German Pavilion @ Build NZ

The New Zealand German Business Association (NZGBA) organised the pavilion “Made in Germany”. 11 leading companies in building technology and energy efficiency displayed their products as exhibitors. Everybody was very satisfied with the attendance and the outcome of the show. The exhibitors were BSH Bosch und Siemens Home Appliances, aquatherm (NZ) Ltd, DEOS Australia, Lucht LHZ GmbH & Co. KG, Robert Bosch, PORTAS Global Renovation Systems, SCALOCAB as well as Butzbach, Technoform, Knauf Plasterboard Australia and Membrane Technologies.

Steve Derig, Managing Director of aquatherm (in a conversation on the left hand side) wraps up, “Perfect!”. He says the organisation and contacts they made during the fair were more than satisfying. Rolf Kirst, who represented PORTAS, emphasizes the relaxed atmosphere whereas you have a more stressful time during shows in Germany. He is sure that the foundation for their business in New Zealand has been established. Mark Micallef is aware that they have to see now  what they’ll finally get out of the new contacts but says,” The experience was a positive one for Knauf and we look forward to participating at the next event.”

The NZGBA not only organized the German Pavilion but also a get-together on Monday to give the chance to talk about potential co-operations in a relaxed atmosphere. More than 90 guests attended the event and enjoyed German sausages and beer as well as delicious wine sponsored by NZGBA member Schubert Wines. Thomas Meister, the German Ambassador in New Zealand (during his speech), came up from Wellington and emphasized that fairs like Build NZ are an excellent opportunity to present and export leading German products in the sectors energy efficiency and renewable energy.

German products and technologies enjoy a very good reputation in New Zealand, e.g. Gaggenau kitchens (chef Jonny Schwass who cooked daily on the stand). Rob Lavender, trade fair organizer of  XPO exhibitions, confirmed that the German Pavilion expressed the professional idea of  Build NZ 2011.”The German joint stand was terrific”, he says.    Monique Surges, NZGBA CEO, is also very satisfied with the process of the show as well as its result. She announced that the NZGBA is definitely planning a pavilion for Build NZ 2013.