Export Breakfast Recap: Connecting Canterbury to the World | August 2025

Export Breakfast Highlights: Staying Connected, Building Resilience, and Winning in Global Markets

Canterbury exporters are navigating a fast-changing global landscape — rising freight costs, shifting regulations, geopolitical tensions, and customers expecting more, faster.
At our Export Breakfast: Connecting Canterbury to the World on 14 August at the Christchurch Town Hall, we brought together industry leaders to explore how exporters can adapt, grow, and stay connected, all with the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Square and the Ferrier Fountain.

Guest speakers Anne Dunne (Air New Zealand Cargo), David Boyd (ExportNZ & Foot Science International), and Tony Gault (Kelford Cams) shared insights on global connectivity, supply chain resilience, and practical lessons from South Island exporters competing on the world stage.

1. Getting Connected Globally

• Market access opportunities from recent free trade agreements with the EU and UAE, and progress toward an India FTA.

• Air New Zealand’s role in improving global reach through airline partnerships and restoring cargo capacity as engine availability improves.

• Digital transformation projects underway to improve shipment tracking, visibility, and integration with other carriers.

2. Building a Resilient Supply Chain

• Air New Zealand’s focus on operational reliability and sustainable aviation fuel initiatives.

• Kelford Cams’ market-specific warehousing and distribution strategies in Australia, North America, and planned operations in Europe.

• Importance of agility in logistics — from air freight for urgent orders to careful distributor selection to manage risk.

3. South Island Exporters: Challenges & Wins

• Quality as a baseline — reliability, consistency, and strong business relationships are now essential.

• David Boyd’s Boyd Rule: 1,000 days to make a distributor profitable, with years of preparation before entering agreements.

• Kelford Cams’ approach to niche manufacturing, proving that small, highly specialised exporters can succeed globally with the right strategy.

• Sustainability initiatives from Foot Science International, one of New Zealand’s few carbon-positive companies.

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 Finally

At Business Canterbury, we’re here to help you connect with new markets, strengthen your supply chain, and build strategies for long-term success.
With a Global Trade membership, you can attend events like the Export Breakfast at no additional cost — and access advice, resources, and a network of peers to support your global ambitions.

Missed this event? Explore upcoming opportunities on our What’s On page and see how we can help you thrive in the global marketplace.