The Irish Business Network in New Zealand launched their Christchurch chapter on Thursday 13th June at the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce on Kilmore Street, Christchurch.
His Excellency Peter Ryan, Ambassador of Ireland to New Zealand and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel spoke at the event.
Speaking about the IBNNZ, Ambassador Ryan said, "Our countries share many similarities including in terms of our economic development, as small island nations with open, globally connected, export-driven economies. With around 18 percent of all Kiwis tracing their heritage to the island of Ireland, the scope to develop our network for mutual benefit is immense.
"So if you want to grow your business network, find business partners or just catch up with some welcoming, like-minded people, I recommend attending an IBNNZ event.”
IBNNZ have been working to connect and strengthen the friends of Ireland and the Irish community in New Zealand since 2015. With over 800 members from a number of industries and sectors the aim of the IBNNZ is to provide a friendly and open forum for business people with a connection to Ireland to network and socialise together.
IBNNZ will now hold networking events for its members in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and has plans to extend its reach to other parts of New Zealand.
With embassies opening in Dublin and Wellington it is an exciting time for New Zealand and Ireland to build stronger business connections between the two island Nations.
For more information go to https://www.ibnnz.com/
Pictured from left to right: Karen Manning, The Dubliner; His Excellency, Ambassador of Ireland to New Zealand Peter Ryan; Fiona Deehan, IBNNZ Christchurch; Colm McGrath, IBNNZ Christchurch; Ronan O’Gara, The Crusaders (ex Irish rugby international); Gary Manning, The Dubliner; Caolan Keegan, IBNNZ, Wellington