US Business Summit 2024: Bright ideas and big markets – Dr Will Barker & Professor Delwyn Moller

Two visionary New Zealand leaders shared how advanced technologies in green metal extraction and aerospace innovation were addressing global challenges, from climate change to resource scarcity, while also creating vast opportunities in international markets.

Will Barker, CEO of Mint, highlighted how urban waste can be transformed into valuable green metals, reducing reliance on traditional mining and enabling a low-carbon, circular economy.
Professor Delwyn Moller presented cutting-edge innovations in aerospace technology, showcasing how Earth observation systems and advanced remote sensing are being used to address global challenges.
Moderator: Tim McCready – Summit MC

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US Business Summit 2024
22 November 2024 at Cordis, Auckland. Brought to you by NZ INC. and Auckland Business Chamber.

US Business Summit 2024: Call to order, Tim McCready

CALL TO ORDER
MC: Tim McCready

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US Business Summit 2024
22 November 2024 at Cordis, Auckland. Brought to you by NZ INC. and Auckland Business Chamber.

Sustainable Business and Finance: Banking on green loans (NZ Herald)

Sustainable Business and Finance: Banking on green loans (NZ Herald)

ICBC New Zealand is committed to supporting New Zealand’s sustainability journey, acting as a key partner for businesses adapting to sustainable development.

A subsidiary of the largest bank globally by total assets, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, ICBC New Zealand has set a green finance strategy that promotes green and sustainability-linked lending, with 20% of its current corporate lending portfolio directly tied to green or sustainability-linked loans.

These financing options, structured specifically to promote environmentally beneficial initiatives, are playing a vital role in helping New Zealand businesses transition to more sustainable practices.

“Our green finance strategy allows us to partner with New Zealand businesses in a meaningful way, helping them achieve their environmental goals while aligning with ICBC Group’s commitment to sustainability,” says Kevin Xu, deputy head of corporate and institutional banking at ICBC NZ. “By working together, we foster partnerships that support measurable, positive environmental and social impacts.”

Green loans, for example, require that their proceeds go exclusively toward projects that will deliver clear environmental benefits.

“This structure not only aligns businesses with sustainability goals but provides financial motivation, as businesses that meet specific green benchmarks can secure lower interest rates.’

This approach reflects a growing trend in New Zealand and globally, where companies are increasingly transforming their business models to align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. ICBC New Zealand points to local examples, including traditional IT suppliers pivoting to provide solar solutions and timber businesses moving into renewable energy.

“Green and sustainability-linked loans offer financial advantages that appeal to businesses motivated to achieve measurable outcomes,” adds Xu. “This not only supports their ESG goals but also offers tangible cost benefits.”

ICBC New Zealand has been striving to build up a diverse green and sustainability-linked lending portfolio, with projects spanning multiple sectors, including a sludge minimisation facility in Wellington; a green loan for Far North electricity provider Top Energy; and a sustainability-linked loan for Waste Management NZ, a leader in recycling and waste management.

ICBC Group’s focus on green finance aligns with China’s sustainability goals, aiming to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.

The group also supports China’s “Five Major Financial Articles” policy framework, which focuses on priority areas to strengthen the Chinese financial sector: scientific and technological finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance.

ICBC New Zealand aligns its business strategy with the group’s direction to strengthen the New Zealand-China relationship, building high-quality, long-term partnerships in sectors critical to sustainable local development, including infrastructure, healthcare and education.

Through its work with local businesses looking to expand into China, ICBC New Zealand offers access to Chinese markets, resources, and opportunities while also facilitating Chinese investment into New Zealand.

This two-way connection is helping to foster knowledge exchange, offering both countries opportunities to share expertise in areas such as technology, aged care, and sustainable funding practices. “Our focus on building long-term partnerships and supporting a high-quality customer base highlights our dedication to fostering strong, lasting connections with our clients,” says Xu.

“As a reliable banking partner, ICBC New Zealand invests in infrastructure, people-focused businesses, and long-term assets that foster to local growth. Through this approach, we advance both the bank’s goals in sustainable finance as well as contribute to New Zealand’s resilient economic future, with a commitment to local prosperity and shared international objectives.”

