New Zealand China Council Chair to China with Prime Minister

Cover Image：New Zealand China Council members meeting with Prime Minister Luxon, February 2024

The New Zealand China Council Te Kaunihera o Aotearoa me Haina welcomes Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s announcement that he will travel to China on 18-20 June. (link here)

Council Chair John McKinnon will join the Prime Minister’s delegation, together with Council members Nathan Flowerday (Zespri), Greg Foran (Air New Zealand), Mahara Inglis (MitoQ), Sarah Ottrey (Christchurch International Airport) and Fran O’Sullivan (NZ INC Ltd).

John McKinnon says the Prime Minister’s visit is a timely one.

“China is a highly important bilateral partner for New Zealand”, says John McKinnon.

“Our two-way trade with China is equivalent to that with the United States and Australia combined.   New Zealand also welcomes a large amount of students, tourists and new New Zealanders from China each year.  And we benefit from scientific research cooperation, climate change dialogue and many other connections.”

“In the context of a turbulent global trade and geopolitical environment in 2025, face-to-face dialogue between leaders provides a valuable opportunity for direct discussion on issues of importance for both countries.”

“I look forward to joining a diverse and motivated group of senior businesspeople and other leaders travelling to support the Prime Minister’s engagement”, John McKinnon says.

For media enquiries about the Council’s involvement in the visit:  info@nzchinacouncil.org.nz, +64 9 379 4641