Export Year 2007
Export Year 2007 has been all about encouraging New Zealand businesses to better understand the benefits of selling products and services offshore. A partnership between the private sector and government, the aim of the year has been to improve New Zealand’s long-term export performance, diversify our exports and increase the number of companies operating globally.
The Auckland Export Year Group was formed to coordinate and promote regional activities.
Who's involved?
AucklandPlus
Auckland Chamber of Commerce
Auckland Regional Economic Development Association
Business Mentors New Zealand
EMA (Northern)
Export New Zealand
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)
WHK Gosling Chapman
Export Navigator
The Export Navigator pilot programme targeted businesses throughout the region who were considering exporting, or who wanted to increase their existing exporting activities but did not already have a relationship with NZTE. The programme provided a logical pathway for companies to initiate, accelerate and improve export market development, and focused on working with eligible businesses to develop an action plan to help them identify what they need to do to move into specific overseas markets. Export Navigator finished in November 2007 and an evaluation is now underway.
Key outcomes:
- More than 150 businesses, from start up companies to established businesses already exporting, inquired about the programme
- 47 companies were eligible and have had an export action plan developed
- 12 businesses have attended their first enterprise training workshop
- Three businesses have attended their first exporter education training workshop
Schools Innovation Project
Initiated by the Auckland Export Year Group, Smales Farm Technology Office Park and Massey University are now developing a secondary schools robotics project. The competition is modelled on the US For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics competition and will involve teams of secondary school students, businesses and the community working together to design and construct a controllable robotic vehicle.
Funding from NZTE has now been confirmed and work is underway on preparations for local teams to compete in the competition in 2009.
The Beyond 2007 Summit in November provided a forum for business representatives to collectively identify solutions to issues and problems affecting New Zealand’s export performance which have been identified during Export Year.
The grass roots workshop in July considered how to raise awareness of exporting and international business post 2007. Participants identified that a key cultural mindset change was required to raise awareness of exporting and international business, and to see a greater number of New Zealanders valuing and pursuing business success internationally. A discussion document is now being developed.
Key Objectives
- Provide a coordinated regional approach to improving New Zealand’s long-term export performance
- Raise awareness about the benefits of exporting, what Export Year 2007 is all about and what initiatives are underway.
More information
