New Delhi. : Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, undertook multiple high-level engagements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, and cultural exchanges between India and New Zealand on the second day of his official visit to New Zealand.
Earlier in the day, en route to Rotorua, the Minister met CEO, Air New Zealand, Mr. Nikhil Ravishankar. Discussions focused on the airline’s role in enhancing regional and global connectivity. Shri Goyal highlighted India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector and underscored the significant opportunities it offers for strengthening collaboration in air services and tourism.
Upon arrival in Rotorua, Shri Goyal was received by Ms. Tania Tapsell, Mayor of Rotorua. The Minister thanked the Mayor for the warm welcome and commended the city’s unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, expressing confidence that greater bilateral engagement would help boost trade and tourism linkages.
At Te Puia, the national centre for Māori culture and arts, Shri Goyal was accorded a traditional Māori welcome (Pōwhiri) in the presence of Mr. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade of New Zealand. The ceremony, which included customary chants and the hongi greeting, reflected the warmth and mutual respect between the two nations. Shri Goyal appreciated the Māori community for their rich cultural traditions and noted the resonance between Māori values and India’s own civilisational ethos, particularly in their shared reverence for nature and community.
Later, Shri Goyal and Mr. Todd McClay co-chaired the India–New Zealand CEOs Roundtable, which brought together leading business representatives from both countries. Addressing the gathering, Shri Goyal highlighted India’s rapidly transforming economic landscape and emphasized the vast potential for collaboration in technology, agriculture, education, clean energy, tourism, and sustainability. He welcomed the strong participation of Indian-origin business leaders and encouraged New Zealand industry to explore deeper partnerships with India for mutual growth.
Shri Goyal conveyed his gratitude to Minister McClay for the gracious hospitality extended in his hometown of Rotorua and affirmed that both sides are committed to advancing India–New Zealand relations towards greater friendship, prosperity, and shared progress.
