Free trade talks seem to be suffering the worst of the winter chills at the moment and the exchange rate is remaining stubbornly high, but looking around there are still some very positive stories, events and initiatives happening for exporters. Now is a great time to take inspiration from what others are doing, such as the winners of this year's BOP Export Awards. They're exceptional examples of what New Zealand companies are capable of - and the best news is they are doing good business across a range of sectors and products.

Catherine Beard
027 463 3212 or cbeard@exportnz.org.nz

This month's trade update shows most negotiations have stalled, with GCC now looking like the most likely outcome this year. More...

MBIE's latest reports from the Food and Beverage Information project, including an overview of the food and beverage industry, a guide for investors and an in-depth look at our pet food industry. Read the reports here.

Surtees Boats set an exciting new precedent at the BOP Export Awards, following up last years' Emerging Exporter award with  Exporter of the Year. More...

BusinessNZ Chief Executive, Phil O'Reilly has just returned from a trade mission to Taiwan, and says the country holds many opportunities for NZ businesses. More...

Simon Smuts-Kennedy is the “Hatman” from Hill’s Hats. The “hatman” is his alter-ego which he uses to open doors to high end hat retailers and boutiques in an increasing number of overseas markets. The secret of the “Hatman's” success (especially given the high NZ Dollar) is to go for high quality and be at the forefront of the fashion trends.  The Hatman is off on a big sales trip to the US and we wish him well.  If you click here, you can see Hill’s Hats crafting a very cool hat for Jo Dukie of Fat Freddy’s Drop.  Note all the classic hat manufacturing equipment that dates back to how hats used to be made in the old days – quality lasts the distance!

Trade and Climate Change Minister Tim Groser has welcomed international talks towards removing tariffs on environmental goods. The initiative brings together 14 WTO members who collectively account for 86 percent of global trade in environmental goods, and will involve many of the world's largest economies. More...

Leading China experts and academics had some valuable insights to share at a recent one-day conference, hosted by Victoria University’s New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre. We've collated some of the key points here.

Education New Zealand has answered Japan's desire to improve both their language and sporting capability with a trade initiative that makes the most of our sporting prowess. The Game On English programme was kicked off with an event featuring Japan and New Zealand's Prime Ministers, and players from the All Blacks, Black Ferms and the New Zealand women's sevens team. More...

Hear world-renowned speakers Sir Ken Robinson, Dr Andreas Weigend and Douglas Bailey, and many others talk about trade to China and the increasing importance of product integrity, the value of understanding online data, and why innovation in digital products & services is so critical for New Zealand’s economic future. For more information on CONNECT 2014, or to register your attendance, please click here.

Need help to tackle projects and research ideas but don't have the resources to do it yourself? Victoria Business School may hold the answer with its Summer Research Scholarship Scheme. Find out more and register your interest here.

The New Zealand Export Credit Office (NZECO) wants to hear about the challenges faced by exporters in respect to insuring and funding exports. By completing this 10-15 minute survey, you will assist Treasury officials who are reviewing the role and performance of NZECO, to enable the Government to make decisions on NZECO’s operations.  This survey will also provide valuable insights into how NZECO can improve its services.  Click here to start the survey, which will be open until 30 July 2014.

There are some great opportunities for improving your business through learnings at seminars, workshops and events.

To see what's coming up, go to the ExportNZ home page and scroll down to see what's happening around the country – from the return of NZs largest technology roadshow to a new run of NZTE's China Business Training.

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