ICBC NZ’s sustainable projects
Top Energy green loan

ICBC New Zealand is a lender to Far North electricity generator and distributor Top Energy. Following the success of reinjecting carbon emissions from the Ngāwhā geothermal power stations back into the geothermal reservoir, Top Energy had sufficient eligible assets to convert all its lending facilities into green loans.

In October 2024, Top Energy converted all its bank facilities, including ICBC New Zealand facility, into green loans. Eligible assets for the green loans include renewable geothermal generation plants, electrical grids and storage assets.

Under the green loan terms, ICBC New Zealand provides an interest discount contingent on Top Energy maintaining eligible assets equal to its total green loan limit. Top Energy will demonstrate ongoing eligibility through annual update reports.

Waste Management

In 2022, ICBC New Zealand provided meaningful support in a bank syndication to assist Igneo Infrastructure Partners with the acquisition of Waste Management NZ, a leader in materials recovery, recycling and waste management.

Igneo Infrastructure Partners has a strong focus on sustainable value creation and responsible investment, and since the acquisition has revised Waste Management’s strategy to be circular, with the ambition to power a carbon-neutral circular economy for future generations. In line with its sustainability commitments, Waste Management worked with its banking partners to develop a sustainability-linked financing framework, converting its syndicated facilities into a sustainability-linked loan. This loan includes a pricing adjustment mechanism based on Waste Management’s performance across three key indicators: climate change (carbon neutrality by 2050), circular economy (recovered materials tonnage), and employee sustainability training (25% of staff will undergo annual training on climate and circular economy topics).

Wellington sludge minimisation facility syndicated green loan

In August 2023, ICBC New Zealand acted as joint mandate lead arranger and joint sustainability co-ordinator in a syndicated green loan to fund the Wellington sludge minimisation facility at Moa Point. This supports Wellington City Council’s goal of net-zero carbon by 2050 by reducing annual sludge volume by up to 80% and cutting carbon emissions by as much as 60%.

The facility also aims to improve biosolid quality for industrial or horticultural reuse and uses treated wastewater to ease demand on Wellington’s drinking water supply.

This project was enabled by the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020, which allows debt to be raised without impacting the council’s balance sheet. Instead, Crown Infrastructure Partners will manage a special-purpose vehicle that will levy most rate-paying properties in the city for 33 years, starting from July 2024.

ICBC New Zealand is a sponsor of the Herald’s Sustainable Business & Finance report.

Mood of the Boardroom event video (NZ Herald)

Mood of the Boardroom: Strong start for Nicola Willis, business leaders urge focus on growth  (NZ Herald)

Mood of the Boardroom: Strong start for Nicola Willis, business leaders urge focus on growth  (NZ Herald)

The boardroom is calling for more than just fiscal prudence. Business leaders want a more ambitious, clearly articulated plan and a more engaged approach with the business community.

The Mood of the Boardroom 2024 reveals that 78% of top CEOs and directors responding to the NZ Herald’s survey are confident in Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ economic leadership, while 8% are not, and 14% remain uncertain.

Willis has had a swift rise to one of the Government’s top jobs.

She entered Parliament in 2018, after holding senior management roles at Fonterra focused on global trade strategy. Following Judith Collins’ ousting as National leader in 2021, Willis became deputy leader under Christopher Luxon.

In 2022, she took over the finance portfolio from Simon Bridges, and following the 2023 election was appointed New Zealand’s 43rd Minister of Finance in the new coalition Government.

Mood of the Boardroom: How CEO’s rate Labour’s Barbara Edmonds (NZ Herald)

Mood of the Boardroom: How CEO’s rate Labour’s Barbara Edmonds (NZ Herald)

Barbara Edmonds, Labour’s first female finance spokesperson, has stepped into the spotlight as she begins to reshape the party’s economic vision.

She is known for her pragmatic approach, clear communication, and ability to connect financial policy to real-world outcomes.

The NZ Herald’s Mood of the Boardroom survey asked New Zealand’s top executives whether Edmonds presents herself as a credible future Minister of Finance. The results show that she is in a formative stage of her political journey.

Just over 32% of respondents say Edmonds is a credible future Minister of Finance, with a similar number either unsure (35%) or unconvinced (33%).

While some business leaders applaud her approach and genuine engagement, there is still a perception that she remains untested and relatively unknown in the public eye; hardly surprising after a mere seven months in the role.

