Navigating Trade and Export Challenges

Global markets are evolving at an unprecedented pace, placing increasing pressure on New Zealand’s primary industries to adapt to shifting trade dynamics, regulatory complexities, and logistical constraints. As a nation heavily reliant on exports, ensuring the seamless movement of goods is critical for economic resilience.

With geopolitical tensions, climate policies, and rising costs shaping the future of trade, what does this mean for New Zealand’s primary industries? This event will unpack the critical issues affecting exporters, including the impact of global shipping disruptions, changing market access requirements, and the push for sustainability-driven trade. Join us to gain expert insights into how businesses can adapt, innovate, and remain competitive in an increasingly complex trade landscape.

Lyttelton Port Company NZ is the South Island’s largest international trade gateway. As a key player in New Zealand’s export infrastructure, Lyttelton Port is at the forefront of facilitating the flow of primary industry goods—from dairy and meat to timber and horticultural products—connecting producers to international markets. With increasing global demand, heightened environmental expectations, and the push for supply chain efficiencies, Lyttelton Port Company is actively investing in infrastructure, digital solutions, and sustainability initiatives to future-proof New Zealand’s export capacity. Our guests speaker, Graeme Sumner, CEO at Lyttelton Port Company will share his insights to shed light on the evolving role of ports in enabling trade resilience and ensuring exporters can navigate the challenges ahead.

Join us for this event as we delve into the pressing challenges facing exporters today—from supply chain disruptions to evolving trade agreements—and explore strategies to safeguard and strengthen New Zealand’s position on the global stage.

Tuesday 17th June

 4.00pm - 5.30pm

Mrs O’s Cafe, Lincoln University

We hope to see you there!

• • 4:00pm – Arrival and networking
  • 4:10pm – Welcome from Prof. Chad Hewitt, Provost, Lincoln University
  • 4:15pm – Overview from LU on current work in this space
  • 4:20pm – Keynote presentation
  • 4:45pm – Q&A
  • 5:00pm – Networking
  • 5:30pm – Event concludes

Graeme Sumner, Lyttelton Port Company

Graeme became Lyttelton Port Company’s Chief Executive Officer in September 2023. Graeme’s executive experience includes CEO of Airways New Zealand, the SOE responsible for the management and control of New Zealand’s airspace, as well as having an extensive international business providing products and services to 33 countries worldwide. Before joining Airways New Zealand in 2017, Graeme held various leadership roles in New Zealand and Australia, including Managing Director of Service Stream, Managing Director of Transfield Services New Zealand and Managing Director of Siemens New Zealand. Earlier, Graeme held General Manager level roles with New Zealand Post, Contact Energy and Telecom.