Utah Governor Seeks Stronger Trade Ties with New Zealand

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Utah Governor Spencer Cox has initiated a trade mission to New Zealand aimed at enhancing business partnerships between the two regions. Speaking at the University of Auckland on Monday, Cox emphasized the shared values of innovation and collaboration that define both Utah and New Zealand. His remarks included an unusual Maori greeting, “Tena koutou katoa,” which translates to “Greetings to you all,” followed by an apology for any potential offense, showcasing his commitment to cultural engagement.

The governor’s visit marks the beginning of a significant trade mission organized by World Trade Center Utah, which includes a diverse delegation of lawmakers, industry leaders, and educators. This is the first official visit for many delegation members, following a previously planned trip in 2020 that was canceled due to the pandemic. Cox highlighted the natural beauty and rugged landscapes that both regions share, noting their historical resilience and adaptability, which have been crucial for their economic success.

“Innovation has always been who we are — and it’s why we’ve been so successful as a state,” Cox stated, pointing out that Utah has maintained the top economy in the United States for the past decade. He drew parallels to New Zealand’s own history of cooperation and innovation, suggesting vast opportunities for collaboration across various sectors.

University Partnerships and Research Initiatives

Joining Cox at the University of Auckland was Taylor Randall, President of the University of Utah, who expressed excitement about the educational collaborations between the two regions. Randall referred to the ASPIRE collaboration, which links the University of Auckland with Utah State University, describing it as a transformative initiative in the field of transportation and technology. He also highlighted the University of Utah’s focus on biotech and energy sectors, indicating that many innovations are being commercialized by well-funded companies.

University of Auckland’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Frank Bloomfield, welcomed the delegation, emphasizing shared interests in aerospace technology, transport electrification, and advanced technologies like quantum and photonics. Greg Murison, CEO of Auckland Uniservices, underscored the importance of international collaborations, stating that engaging with delegations like World Trade Center Utah is crucial for the university’s success.

After the university visit, the Utah delegation began exploring business opportunities in Auckland, focusing on three key industry tracks: aerospace and defense, critical minerals, and development and innovation. Delegates in the aerospace track toured facilities at the University of Auckland’s Space Institute and met with leading companies in metal additive manufacturing and satellite communications.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Cox’s itinerary also included a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, which the governor described as productive for discussing mutual priorities. Although media access was restricted, Cox later expressed gratitude for the discussions, which focused on expanding markets and partnerships in multiple sectors, including aerospace, defense, and critical minerals.

According to Melissa Sweeney, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. in New Zealand, the bilateral relationship between the two nations is stronger than ever, with trade having nearly doubled to over $17 billion in the past decade. Sweeney cited collaborative efforts on global challenges, emphasizing the mutual respect and shared interests that guide U.S.-New Zealand relations.

Cox noted the significance of Utah’s partnerships with both New Zealand and Australia, particularly in light of current geopolitical tensions in the Pacific region. He remarked that sub-national relationships are essential and can contribute to long-term stability and cooperation.

As the trade mission progresses, Cox highlighted the potential for Utah businesses to tap into New Zealand’s growing tech sector and agriculture. He expressed a desire to shift the trade pipeline between New Zealand and Colorado, suggesting that Utah offers a more advantageous business environment.

In conclusion, this trade mission represents a pivotal step in fostering deeper economic ties between Utah and New Zealand, with opportunities for collaboration that could benefit industries across both regions. As the delegation prepares to travel to Sydney, the momentum of these discussions promises to yield fruitful partnerships in the future.