Several highlight her ability to connect with business leaders and demonstrate a strong grasp of economic issues.

“She’s a breath of fresh air,” one CEO says.

Described as possessing both “smarts and empathy”, she has been praised for reaching out to business figures in ways Labour has struggled to in recent years.

Path to politics

Representing Wellington’s Mana electorate, Edmonds brings a combination of lived experience and technical expertise to the finance role.

She worked as a specialist tax lawyer at Inland Revenue and later as an IRD seconded adviser to National Cabinet Ministers Michael Woodhouse and Judith Collins when they successively held the revenue portfolio.

Edmonds left IRD and spent time as a political adviser to former Labour Minister Stuart Nash before entering Parliament at the 2020 election.

She earned wide respect across Parliament, including from then National Opposition leader Chris Luxon, for her chairmanship of Parliament’s powerful Finance and Expenditure committee.

Her political career accelerated under Chris Hipkins’ prime ministership, where she held multiple portfolios including revenue, economic development, Pacific peoples, and associate roles in finance, housing, and cyclone recovery.

Taking over from Grant Robertson, she is not only her party’s first female finance spokesperson but also the first Pasifika person in the role.

Her professional background in tax is also noted as a key strength, positioning her as a pragmatic counter to the ideological bent that some felt defined the last Labour government.

Comments such as “I met Barbara recently and she showed an impressive grasp of the issues”, from Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin, and “she asks ‘what is the worst thing we could do?’, which is highly unusual but also refreshing and rebuilding confidence,” from a lobbyist, illustrate that Edmonds can win over sceptics with her approach.

However, Edmonds has hurdles to overcome.

A recurring theme from the boardroom is her lack of visibility. Many respondents say they haven’t seen enough of her to form a full opinion.

Some note that while Edmonds shows potential, she is still learning and has yet to fully define her economic stance. “Untested” and “unknown” are words used frequently by respondents, with an energy CEO asking: “What does she stand for economically?”

Executives tell Edmonds where to focus

Edmonds says her background has profoundly shaped her political perspective.

After her mother died when she was 4, her father left his job to raise his children on a benefit. Now, as a mother of eight, she draws on her lived experience to connect with the struggles of many New Zealand families.

In her post-Budget speech earlier this year, Edmonds described her pathway to finance spokesperson through her experience at three different tables: the kitchen table, where she balanced the family budget while completing university assignments; the boardroom table from her career in the private sector; and the Cabinet table, where she was responsible for managing taxpayer dollars.

As Edmonds takes on a central role in shaping Labour’s renewed policy agenda, the boardroom is clear about where they feel her focus should be.

A consistent theme was the need for Labour to embrace economic growth as a priority.

A retail boss notes: “Labour needs to talk more about growing the size of the pie, improving New Zealand’s economic performance so we can enjoy high living standards.”

There was a strong feeling that Edmonds must move away from policies focused solely on redistribution of wealth and instead look to boosting productivity and innovation, which many feel has been neglected in recent years.

Labour’s relationship with the business community also came under scrutiny, and rebuilding trust remains a significant task.

Barfoot & Thompson managing director Peter Thompson advises: “Labour needs to become more business dominant than it has been under previous finance ministers.”

The message from the boardroom is clear: Edmonds needs to show that Labour is not at war with business but rather working alongside it to foster a competitive economic environment. As Pernod Ricard’s commercial managing director, Kevin Mapson, puts it: Labour should aim for “creating a business environment that stimulates growth.”

Tax reform

Tax reform emerged from executives as one of the most talked-about issues when asked what should be on Edmonds’ agenda. Several business leaders say Edmonds’ background in tax policy is a strength, though some were concerned about how Labour will sell reforms like a capital gains tax to the electorate.

“A capital gains tax could be sold, but it would require real deftness and a tax switch that looked pro-business,” one CEO comments.

A banking boss warns: “She will be forced to sell their tax reform idealism but needs to bring business pragmatism to the discussion.”

Fiscal responsibility and the efficiency of government spending also feature prominently, with frustration with what some view as excessive spending from Labour in the past.

“Government’s wasteful spending programmes, public sector bloat,” notes a logistics boss, while another calls for “sensible use of public funds” and a clear plan to address productivity gaps.

Edmonds will need to present Labour as a party that can manage the economy with discipline.

