The U.S. Embassy in Wellington hosted an innovation reception on September 19, bringing together entrepreneurs, game developers, technology founders, and investors from New Zealand with leaders from the Embassy. The event aimed to strengthen connections between New Zealand’s startup community and opportunities in the United States.
Attendees described the gathering as “a perfect combination of refreshing old connections and making some new ones” and “another fabulous get-together,” highlighting the Embassy’s ongoing role in encouraging collaboration.
New Zealand’s technology sector accounts for more than USD $13.5 billion, or 8 percent of the country’s total GDP. In the United States, the tech industry supports about 10 million jobs each year. These figures underscore how partnerships between the two countries can contribute to economic growth and resilience.
The event highlighted several initiatives such as Power Up! Game Jam, Startup World Cup NZ Final, Lane Street Studios, Wētā FX, CreativeHQ, and the New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZDA). These collaborations are intended to provide American innovators with access to global ideas while giving U.S. investors new opportunities abroad.
Embassy officials said that deepening ties between the United States and New Zealand will help both countries compete in fast-changing industries like gaming, artificial intelligence, and space technology. Programs such as this reception are designed to encourage trade discussions and investment opportunities that can generate jobs for Americans and strengthen supply chains.
One guest commented: “Fun as always, had great convos… making progress, making positive things happen between our two nations.”