Top China business accolade for John Key

Key received the award for Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand – China business relationship at the 2017 HSBC NZCTA New Zealand China Business Awards.

During Key’s time as Prime Minister, two way trade with China doubled to more than $20 billion and non trade linkages expanded rapidly.

Award sponsor Stephen Jacobi from the New Zealand China Council says Key’s legacy with China leaves a real challenge to current and future governments.

“The world is queuing up to do business with Beijing, and New Zealand needs to find ways to demonstrate the relevance of the relationship and to come up with new ideas to take the relationship forward.

“Key’s ability to connect with the Chinese leadership and grow the relationship was hugely advantageous for New Zealand and it’s great to recognise his work,” Mr Jacobi says.

Zespri Group Limited was named supreme winner at the awards, demonstrating strong success in the China market despite recent industry challenges in New Zealand.

“It takes a whole country to deal with China and New Zealand is fortunate to call on such inspired leadership as we see displayed here by the finalists and winners tonight,” Mr Jacobi says.

China is New Zealand’s second largest trading partner after Australia.  New Zealand exported $12.1b worth of goods and services to China in the year to June 2016.  Chinese investment in New Zealand totalled $5.45b in the year to March 2016.

Full list of winners

Auckland Airport Award for Contribution to the growth of Chinese Tourism in New Zealand  China Travel Service (NZ) Ltd

DLA Piper Award for Investment between China and New Zealand

Waste Management NZ Limited

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Excellence in Export or Import

Zespri Group Limited

Cathay Pacific Award for Best use of eCommerce in exporting to China

Aladdin 2015 International Limited

New Zealand China Council Award for Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand – China Business relationship

Rt. Hon John Key

HKNZBA Award – Success in Hong Kong by a New Zealand organisation

Gallagher Security (International) Limited

Special Recognition Award

Professor Yihuai Gao (Alpha Group Holdings Ltd)

Supreme Winner

Zespri Group Limited