Event report • Events
Throwback - 2025 French Pacific Business Forum
Strengthening Connections in Aotearoa New Zealand.
On Friday, 7 March, the 2025 French Pacific Business Forum brought together a dynamic group of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts in Auckland, marking a significant step in strengthening trade and collaboration between New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and New Zealand.
An initiative put foward by the Représentation Patronale du Pacifique Sud (RPPS), this forum was proudly organised by the FNZCCI, with invaluable support from the Embassy of France in New Zealand, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand. The event served as a prime opportunity for French Pacific companies to explore export avenues, build strategic partnerships, and gain valuable insights into the New Zealand market.
A Day of Insights, Exchange, and Engagement
The forum featured a comprehensive lineup of expert-led sessions covering key business considerations, including legal frameworks, taxation policies, and cultural intelligence - all essential for companies looking to succeed in New Zealand. Attendees also engaged in high-quality networking opportunities, fostering connections that will pave the way for future growth and collaboration.
We extend our gratitude to the Forum’s key partners who made this event possible:
🤝 RPPS
🤝 Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand
🤝 Hesketh Henry
A special thank you to our generous sponsors, whose support was instrumental in the success of the Forum:
🤝 ANZ
🤝 Baker Tilly Staples Rodway
🤝 New Zealand Services
And a grand merci to our incredible speaker lineup of the day:
🎤 HE Laurence Beau, French Ambassador to New Zealand
🎤 Pacific Trade Invest: Aude Douyere and Rohan Parekh
🎤 MFAT: Felicity Roxburgh
🎤 ANZ: Nick Walker
🎤 Hesketh Henry: Kate Telford, Julika Wahlmann-Smith, Ben Hickson, Simon Cartwright
🎤 Baker Tilly Staples Rodway: Mike Rudd
🎤 NPDL: Simon Edwards
🎤 New Zealand Services: Tatiana Elvery and Julie Lefebvre-Talreja
🎤 La French Tech New Zealand: Franck Ridon and Claude Michel
🎤 Dominique Touchaud and Philippe Lemonnier (Cultural Intelligence)
🎤 Te Warena Taua, Tania Te Whenua and Leon Wijohn (Māori Expert Speakers)
🎤 SOCADIS NZ: Thomas Klein
Furthering French-Kiwi Connections
The day concluded on a high note with a special address from Madame l’Ambassadrice Laurence Beau, highlighting the importance of French-Kiwi business ties and future trade opportunities.
The following FNZCCI French-Kiwi Afterwork provided the perfect setting to continue conversations over an apéritif featuring wine, artisanal cheese, and charcuterie platters from Maison Vauron.
Merci to all who attended and contributed to this fantastic forum! Stay tuned for information on the next edition of the French Pacific Business Forum in 2026!
