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Businesspeople and entrepreneurs are gathering at a series of seminars in Auckland this week to discuss New Zealand's role on the world stage and address the need for great leadership to bring about new thinking.
The breakfast and lunch seminar series falls under the collective banner of New Thinking Week.
"I am delighted that we have been able to secure some of the country's leading international minds with a range of perspectives from business, industry and government", said New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) chief executive Tim Gibson.
"Our exporters face very different opportunities from a decade or two ago and taking advantage of them requires a new mindset and new ways of operating.
"Last year's Export Awards winners showed us that a variety of business models can bring international success. What unites them is the development of a global attitude that directly benefits their New Zealand operation.
"The country needs more of this cleverness; more of this new thinking if it is to thrive in a world trade environment that is becoming increasingly competitive", he said.
The line-up of speakers includes motivator and businessman John Hart; Dr David Skilling, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Institute; Geoff Ross of 42 Below; Trade Minister Phil Goff; Ken Stevens of engineering company Glidepath Ltd;; Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard; Greg Cross, Chair of the New Zealand Beachhead Advisory Board; and Julian Moore, of organisers NZTE.
