Navigating Trade & Export Challenges

Navigating Trade & Export Challenges

Join us as we delve into the pressing challenges facing exporters today

By Lincoln University's State of the Land

Date and time

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM NZST

Location

Mrs O's

Springs Road Lincoln, Canterbury 7647 New Zealand

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Global markets are evolving at an unprecedented pace, placing increasing pressure on New Zealand’s primary industries to adapt to shifting trade dynamics, regulatory complexities, and logistical constraints. As a nation heavily reliant on exports, ensuring the seamless movement of goods is critical for economic resilience.

With geopolitical tensions, climate policies, and rising costs shaping the future of trade, what does this mean for New Zealand’s primary industries? This event will unpack the critical issues affecting exporters, including the impact of global shipping disruptions, changing market access requirements, and the push for sustainability-driven trade. Join us to gain expert insights into how businesses can adapt, innovate, and remain competitive in an increasingly complex trade landscape.

Lyttelton Port Company NZ is the South Island’s largest international trade gateway. As a key player in New Zealand’s export infrastructure, Lyttelton Port is at the forefront of facilitating the flow of primary industry goods—from dairy and meat to timber and horticultural products—connecting producers to international markets. With increasing global demand, heightened environmental expectations, and the push for supply chain efficiencies, Lyttelton Port Company is actively investing in infrastructure, digital solutions, and sustainability initiatives to future-proof New Zealand’s export capacity. Our guests speaker, Graeme Sumner, CEO at Lyttelton Port Company will share his insights to shed light on the evolving role of ports in enabling trade resilience and ensuring exporters can navigate the challenges ahead.

Join us for this event as we delve into the pressing challenges facing exporters today—from supply chain disruptions to evolving trade agreements—and explore strategies to safeguard and strengthen New Zealand’s position on the global stage.


Tuesday 17th June

4.00pm - 5.30pm

Mrs O’s Cafe, Lincoln University


We hope to see you there!


Timings

4.00pm - Guests arrive for networking
4.10pm - Introduction for Lincoln University Provost, Prof. Chad Hewitt
4.15pm - Overview from Lincoln University about what LU is doing in this space
4.20pm - Presentation from Keynote Speaker
4:45pm - Q&A Session
5.00pm - Networking
5.30pm - Event finishes


About Our Speaker

Graeme Sumner, Lyttelton Port Company

Graeme became Lyttelton Port Company’s Chief Executive Officer in September 2023. Graeme’s executive experience includes CEO of Airways New Zealand, the SOE responsible for the management and control of New Zealand’s airspace, as well as having an extensive international business providing products and services to 33 countries worldwide. Before joining Airways New Zealand in 2017, Graeme held various leadership roles in New Zealand and Australia, including Managing Director of Service Stream, Managing Director of Transfield Services New Zealand and Managing Director of Siemens New Zealand. Earlier, Graeme held General Manager level roles with New Zealand Post, Contact Energy and Telecom.


Organised by

The LU State of the Land initiative brings people together from across Aotearoa New Zealand’s agriculture, food and fibre sector to tackle the big issues facing the industry today.

Through networking events and purposeful connection, we create opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists and industry leaders to share insights, explore challenges, and collaborate on innovative solutions.

State of the Land fosters a connected community focused on building a more resilient, sustainable and future-ready sector.

NZ$6.03