As Bagrie Economics’ Cameron Bagrie sums up: “Rebuilding Labour’s credibility as reasonable economic managers — that credibility has been lost.”

Beyond economic and tax policy, other respondents urged Edmonds to tackle some of New Zealand’s most pressing issues.

“She needs to focus on infrastructure, education, and productivity,” advises the head of an industry association, reflecting a wider sentiment that Labour must address core public services without ideological distractions.

This pragmatic approach was echoed by chair of The New Zealand Initiative, Roger Partridge: “Move away from centralisation. Empower local governments and communities while ensuring proper incentives and accountability.”

There is also a growing call for Labour to take a longer-term view of New Zealand.

KiwiRail CEO Peter Reidy suggests that Labour outlines “what we need for New Zealand in 2040. A 15 to 20-year vision,” rather than falling into the trap of short-term political fixes.

A professional director urges Labour to focus on “multi-period challenges for New Zealand,” demonstrating leadership where the current Coalition Government has been seen as weak.

With Labour facing a pivotal period of repositioning, Edmonds has an opportunity to redefine the party’s economic narrative.

Business leaders say her empathy, expertise, and fresh perspectives could help Labour connect more meaningfully with the business community and the broader electorate.

However, to solidify her credibility as future finance minister, she will need to step into the public eye more prominently and communicate Labour’s economic vision.

As a banking sector CEO puts it: “Barbara is an absolute class act who possesses an equal balance of smarts and empathy.

“Quite the unicorn.”

But as Labour prepares for 2026, Edmonds will need to show she’s not only unique but ready to lead.

Mood of the Boardroom: Act Party leader David Seymour strikes right note with CEOs (NZ Herald)

Mood of the Boardroom: Act Party leader David Seymour strikes right note with CEOs (NZ Herald)

Act Party leader David Seymour’s performance since the 2023 general election has been met with mostly positive reviews from the business community.

Rated at 3.4/5 by respondents to this year’s Mood of the Boardroom survey, on a scale where 1 represents “not impressive” and 5 “very impressive,” his clear, pragmatic approach resonates with many executives.

However, not all are supporters.

A professional director believes Seymour has become too extreme in his views and is losing support from many of those who may have voted for him in his electorate.

“This divisive approach needs to end; this is not the Kiwi way,” she says.

Business leaders have provided a cautiously positive response to Seymour’s establishment of a Ministry of Regulation, intended to improve the quality and performance of regulatory systems across the government.

The ministry’s new Strategic Intentions document outlines its mission as “improving the regulations imposed by the Government, making them better, more streamlined, and easier for New Zealanders to navigate.”

Scoring the ministry’s importance at 3.51/5, many respondents see it as a potential driver of future economic growth and something that is urgently needed in New Zealand.

“Cut the red tape and let us get on with turning the economy around,” comments a logistics boss.

A professional director acknowledges that “intelligent management of regulation is very challenging but critically important”.

Deloitte chair Thomas Pippos echoes this sentiment, noting that New Zealand’s over-regulation “creates a deadweight cost on the economy”.

However, the boardroom is reserving judgment on the ministry’s effectiveness, citing a lack of progress.

“It is important, but it hasn’t achieved anything yet — there should have been some quick wins by now,” says a professional director.

An infrastructure executive agrees, stating: “It is moving too slow and needs to act with more urgency. Bureaucracy is costing New Zealand a significant amount.”

There were also calls for the ministry to focus on significant economic issues rather than what some perceive as minor concerns.

The ministry’s first two sector reviews are currently underway, considering early childhood education and agricultural and horticultural products.

A law firm CEO asks: “Probably important, but hasn’t achieved anything. Why prioritise early childhood education?”

Others emphasised the need for a balanced approach to regulation.

Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin stresses that regulation is crucial for keeping high standards, ensuring there are safeguards, and making sure everyone is playing fair.

“Good governance gives us credibility and reassures investors that we’re a good place to do business and to invest in,” he says. “The key is striking the right balance — regulation should benefit consumers and boost competition, without scaring off investment.

“We don’t want to be the Wild West, but we don’t want to be so regulated we stifle growth and innovation either. Robust cost-benefit analysis of key regulatory decision is key.”

Despite support for the ministry’s mandate, there are concerns about its implementation and Seymour’s broader political agenda.

