Three prime ministers and captains of industry are to feature at next week's Taniwha Dragon Economic Summit.
Hosted by Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) and running Monday and Tuesday next week, NKII chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana described it as an opportunity to highlight successful existing trade relationships and start new ones. He said $100m worth of deals done over the two days was expected and Prime Minister Bill English would attend.
Co-host is Chairman Chan of Lei Garden, a chain of 26 restaurants with several having won a Michelin Star. Chairman Chan plans to procure Hawke's Bay produce for a planned chain of 200 to 300 bistro restaurants in Asia.
Day one speakers include Ali Baba Australasian director of business development John O'Loughlen, Xero CEO Rod Drury, Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegao, Alan Buckner of Fiordand Lobster, Minister of Finance Steven Joyce, Trade Minister Todd McClay, John Bostock of Bostock New Zealand and Mr Apple owner Scales Corporation's CEO Andy Borland, Zhou Jinwang of Shanghai Fisheries, Paul Morgan of Whakatu Inc (the producer of Tohu Wines and the Kono brand), Alan Buckner of Fiordland Lobster and Sir Don McKinnon.
Sir Don is a former deputy prime minister, former Commonwealth Secretary Genreal and chairman of the New Zealand-China Council.