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Member News
NZBRiC Member Newo & Comvita Together Collaborating for a Green, Low-Carbon Future
On December 13th, Newo and Comvita hosted a cooperation conference under the theme "Organic Benefits, Low-Carbon Health" at Superlife Culture Club in Shanghai’s Xingye Taikoo Store. The event aimed to promote and advocate for a green, organic, healthy, and low-carbon lifestyle that benefits human well-being while reducing the environmental burden of CO2 emissions on our planet.
Distinguished guests included Wilson Chau, Deputy Consul General of the New Zealand Consulate-General in Shanghai, and Jessie Zhao, Commercial Officer of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. Both delivered speeches recognizing and applauding the collaboration's efforts in adopting green, recyclable packaging and advancing organic carbon-reduction practices.
Representatives from Newo and Comvita also addressed the attendees, emphasizing their shared commitment to health, environmental sustainability, and the value of high-end brand partnerships. They expressed their mutual hopes for a win-win collaboration and their determination to continue contributing to sustainable practices.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Newo’s Jersey Organic Pastures in New Zealand embodies the principles of organic and low-carbon sustainable animal husbandry. These pastures adhere to certified organic standards, where animals graze freely on grass without the use of GMOs, chemical additives, feed, antibiotics, or hormones. The farms employ natural fertilizers and biodiversity management to maintain soil and vegetation health, fostering a balanced ecological cycle.
These practices result in natural, high-quality organic dairy products while protecting the environment. Green, recyclable packaging is just one of the many steps Newo and Comvita are taking towards sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Both companies are dedicated to further exploring and implementing organic, low-carbon practices that prioritize health and environmental protection. In doing so, consumers are encouraged to choose products that support their well-being while also contributing to a greener Earth. "Together, we can embrace an organic, low-carbon lifestyle and protect the planet for future generations."
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NZBRiC Activities
December Kiwi Drinks
Served at the Grand Yard Café and Bar in the heart of Shanghai, New Zealand Business Roundtable in China (NZBRiC)'s December Kiwi Drinks marked the last Kiwi Drinks of the year before the chilly winter break. Featuring iconic Marlborough Oyster Bay Wines and Rata Food’s delicious venison and moussaka dishes, our attendees were treated against the backdrop of Grand Yard’s classic pub scenery. Pool, darts, live sports, and everything in-between, there was much to be enjoyed for entertainment before the evening’s main event, our iconic Kiwi raffle.
This month’s raffle featured another fantastic selection of Kiwi prizes from our member companies, raising a significant amount for our chosen CSR partner, Shanghai Sunrise. A huge thank you to everyone who supported this effort and continues to make Kiwi Drinks such a great event for our New Zealand business community in China.
On a sad note, this occasion was markedly different than any of our other typical monthly shindigs in Shanghai. After six incredible years of leading Kiwi Drinks since 2019, Anna-May Isbey, NZBRiC’s Executive Director, bid farewell at her last Kiwi Drinks. Although we’re certain she’ll be back sometime soon in another role supporting New Zealand business in China, Anna-May is moving back to New Zealand with her wonderful family in January 2025. Over those six years, Anna-May has grown this once informal gathering into a cherished cornerstone of the New Zealand-China community, raising over NZD $100,000 for charity along the way. On behalf of NZBRiC and the wider New Zealand-China community in Shanghai, we’d like to extend our greatest appreciation to Anna-May and all she has accomplished for so many in China.
Annual Christmas Dinner
To cap off another successful year in the festive spirit, NZBRiC hosted its member-exclusive annual Christmas Dinner at The Warehouse Group’s Shanghai office. The event featured a delectable array of New Zealand-inspired dishes, a spirited Secret Santa exchange filled with member-sponsored prizes, and an award ceremony recognizing our most esteemed members and our CSR Partner, Shanghai Sunrise. Among the most coveted items during the Secret Santa were New Zealand wines, headphones, and, surprisingly, Grinch-themed apparel!
Thank you to Silver Fern Farms Ltd Farms for sponsoring the New Zealand lamb, The Warehouse Group for the venue, and Rebecca Bao from Kea for the help!
However, beneath the evening’s joy was the bittersweet reality that this event marked Anna-May Isbey’s final engagement as NZBRiC’s Executive Director. Over the past two years, Anna-May has been the dynamic face of NZBRiC, tirelessly championing its mission and interests. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding both the size and scope of the organization’s footprint in China. In 2024 alone, Anna-May successfully grew NZBRiC’s industry representation from five sectors to fifteen, launched innovative services such as the Quarterly Industry Forums, the Trademark Healthcheck, and the CIIE Business Matching Program, and orchestrated an impressive lineup of 45 established events and 20 advocacy engagements with governing bodies. Through her efforts, NZBRiC has shared over 200 valuable insights and is now regarded as a sought-after authority on New Zealand-China trade matters. Together with our members’ collective effort, Anna-May’s focus on CSR saw NZBRiC raise 29,085RMB in 2024 which we’re pleased to be able to donate to Shanghai Sunrise.
As we reflect on Anna-May’s invaluable contributions, we extend our deepest gratitude for her unwavering dedication and vision. In the words of David Boyle from Primary Collaboration New Zealand (Shanghai) Co Ltd “Anna-May joined NZBRiC as Executive Director at the start of 2023 and is leaving the organization on significantly stronger foundations than she found it.”
Looking ahead to 2025, we do so with excitement and optimism, eager to build upon the strong foundations laid during Anna-May’s tenure. Thank you, Anna-May, for your remarkable service. You will always be a cherished part of the NZBRiC family, and we wish you every success in your future endeavours.
NZBRiC Publications
In case you missed it, our fourth NZBRiC Quarterly Industry Report of 2024 was published earlier this month.
The Quarterly Industry Reports are designed to help our members achieve NZBRiC's purpose of advancing the key trade sectors of both New Zealand and China through leveraging the expertise and knowledge of our NZBRiC Industry Member companies and guest authors.
This quarter's report offers a comprehensive review of the current state of various industries in China and New Zealand and we are confident you will find it informative and insightful. Specifically, we delve into a variety of topics, including:
Asia Economic Outlook Q4 2024
New Zealand China Bilateral Relations
New Zealand's Dairy Sector
New Zealand Horticulture Sector
Film Screening Shanghai
We'd like to thank the Industry Members and partners who have authored the articles in this quarter's report: ANZ Bank, Mahon China Investment Management, Fonterra, Zespri, and Vista Group.
