NZGBA Newsletter March 2010
- Words from your AHK
- Trade Leads
- Employment
- Economy
- Export
- Finance
- Success Story
- Trade Fairs
- Energy
- Research
- Retail
- New Member Introductions
- Award Winning Members
- Music and dance with Bach Musica
Words from your AHK
Having recently come back from "chilly Germany" I now believe the reports we have been hearing about the weather there – for March it was bitterly cold and on my last day, as I was leaving the ITB trade fair for the airport I witnessed the severity.
From checking in for my flight, where there was absolutely no snow on the ground, to actually getting on the plane an hour later, some 10cm of snow had fallen. These weren't snowflakes, they were snow balls! Needless to say my flight was delayed by 2 hours and most of the people on the plane missed their various connections – interestingly everyone seemed pretty resigned to the fact and it was business as usual.
However as you can imagine everyone, I talked to, wanted some justifiable reason to miss their next winter by visiting New Zealand! Members time to create some mega business event in New Zealand in February to lure German business our way?
Kind Regards
Monique Surges
CEO,
New Zealand German Business Association Inc.

Monique Surges working hard at ITB trade fair!
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Trade Leads
Don't Forget to Check Out Our Latest Trade Leads
As a member of the NZGBA, you are first to read about new trade leads but you must act quickly and let us know which ones you are interested in, as we often then have to go out to non members when no interest is shown. So please click here to go straight to our Trade Leads!
Here's one example:
German manufacturer of lifting equipment for train carriages is looking for a local partner to provide warranty, maintenance and repair services of its equipment. Also open to manufacture under license options.
German Cosmetics exporter seeks distribution channels in New Zealand. Established 25 years ago, specializing in the holistic interaction of the mind, body, skin and soul in cosmetics, they have been awarded with the Golden Beauty Award for innovation in cosmetic treatment. They have established their own consumer magazine and several cosmetics colleges in major German cities.
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Employment
Having trouble finding good staff? We regularly receive enquiries from German job seekers who we list online exclusively for our members. There is presently one listed for a very capable marketing executive. So do take a look here
Over 10 years experience in marketing communications in the field of food and agriculture (Project Manager, Account Director), expert in European markets, one year New Zealand experience. Speaker, author, TV-expert, advisory worker at trade fairs is looking for adequate work offers.
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Economy
Forces of economic growth increasing
After the adoption of broad-based fiscal and monetary stimulus packages, the German economy is gaining self-sustaining momentum. More
Consumption stabilizes
German gross domestic product shrank by five percent in 2009. This was due mainly to plummeting exports and a major drop in gross capital expenditure. The only boost came from government spending and stable consumer spending. More
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Export
Germany looses export crown to China
German exports and imports suffered their biggest drop since 1950 last year, as China officially overtook Germany to become the world's leading exporter. More
Building closer trade ties with the EU
At the recent EU Trade Conference, the trading future between the EU and New Zealand was discussed. Officials on both sides highlighted existing foundations for good trade relations and NZGBA member Siemens (see picture left with CEO Paul Ravlich) presented on investing into New Zealand from a European company perspective. More.
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Finance
EURO under fire
The euro looses the respect it once enjoyed. Many are starting to fear that the monetary union might collapse. In a SPIEGEL interview, prominent economists Peter Bofinger and Joachim Starbatty debate the merits of Europe's common currency. Click here to read the full interview.
Confidence is coming back
The confidence in the appeal of foreign markets is coming back. German industrial enterprises are planning a higher capital expenditure abroad for this year again after the slump of foreign investments in 2009. Alike the share of the industrial enterprises investing abroad increased four points up to 44 per cent. More
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Success Story
German Turbines and Meridian in Antarctica
The installation of wind turbines on Ross Island in Antarctica is a truely international cooperation and success story. German wind turbine manufacturer Enercon was involved in the project. Meridian Energy, Antarctica NZ and key support from the US Antarctic program helped to realize the project. More

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Trade Fairs
Meeting Places for Top Players
Snow, ice and harsh temperatures made it a bit of challenge for visitors as well as exhibitors to attend the big international trade fairs in Germany. NZGBA staff had the opportunity to visit some major shows such as Toy Fair, Ambiente and Biofach. Click here for our reports about the trade fairs.
Enthusiasm in Hannover
International IT meeting point CeBIT 2010 has been very impressive. 4,157 companies from 68 countries exhibited at the fair. Amongst them Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, who were presenting their latest technologies regarding 3D cinema and 3D TV. More
World's largest Tourism Trade Fair continues to have NZ presence
NZGBA coordinated NZ stand at ITB not only continues for a 3rd year, after Tourism NZ pulls out, but grows substantially with more exhibitors on both the trade & public days.
On the evening of the first day the NZ Embassy hosted a VIP event on the NZ Stand and our thanks go to Lisa Futschek and her team.

