Foreign Heads of Mission diplomats are in Tauranga this week, prompting hopes for new trade relationships.
The delegation – consisting of New Zealand and Australian-based Heads of Mission, Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 37 countries – is the largest domestic delegation of foreign diplomats to visit New Zealand in recent history.
Yesterday's tour has been led by Priority One (the Western Bay of Plenty's economic development agency) on behalf of the Tauranga City Council and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt said hosting the diplomats was invaluable for enhancing important international relationships and proactively re-engaging with overseas markets.
"Tauranga has become a key economic hub in the upper North Island and is home to New Zealand's largest port, allowing connectivity to the rest of the world.