A new business event in New Zealand aiming to address the world’s agrifood climate challenge has drawn the support of key stakeholders in New Zealand, Australia, and Pacific.

The 2035 Oceania Summit was formally launched at this week’s APEC 2021 CEO Summit in Auckland.

Summit organiser Peter Wren-Hilton, founder of New Zealand-based global agri-food-tech consultancy Wharf42, says New Zealand’s reputation for research and innovation in agriculture and horticulture and its commitment to affecting resolution in climate change makes it the perfect destination to lead change.

“The 2035 Oceania Summit Programme is designed to connect key stakeholders across the Oceania region and beyond, to finally address the impact of climate change on the agrifood industry. The time for talking is over. The time to take action and make a real difference has come.”

The Summit, taking place in Auckland, April 26-27, 2022, has already attracted offshore interest. This includes partnerships with the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation, the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Australian Agritech Association, and AgriFutures Australia with its evokeAG platform.

The 2035 Oceania Summit has been designed to showcase local solutions for global climate impact. The objective is to provide farmers and growers with the tools they need to clean up the environment, address climate issues and reach net zero emissions targets by 2035.

The event will feature plenary sessions, breakout sessions, an exhibition, a start-up hub, an investment pitch event, and a line-up of major local and international speakers.

It will also incorporate ‘The Festival of Food’, curated by renowned New Zealand chef Peter Gordon, using fresh produce from the Auckland region and across Aotearoa New Zealand. Delegates will be treated to an amazing selection of food chosen for its zero-carbon footprint.

The event is supported by AgriTech New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand’s Business Events team, and Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB), a division of Auckland Unlimited.

Tourism New Zealand General Manager Domestic & Business Events, Bjoern Spreitzer says: “This event is a great opportunity to highlight New Zealand’s position as a global leader in agritech and agrifood expertise; it opens opportunities for further research and investment that will benefit our local farmers, local economy, and local environment in the longer term.”

Ken Pereira, Manager – ACB adds: “In addition to the strategic benefits this conference will bring to the agrifood industry, it will also benefit our local hospitality and accommodation sector. We are proud to support an event that brings together experts working to address climate change.”            

Watch the launch video here: https://vimeo.com/643775143

To learn more about the Summit visit: www.2035.ag

For further media comment please contact:

Peter Wren-Hilton

peter@wharf42.co.nz