Northland businesses were on show as 80 diplomatic representatives and government officials visited Whangarei on Wednesday before moving on to Waitangi for Treaty of Waitangi celebrations.
Regional economic development agency Northland Inc was invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFat) to present eight innovative Northland businesses at a mini-business expo on Wednesday night.
Northland Inc chief executive David Wilson said the event was an opportunity to put innovative businesses in front of influential diplomats who could provide access to large overseas networks. Diplomatic corp spokesman, Argentinian Ambassador Fernando Escalona was "awestruck" by the district's beauty and impressed by the diversity of businesses and export potential tucked away in Northland.
The companies seen were pet skincare products maker WashBar, electrical components firm McKay, computerised entertainment systems designer Orange Door Music Video, hangi oven maker Multi Kai, maker of radiator parts for vintage cars and planes Replicore, home upholstery kit makers SewEzi, surfboard maker Surfline and manuka honey exporter Tahi Honey.