Panel Discussion
2
CPD
The High Commissioner of India to NZ and Simon Bridges discuss the opportunities the NZ-India FTA brings for businesses.
New Zealand and India signed the landmark NZ-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 27 April 2026.
Join us for a timely discussion about what the Agreement means for directors and business leaders navigating an evolving trade landscape
Ravi Nyayapati CMInstD will facilitate an engaging conversation between Her Excellency Muanpuii Saiawi - High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, and Simon Bridges - CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, examining the commercial opportunities emerging from closer trade ties between the two countries.
The panel will explore pathways to higher-value trade, deepening investment links with India, and the practical implications for New Zealand businesses operating – or considering operating – in this market.
This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for directors and business leaders to consider how the FTA may shape strategy, risk and opportunity across various sectors in the years ahead.
High Commissioner of India to New Zealand
Ms Muanpuii Saiawi is a 2005 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer and is currently serving as the High Commissioner of India to New Zealand. During her diplomatic career, she has worked in Indian Embassies in Republic of Korea, Japan, and Israel. In the Ministry of External Affairs, she has served in several important roles related to disarmament, international security, cyber diplomacy, and new technologies.
From 2022 to 2026, she served as Joint Secretary for Disarmament and International Security Affairs, where she handled issues related to global security, export controls, maritime security, and cooperation with India’s space and atomic energy departments.
Her husband is Ambassador of India to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. They have a daughter.
CMInstD
A lawyer turned senior National politician, Simon held a raft of senior responsibilities in politics, including as Leader of the National Party.
Prior to Parliament, Simon started his career in a national law firm and was then a Crown prosecutor.
Simon has an LLB (Hons) and BA from Auckland University where he received a Senior Law Prize, and a Bachelor of Civil law from Oxford University.
Following his retirement from politics, Simon was appointed CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber. Simon chairs NZTA Waka Kotahi and the Eden Park Trust Board and is an independent director of ICBC Bank (NZ).
CMInstD
Ravi is a proud Chartered Member of the Institute, committed to upholding and raising standards of governance. He holds a master's degree in technology and is an experienced executive leader in AI and digital transformation, with over three decades of experience across large corporate environments.
His governance experience includes roles on the boards of NZQA, the Auckland Regional Amenities Fund, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (Risk, Audit & Technology Committees), Chair at Badminton New Zealand, and Deputy Chair of Eventfinda Stadium. He is recognised for his strong ethics, values-based leadership, sound judgement, and practical problem-solving approach.
Ravi is also deeply involved in the community and brings a broad, inclusive perspective to the board table, with a natural ability to connect with people across communities. Having spent three decades in Asia and Africa, his multicultural upbringing and global experience have shaped his open, empathetic, and considered approach to leadership.
Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.
By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.
Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event. See our standard terms and conditions for more information.
Clarissa Hirst
Auckland Branch Manager
+64 27 642 1099
+64 4 470 2619
Clarissa.Hirst@iod.org.nz
The Auckland branch acknowledges the generous support of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members — $75.00
Non-members — $129.00