“The Ministry of Regulation feels like a way to justify having a voice on all major legislation,” says an investment executive.

“If Seymour was really focused on long-term economic growth and productivity, that would be fine, but his obsession with divisive social issues that energise people on the fringes of the New Zealand political debate make him the wrong person to wear that badge.”

The head of a professional services firm suggests there is a need for a more comprehensive approach.

“I wouldn’t have set this up as a ministry that cherry-picks sectors for review and change. I would have required every agency of government to outline why certain regulations are still necessary and drive system-wide multi-sector change at pace with economic growth and productivity the determining factor.”

There has also been criticism over the ministry’s average salary of $154,500 for its staff, which some view as contrary to the coalition Government’s pledge to reduce back-office spending.

“I am truly appalled at the news of pay rates within the ministry,” a public sector CEO says.

Mood of the Boardroom: Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins’ low profile, low ratings (NZ Herald)

Mood of the Boardroom: Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins’ low profile, low ratings (NZ Herald)

After Jacinda Ardern’s unexpected resignation in early 2023, Chris Hipkins was the sole nominee for Labour’s leadership.

Following nine months as Prime Minister, Labour was swept out of power, but Hipkins has held on, continuing as party leader and leader of the Opposition.

His performance in this role has been met with lukewarm reviews from business leaders in this year’s Mood of the Boardroom survey. They give him a score of 2.26/5 on a scale where 1 represents “not impressive” and 5 “very impressive”.

The feedback underscores the challenges facing Hipkins and his frontbench as they try to regain credibility and relevance following the 2023 election defeat.

Mood of the Boardroom: Greens, Te Pāti Māori political leaders face mixed ratings (NZ Herald)

Mood of the Boardroom: Greens, Te Pāti Māori political leaders face mixed ratings (NZ Herald)

Survey respondents to the Mood of the Boardroom have given mixed ratings to the leaders of New Zealand’s minor opposition political parties, highlighting a range of concerns and criticisms.

The Green Party has been through significant turmoil since last year’s election. In January, Golriz Ghahraman resigned amid shoplifting allegations. A month later, Fa’anānā Efeso Collins collapsed and died at a charity event in Auckland.

In August, Julie Anne Genter was found in contempt and censured for shouting at a Cabinet minister during a parliamentary session in May. In June, Darleen Tana was suspended by the party following a damning report into her knowledge of alleged migrant exploitation at her husband’s business.

That same month, co-leader Marama Davidson announced her diagnosis of breast cancer.

Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick receives a rating of 2.48/ 5, with some executives describing her handling of the Darleen Tana issue as “impressive” but overall, her performance is seen as lacking depth.

“Swarbrick appeals to the young, but her thinking is full of simplistic slogans,” Jarden managing director Silvana Schenone notes.

The business community appears less convinced by Davidson’s leadership, who receives a score of 1.82/5.

Many respondents to the survey express nostalgia for former co-leader James Shaw, who was frequently mentioned in the survey despite his departure from politics this year.

“The Greens haven’t dealt with their issues very well. There’s a lack of leadership, and they miss James Shaw,” Barfoot & Thompson managing director Peter Thompson says.

Another CEO adds, “Without James Shaw, they are a protest group without any grip on reality.”

NZ Windfarms director Craig Stobo suggests: “The Greens are losing the climate debate as unrealistic political aspirations meet the economic reality of transition costs.”

Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi received the lowest ratings among the minority party leaders in the Mood of the Boardroom, both scoring 1.69/5.

Respondents expressed concerns over their approach to politics, particularly regarding divisiveness.

Last month, Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris was referred to the Privileges Committee for remarks made in the House.

Mariameno Kapa-Kingi also drew significant attention in May when she accused the Government of aiming to “exterminate Māori” and described its policies as “racism and Pākehā supremacy.”

Her comments were swiftly condemned by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who called them “ignorant and offensive” and warned of a “race-based rabbit hole.” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon echoed the need for more measured rhetoric across the political spectrum.

“Te Pāti Māori have zero interest in the economy and are only interested in their voter base,” one lobbyist said.

Silvana Schenone comments: “Te Pāti Māori leaders have brought a number of unnecessarily aggressive (and divisive) perspectives with respect to non-Māori and politics in general, without clear objective substance.”