Global consulting firm BCG, predicts the value of the global green economy will reach NZD$9.4 trillion by 2030. This presents one of the largest economic opportunities in decades for New Zealand, given the country’s 100% Pure brand, pristine natural environment, abundant renewable energy resources, and sustainability-minded society.
Agriculture and food production play a vital role in the New Zealand economy, contributing approximately NZ$40 billion in annual exports, representing 67% of goods exports and 47% of total exports. Despite the sector's strength, it is responsible for 48% of the country's gross greenhouse emissions, mainly from animal product production. With increasing scrutiny from consumers and governments demanding reduced emissions and enhanced sustainability, New Zealand needs to transition to sustainable farming practices. The country is well-positioned to lead the global sustainable agriculture and food sector, as its agricultural products boast some of the lowest carbon footprints worldwide. However, the industry faces challenges such as the rising demand for premium and environmentally friendly agricultural products, decreasing costs of agri-tech, the emergence of alternative proteins and milk, and governmental efforts to reduce environmental impacts through policies and regulations. New Zealand's agricultural sector must adapt to these trends to stay competitive and capitalise on opportunities for sustainable growth.
New Zealand has the potential to lead the world in sustainable agriculture by capitalising on the trend of ‘premiumising’ food through the production of natural and sustainable products. This involves enhancing the sustainability of existing products and expanding into new categories, incorporating greater supply chain transparency, ethical sourcing, and certifications. Additionally, New Zealand must aggressively invest in research and development (R&D) to reduce agricultural emissions, particularly methane, in its pasture-based farming system. With over 90% of emissions being 'hard-to-abate' in the agricultural sector, collaborative efforts with peer organisations and government support, such as the NZ$339 million investment in the Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions, are crucial. Emerging technologies and best practices, including agri-tech and regenerative agricultural techniques, can further reduce environmental impact and enhance productivity. Companies in NZ are already adopting innovative technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability in milk processing.
Join us for the first Innovation Series event this year, where we are exploring the global megatrends set to hit New Zealand in 2024. The growth of the green economy and expansion and development of economic activities that prioritise environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and the reduction of negative impacts on ecosystems in New Zealand is such a vast topic and one that we hope you will join us to explore and be a part of the conversation for.
Timings:
10.00am : Networking
10.15am : Welcome & introduction
10.25am : Keynote address 1 - John Saunders, Lincoln University
10.55am : Keynote address 2 - Hamish Reid, Pollination Group
11.25am : Keynote address 3 - Dean Spicer, ANZ
11.55am : Panel discussion/Interactive Q&A session with audience
12.15pm : Speakers pose questions for audience
12.30pm : Speaking finishes, lunch/networking
1.00pm : Session conclusion / action points presented to group
1.30pm : Event Finishes
Our Speakers
John T. Saunders, Research Officer, Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit, Lincoln University, New Zealand
Dr John T. Saunders has been a researcher at the Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit (AERU) at Lincoln University since 2009. John has developed and worked using several economic models, including the Lincoln Trade and Environment Model, Aglink, and the Long Agricultural Outlook Model. John has worked for end-users such as: OECD, DEFRA, MFAT, MPI, CCC, Synlait, Fonterra, ANZCO and DairyNZ. His areas of research interest include international trade modelling, climate change, weed and pest management, and long-term agricultural modelling.
Dean Spicer, ANZ
Head of Sustainable Finance NZ, ANZ New Zealand Limited
Dean whakapapa’s to Canterbury and graduated with a B Com from Lincoln University last century. He also studied for one year at California State University Fresno, on an exchange between the two universities.
Dean has spent more than 25 years in financial markets covering equities fund management and debt capital markets, both in New Zealand, the UK and continental Europe.
He joined ANZ in 2006 on his return from London, where he had been responsible for interest rate and credit distribution to key UK and German investors. In 2008, Dean was appointed Head of Capital Markets, a position he held until March 2020, when he was appointed to his current role as Head of Sustainable Finance NZ. He was also part of the Aotearoa Circle’s sustainable finance working group in 2021, which contributed to the report, ‘Roadmap for a sustainable financial system by 2030’. He is currently a member of the Centre for Sustainable Finance, banking implementation group.
His passion is to help foster the development of New Zealand’s sustainable finance market, with a particular interest in impact investment.
Hamish Reid, Pollination Group
Hamish has 30 years experience in consumer brand building having worked for Fonterra in New Zealand, Danone in Paris and Saatchi & Saatchi in London. In 2005 Hamish’s focus moved to sustainability and climate change, in particular, where he ran consulting projects with the International Olympic Committee, Les Mills and New Zealand Rugby. In 2017 Hamish joined milk nutrition company Synlait’s Executive Leadership Team where over five years he led the company’s repurposing, sustainability strategy and commercialisation. Hamish joins Pollination to support the firm’s advisory clients in the food, fibre, agribusiness and consumer brands sectors.
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