23 January 2026
Lunch with The British High Commissioner
The Southland Business Chamber recently hosted an invitation-only roundtable lunch with Her Excellency Ms Iona Thomas, British High Commissioner to New Zealand, bringing together a select group of Southland exporters and manufacturers.
The session provided a valuable opportunity for open and practical discussion around exporting to the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on the opportunities available under the UK–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. Businesses shared their real-world experiences, exploring both the challenges and advantages of engaging with the UK market, and discussing pathways for growth, innovation, and scale.
With numbers intentionally limited, the roundtable encouraged meaningful conversation, direct engagement, and the exchange of insights between local businesses and the High Commissioner. The feedback shared offered an important snapshot of exporter sentiment in the region and highlighted areas where continued collaboration can support Southland’s international trade ambitions.
We thank Her Excellency Ms Iona Thomas and all participating businesses for contributing to a thoughtful and constructive discussion, and for helping strengthen Southland’s global trade connections.
