It was a true pleasure to be part of such a landmark achievement in strengthening New Zealand-Brazil relations. We shared wonderful moments with Stephen Blair, the entire NZTE Brasil team, Hon. Minister Todd McClay and Ambassador to New Zealand in Brasília, Richard Prendergast.
A few standout highlights included introducing Auckland’s Mayor, Mayor Wayne Brown, to São Paulo’s Mayor, Ricardo Nunes, as well as connecting with Akaer Aerospace CEO Cesar Silva, and reconnecting with longtime friends, Johnny Saad, owner of TV Bandeirantes, and the network’s Communication General Manager, former Minister of Tourism and Sports, Caio Luiz de Carvalho. The meeting with the Consul General of China and Mayor Brown in São Paulo was also a key moment for all of us. Special thanks to our esteemed partners in Brazil: Rafael Possik Junior, Prof., Tom oliveira São Paulo, Mario Garnero, Mario Bernardo Garnero, Fernando Monteiro de Carvalho Garnero, Dom Walter Henrique, Patrick Hunt, PhD, MBA, Joselito Henriques, David Schurmann, Carla Matsu, Jacqueline Nakamura, Beni Iachan, Antonio Padron Neto, Jaqueline Gil, Philipp Grunert Collins, Jazz Singh, Hamish Wiig so many others.
The New Zealand Brazil Business Chamber remains dedicated to strengthening economic connections, driving business growth, and fostering collaboration between companies and governments in both countries.
With Project Southern Cross, our vision for a direct flight linking New Zealand and Brazil—connecting Asia to South America via Auckland, and Oceania to Europe and Africa via São Paulo—grows closer than ever.
The future is here. Let’s build it together!