Lisa Futschek, Deputy Head of Mission NZ Embassy welcomes guest to the NZ Stand
Feedback from the exhibitors has been extremely encouraging and as Arnie always says "ve'll be back"!...anyone want to join the NZ Stand should email tradefairs@germantrade.co.nz
Resale remains important
Emerging stronger from the crisis with used machinery and equipment – that is the motto of the 16th RESALE taking place in Karlsruhe from 21 - 23 April 2010. This year, nearly 500 exhibitors from over 20 countries will exhibit their goods at the world leading trade fair for used machinery and equipment. More
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Energy
Europe buys NZ carbon credits
The vast majority of New Zealand's carbon credits were sold to Europe, Carbon News reported. New Zealand sold more than 1.5 million Kyoto carbon credits offshore last year, and bought just over 400,000 from other countries. More
Clean technology creates jobs
The clean technology sector could employ up to 2 million people in Germany by 2020, according to industry experts. The majority of jobs will be created in energy efficiency technologies, and up to 500,000 people could be employed in the renewable energy sector alone. More
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Research
Laboratory for all Cases
Whether it is a new bio material for surgical operations or a new device that can detect germs in artificial cartilage, the researchers at Fraunhofer are always on top of the game. Check their latest results here
Fraunhofer's Research News April 2010
"Intelligent networking of wind farms": Interconnecting large wind farms in clusters. More
"Savvy injection molding": Zero-defect production in the area of metal powder production with the main gain of less waste and time savings. More
"A smart way to charge up": Intelligent charging stations for batteries of electromobility devices. More
"Tracking down rust": Integrated rust-warning systems in concrete to measure the extent of corrosion. More
"Detecting defects with wind and water": Development of a simpler method for detecting reactions of vibrations in building components. More
"Multimedia search without detours": Finding a particular song / video with a new search engine, DIVAS, using digital fingerprints to reliably locate what you are looking for. More
"Smart career planning": Who'll be the best fit for the company? Assessment centers as a useful tool for appraising skills and competencies. More
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Retail
Investments at the Checkout
The checkout is a touchy point in retail stores. An ever increasing number of additional functions are carried out here. The Euro Handelsinstitut (EHI) started a survey to find out what sums are invested at this sensible point of sale in Germany. More
Spotlight on German Retail
Spotlight on German retail is a free web service of Lebensmittel Zeitung, the biggest retail magazine in Germany. It is written in blog form by international editor Mike Dawson. The main subjects are German and European retailing. More
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New Members
Regus
ECO Heating & Plumbing NZ Ltd
ALISE-MIG UG
Intergest
Navigate Oceania
360 Grad Medien GmbH
Regus
Regus
is the world's largest provider of workplace solutions,
offering the widest range of products and services that
allow individuals and companies to work however, wherever,
and whenever they need to. Regus operates over 1000 business
centres across 400 cities in 75 countries. Products and
services include fully furnished, equipped and staffed
offices, world-class business support services, meeting
conference and training facilities and the largest network
of public videoconference rooms all serving over 200,000
clients daily. They extend a special offer to members of the
New Zealand German Business Association providing
complementary businessworld Gold Cards for association
members valued at $190. The Gold card allows unlimited
access to all Regus Business lounges and cafes globally as
well as preferred rates for other Regus products and
services.
Contact:
Jasen Crompton
Regus
AXA Building, Shortland Street
Auckland 1010
Tel: +64 9 363 9800
Email:
jasen.crompton@regus.com
Web:
www.regus.com
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ECO Heating & Plumbing NZ Ltd.
ECO
Heating & Plumbing NZ Ltd. is an importer of highly
efficient and environmentally friendly heating and plumbing
products from Europe.
ECO Heating & Plumbing NZ Ltd. is dedicated to providing the most environmentally friendly products available in the world. Therefore we will only choose European companies who are leaders in the field of sustainable energy. Our main partner is WOLF GmbH from Germany.
ECO Heating and Plumbing NZ Ltd. employs highly qualified technicians who install and service the systems as required. The Management-team of the business is German, with over 10 years work experience. They are familiar with the products and qualified to install them. Their main focus is to train local plumbers/ gasfitters to become qualified installers on imported product and to ensure efficiency of products.
Contact:
Beate Gehricke
Eco Heating & Plumbing
65 Happy Valley Road
Owhiro Bay
Wellington 6023
Tel: +64 4 977 5651
Fax: +64 4 977 5651
Email:
beate@ecoheatingandplumbing.co.nz
Web:
www.ecoheatingandplumbing.co.nz
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ALISE-MIG UG
ALISE-MIG
UG is a German retailer of model trucks made from plastic
and metal, fully assembled or model kits available. They act
for "kleine Laster" and "Wedico".
Read more here
Contact:
Arno Lohmann
ALISE-MIG US
Birngaumweg
79115 Freiburg
Germany
Tel: +49 171 366 1087
Email:
mail@alise-mig.com
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Intergest
InterGes is an international business administration and
management company supporting businesses in export and the
development of foreign markets. InterGest has over 35 years
of experience in this field and currently has offices in 50
countries worldwide. It provides key services for developing
foreign markets, including import/export management and
administrative, accounting, legal, human resources and
business development services. InterGest enables businesses
to establish a local presence in their target markets, with
local know-how and communication in English, German and
relevant local languages.
