Italy was celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations with NZ.

Paul Ballantyne, NZ Ambassador to Poland

Poland had seen amazing growth since 1989 with GDP tripling. You see progress wherever you look. NZ–Poland trade was growing. The Auckland Chamber had visited with a delegation recently. Poland felt very confident about the future. It had good relations with NZ with shared values. Poland was closer to Ukraine than other EU countries and provided strong support. 80% of international supplies to Ukraine went through Poland.

Craig Hawke, NZ Ambassador to Germany, Switzerland and Austria

Energy supply and prices were challenging for Germany. The ambassador also mentioned that the car industry which was big in Germany was challenged by competition from China, uncertainty on EV subsidies and demand, and US threats of high tariffs. Germany was 25% of EU GDP and as big as the smallest 22 EU members in aggregate. German growth for 2025 was forecast to be minimal. Germany had a positive view of NZ but it may be a bit more challenging to access ministers than in other countries. Germany’s growth in defence was huge and opened up opportunities for NZ and others.

Susannah Gordon, NZ Ambassador to the Netherlands

When it came to trade statistics, the Netherlands was overstated as much of our trade there was allocated to the port of entry and exit. The Netherlands was the landing place for many imports into the EU and was also the port for many exports. The NZ Initiative was bringing a group of 47 business executives on a one-week tour to visit The Netherlands later in June 2025. The Netherlands was also hosting a NATO meeting on 24 and 25 June. Susannah also mentioned during Q&A that The Netherlands was one of the biggest traders with the UK and that relations and protocols were getting easier but there remained things to improve.