Event report • Communication - Press • Events
Throwback - French Pacific Business Forum 2026 (March 2026)
The French Pacific Business Forum 2026 strengthens business connections between the Pacific & New Zealand.
The French Pacific Business Forum 2026 brought together companies, institutions and business leaders from French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis & Futuna and New Zealand for two days of exchanges, insights and networking in Auckland.
Organised in partnership with the Representation Patronale du Pacifique Sud (RPPS) and the French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNZCCI), the Forum continues to grow as a platform supporting economic collaboration across the Pacific region.
The event welcomed export-ready companies from across the French Pacific, representing sectors including technology, construction, retail, cosmetics, digital innovation and food production. The Forum provided an opportunity for these businesses to gain a deeper understanding of the New Zealand market, explore export opportunities and build relationships with potential partners.
The Forum opened with remarks from H.E. Laurence Beau, Ambassador of France to New Zealand and the Cook Islands, alongside representatives from FNZCCI, RPPS and the Auckland Business Chamber, which hosted this year’s event.
Participants then heard from a range of New Zealand experts who shared insights on the economic environment and business landscape. Speakers included Mary Thurston (MFAT) on New Zealand’s engagement with the French Pacific, Felicity Roxburgh (New Zealand International Business Forum) on Pacific trade dynamics, and David Downs (NZTE / NZ Story) on New Zealand’s global positioning.
Additional expert sessions provided practical guidance on tax, legal frameworks, intellectual property, logistics and exporting to New Zealand, helping visiting companies better understand the regulatory and commercial environment.
A key highlight of the programme was a series of sector-focused roundtables, bringing together industry experts and participating companies for more informal discussions. These sessions were organised across three sectors - Technology, Construction and Retail - enabling companies to engage directly with New Zealand professionals and explore opportunities relevant to their industries.
The programme also included a Māori business session, providing valuable perspectives on engaging with Māori enterprises and understanding the importance of cultural relationships in New Zealand’s business landscape.
To complement the conference programme, delegates also participated in site visits across Auckland, offering practical insights into the local business ecosystem. The visits included Outset Ventures, showcasing New Zealand’s deep-tech innovation environment; Auckland Airport with McConnell Dowell, highlighting large-scale infrastructure and construction projects; and Commercial Bay with Precinct Properties, one of Auckland’s flagship retail and commercial developments.
These visits allowed delegates to see how businesses operate locally and opened conversations around potential collaboration and partnerships.
The Forum also provided an opportunity for the wider business community to connect with the visiting delegation during the French-Kiwi Afterwork, a networking event featuring rapid-fire elevator pitches from participating companies and informal discussions with members of the New Zealand business ecosystem.
The FNZCCI extends its sincere thanks to the Embassy of France in New Zealand for its continued support of the Forum and for its role in strengthening economic cooperation across the Pacific.
The Chamber would also like to acknowledge the generous support of the Auckland Business Chamber for hosting the event, as well as the many speakers, partners and organisations who contributed their expertise and time to the programme.
Finally, special recognition goes to Katrina Challet, whose dedication and tireless work as principal organiser played a key role in the successful delivery of the 2026 Forum.
The French Pacific Business Forum continues to grow as an important initiative connecting Pacific companies with the New Zealand market and strengthening business ties across the region.