Contact:
Denis Schweder
InterGest New Zealand
PO Box 25073
St Heliers
Auckland 1740
Tel: +64 21 032 9972
Email:
denis.schweder@intergest.com
Web:
www.intergest.com
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Navigate Oceania
Navigate
Oceania is a Collection 28 New Zealand luxury lodges,
boutique hotels, spa and wilderness resorts, private island
escapes, luxury villas, an expedition cruise ship and super
yacht.
Navigate only partners with those who can offer an authentic experience true to its region or their unique character, those that reflect the local indigenous culture, location cuisine and offer unique experiences. Our collection members have the ability to turn the ordinary into extraordinary as well as being able to satisfy the customer's individual interests. This is the foundation of all Navigate Collection members.
Newly released for 2010 is the Navigate Oceania NEW directory, a 70-page luxury guide for those looking for the ultimate in 'Must See, Must Do, Must Buy' experiences in New Zealand and the South Pacific. Our website navigateoceania.com offers ideas for Boutique Weddings, Luxury Villa Holidays and 10 suggested themed itineraries to experience New Zealand's very best spa, wilderness, adventure, and golf, family or fly-fishing holidays.
Navigate Oceania is a marketing company, we are not a travel booker, however, you can visit our website to view rack rates and instant availability by date for each of our collection members. Navigate works with all major on sites and New Zealand specialist travel companies. Visit our website on navigateoceania.com.
Contact:
Karine Thomas
Navigate Oceania
Posada Building 5/340 Parnell Road
Parnell
Auckland 1052
Tel: +64 9 307 3633
Email:
karine@navigateoceania.com
Web:
www.navigateoceania.com
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360 Grad Medien GmbH
In
2008, 360 medien gbr successfully launched its magazine 360
Neuseeland (www.360grad-neuseeland.de)
on the German market for destination magazines.
This magazine offers an all around overview for tourists, emigrants and professionals. The main focus of our news coverage is based on travelogues, information on cities, cultural events, history, politics, economy as well as emigration to New Zealand. The innovative and optical unique appealing concept of the magazine was positively rated by our readership. Please find the survey of this by following this link (German only!!):
http://www.360grad-neuseeland.de/downloads/360-Mediadaten-2010_DE.pdf
Contact:
Andreas Walter
360 Grad Medien GmbH
Nachtigallenweg 1
40822 Mettmann
Germany
Tel: +49 211 862 6989
Email:
A.Walter@360grad-medien.de
Web:
www.360grad-neuseeland.de
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Award Winning Members Members
Silver Design Award for Hansgrohe
NZGBA member Hansgrohe AG was awarded with Germany's most important design award, the Silver Design Award 2010 from the German Design Council. Hansgrohe won it for its Raindance Connect EcoSmart showerpipe, an outstanding innovative and water saving shower system comprising an overhead and hand shower. The award, presented each year at the "Ambiente" in Frankfurt/Main, is considered the "prize of prizes", which makes high demands on the participants: Only products that are nominated by the federal and state economic ministries are entitled for this award. From more than 1,200 nominees, a high-caliber jury selected this year a total of 23 entries in the product design category. More
Award for Indigenous Tourism for T.I.M.E. Unlimited
NZGBA member TIME Unlimited Tours has just been pronounced overall winner in the public vote section of the global Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website (ITBW) Award 2010. The competition comprised applicants from 10 different countries around the world (Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mexico, Micronesia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sweden. This is a significant achievement for the company and for tourism in Auckland as well as New Zealand. Owner Neill Sperath is absolutely delighted about the award and sends a big thank you to all his supporters.
TIME Unlimited Tours offers an extensive range of high-quality guided tours in Auckland. These are:
- Auckland Personal Guided Tours
- Auckland Maori Tours
- Interactive Maori Culture Experiences
- Guided Wilderness Walks
- Kayak Fishing Tours
- Kayaking Adventures
- Kite Fishing Tours
- Private Auckland and NZ Tours
out of 15 applicants from around the world but of course we would dearly love to go one better this year.
Poggenpohl is brand of the century
NZGBA member and premium kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl is among the leaders in German products and services according to the new edition of Florian Langenscheidt's bestseller 'Brands of the Century'. After being placed top in the ranking of German luxury brands, premium kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl is now the only German kitchen brand to be included in this standard work. Publisher Langenscheidt handed over the award, in the form of a column depicting the brands, to Poggenpohl Managing Director, Elmar Duffner, at a ceremony in Frankfurt.
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Music and dance with Bach Musica
Founded
in 1977, Bach Musica is a choir and orchestra
specialising in music of the Baroque and
Classical periods.
Widely recognized as one of New Zealand's premier Baroque ensembles, they currently present a six concert series in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell, Auckland.
The next event will take place on Sunday, 23rd of May.
Music and Dance is the title of the concert, which is a collaboration between Mary-Jane O'Reilly and Bach Musica.



