Auckland Summit to Strengthen New Zealand–India Business and Innovation Ties

Government, business and industry leaders will convene in Auckland on 12–13 November to explore opportunities for economic growth, innovation and cross-sector collaboration between New Zealand and India, as the two countries mark a century of sporting connections.

Auckland will bring together senior government, business and industry figures from New Zealand and India next month for a summit exploring new avenues for economic cooperation, innovation and long-term partnership between the two countries.

The New Zealand–India Business, Sport and Innovation Summit, taking place on 12 and 13 November, will connect leaders from across sectors to exchange expertise and identify opportunities in one of the world’s most significant growth markets.

The speaker line-up includes India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Her Excellency Ms Muanpuii Saiawi; Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar; entrepreneur Sir Ian Taylor; Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy; and former India cricket captain Ajinkya Rahane. Dame Therese Walsh will chair the Summit.

Delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Sport New Zealand, the event forms part of 100 Years of Unity Through Sport, a year-long celebration marking a century of sporting connections between Aotearoa New Zealand and India.

Nick Hill, Chief Executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the Summit offers an opportunity to turn those established connections into broader economic and professional partnerships.

“Bringing government, business and industry leaders together creates opportunities to share expertise, strengthen relationships and unlock new ideas,” he says. “Auckland has an important role to play in connecting New Zealand capability with international markets, and this Summit is an opportunity to build partnerships that deliver lasting benefits.”

Innovation, trade and shared opportunities

Hosted at Auckland University of Technology and the New Zealand International Convention Centre, the programme will examine how New Zealand organisations can engage with India’s expanding market while addressing areas of mutual interest.

Topics will include artificial intelligence, digital transformation, the Māori economy, tourism, education, talent and sport, reflecting the breadth of potential collaboration between the two countries.

The Summit also places Auckland at the intersection of business events, international engagement and destination strategy. By bringing public-sector representatives, business leaders and industry specialists into the same forum, the event aims to encourage knowledge exchange and identify opportunities that extend beyond individual sectors.

The programme builds on the wider 100 Years of Unity Through Sport initiative, which runs throughout 2026, with its principal celebrations taking place in October and November. Across Auckland, the programme encompasses sport, culture, community and business, using the longstanding sporting relationship between New Zealand and India as a platform for wider engagement.

The Summit’s combination of business, innovation and sport provides a further opportunity to develop that relationship, positioning Auckland as a meeting point for organisations seeking connections, knowledge and partnerships across both markets.

Further information on the programme and registration is available here 
 

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