01
Across every stage of business
We want to connect budding entrepreneurs and SMEs with established New Zealand companies and larger organisations. Different stages bring different experience, ideas and opportunities.
About NZGBA
A grassroots bridge between New Zealand and the Greater Bay Area
NZGBA was formed in Shenzhen in 2026 to address a clear gap in grassroots New Zealand community and business connections in southern China.
Why NZGBA exists
A locally grounded network for a region that matters
NZGBA grew from conversations with Kiwis and New Zealand-linked business owners who saw a need for stronger grassroots community and business connections in southern China.
New Zealand is already represented through official, trade and institutional channels in China. NZGBA was created to complement that work at a grassroots level, focusing on the everyday connections between Kiwis, New Zealand-linked businesses and the wider community across the Greater Bay Area.
For people living in, visiting or doing business in southern China, it can still be difficult to find useful local information, meet other New Zealanders, connect with relevant businesses or identify opportunities for professional, cultural and educational engagement.
NZGBA brings those threads together: community, business, professional development, education, culture and people-to-people connections.
A point of difference
A stronger focus on Kiwi importers and eCommerce businesses
Much of New Zealand's business focus in China has understandably been export-led: helping Kiwi exporters sell into the Chinese market. That work is important, and NZGBA values and welcomes New Zealand exporters as part of the network.
One of NZGBA's clearest points of difference is a stronger focus on the other direction: New Zealand businesses and entrepreneurs importing from China.
We place particular emphasis on New Zealand importers, eCommerce sellers, retailers, private-label brands, SMEs and entrepreneurs who work with manufacturers and suppliers in China.
Many regularly travel to southern China to visit factories, attend the Canton Fair, develop products and manage supplier relationships, yet there have historically been relatively few New Zealand-focused grassroots networks built around their needs and experiences.
NZGBA wants to give this part of the New Zealand business community a stronger local network, better connections and more opportunities to meet, learn and collaborate across the Greater Bay Area.
01Importers
02eCommerce & private-label brands
03SMEs & budding entrepreneurs
04Exporters & larger organisations are welcome too
Open by design
Built to be accessible to everyone
You do not need to own a business, hold a senior title or already have an established network in China to take part.
02
And well beyond business
NZGBA is equally open to Kiwis with no business background at all, including students, educators, professionals, families, newcomers, long-term residents and friends of New Zealand.
Professional development
Cultural exchange
Education links
Business collaboration
Community
How we operate
Independent, complementary and locally grounded
NZGBA Network is independently operated. It is not a government body, diplomatic mission or chamber of commerce.
Our aim is to complement existing New Zealand organisations and official channels by creating additional grassroots connections and opportunities across the Greater Bay Area.
UsefulActivities should create practical value, not just visibility.
Locally groundedWe build around real experience in Shenzhen and the wider GBA.
WelcomingThe network is open to different backgrounds and stages of experience.
TransparentWe are clear about our independent status and partnerships.
NZGBA in 2026
Building the network through real activity
From community events and business connections to education and cultural exchange, NZGBA is growing through practical participation across southern China.
Sunday 14 June 2026
Inaugural Shenzhen event
After six months of planning, the first NZGBA Network event took place at Craft Head Brewing Co. in Futian, Shenzhen, bringing together Kiwis, New Zealand-connected professionals, business owners and friends of New Zealand.
Wednesday 15 July 2026
Shenzhen cross-border eCommerce connections
NZGBA Network met with the Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association to discuss cross-border eCommerce, New Zealand-GBA business connections and possible future exchange.
Thursday 23 July 2026
Hello APEC Shekou Summer Camp - New Zealand Culture
NZGBA took part in the Hello APEC Shekou Summer Camp, volunteering during the New Zealand Culture session for local and international children aged 6-12 and helping introduce New Zealand culture through community and cultural exchange.
Wednesday 19 August 2026
The University of Auckland MBA visit, Shenzhen
The Founder of NZGBA spoke with visiting University of Auckland MBA students about Shenzhen, entrepreneurship, the Greater Bay Area and building stronger New Zealand connections in southern China.
Saturday 19 September 2026Upcoming
Hello APEC Shekou Cultural Market
NZGBA is organising the New Zealand side of the Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea cultural market in Shekou, bringing together Kiwi brands, food and drink, community activities and cultural experiences.
15-19 October 2026Upcoming
Canton Fair connections, Guangzhou
NZGBA is developing meetups and practical connections around Phase 1 of the Canton Fair, particularly for New Zealand importers, eCommerce businesses, entrepreneurs and other Kiwi attendees.
Get involved
Help shape the network
NZGBA will grow through the people, organisations and ideas that take part.