AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Utah Governor Spencer Cox commenced a significant trade mission to New Zealand on October 23, 2023, aiming to enhance economic ties between the two regions. Speaking at the University of Auckland, Cox’s unique greeting in Maori — “Tena koutou katoa” — set a tone of cultural respect and collaboration.
Cox leads a delegation organized by the World Trade Center Utah, which includes lawmakers, industry leaders, and educators. This visit marks the first official trip to Oceania for most participants, following a planned but cancelled mission in 2020 due to the pandemic. Cox emphasized the natural partnership between Utah and New Zealand, highlighting their shared landscapes that attract global interest.
He remarked, “Innovation has always been who we are — and it’s why we’ve been so successful as a state. It’s why we have had the No. 1 economy in the United States over the past 10 years.” The governor identified collaboration and innovation as essential elements of both Utah’s and New Zealand’s histories, stating, “The opportunities to expand the ways we’re working together are boundless.”
The delegation included Taylor Randall, President of the University of Utah, who expressed enthusiasm about representing Utah’s higher education system. Randall highlighted the ASPIRE collaboration between the University of Auckland and Utah State University, noting its potential to transform global transportation.
In addition, Frank Bloomfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Auckland, welcomed the visiting group. He stressed the importance of international partnerships in sectors such as aerospace technology and advanced research. “We don’t operate in isolation,” Bloomfield stated. “Creating these connections is very important to us.”
The trade mission represents a concerted effort to identify business opportunities. Delegates are focusing on three main tracks: aerospace and defense; critical minerals; and development and innovation. On the first day, participants in the aerospace and defense sector toured facilities of organizations including the University of Auckland’s Space Institute and other industry leaders.
Following this visit, the delegation will continue to Sydney, Australia, for additional meetings, including participation in the International Mining & Resources Conference. The timing of this event aligns with discussions on key issues concerning rare earth minerals, emphasizing the growing importance of the sector.
Cox also met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during his trip, discussing mutual priorities and trade opportunities. The governor expressed gratitude for the productive discussions, stating, “With nearly 30 Utah businesses and organizations, our trade mission is focused on opening markets and building partnerships in aerospace and defense, critical minerals, fintech, and other shared strengths.”
In a recent briefing, Melissa Sweeney, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, noted the strengthening relationship between New Zealand and the United States, with bilateral trade nearly doubling over the past decade to exceed $17 billion. She highlighted the importance of these ties in addressing global challenges and fostering economic growth.
Cox reiterated the significance of the collaboration between Utah and New Zealand, stating, “The opportunities for Utah businesses to expand into New Zealand are immense.” He pointed out the rapidly growing tech sector in Auckland and the vital role of New Zealand’s agricultural community in global food security.
The governor aims to attract more New Zealand businesses to Utah, humorously suggesting that the trade pipeline should favor his state over Colorado. “I think a lot of people are just missing out because they just don’t know what’s happening in Utah,” he concluded.
As the mission progresses, the potential for strengthened economic and cultural ties between Utah and New Zealand becomes increasingly evident, with both regions poised to benefit from enhanced collaboration.
