Leaders from 15 ethnic business organisations across New Zealand came together in Auckland on 2 July to establish the new Ethnic Business Organisations Alliance (the Alliance), marking an important milestone for the ethnic business sector.
The meeting was supported by the Ministry's senior leadership team, with Garry Gupta, Director for Strategic Engagement Programmes, delivering opening remarks on behalf of Deputy Chief Executive Berlinda Chin and facilitating discussions on the Alliance's purpose and future direction.
As the government's chief advisor on ethnic diversity, the Ministry is supporting the establishment and ongoing development of the Alliance to strengthen engagement between government and ethnic business organisations and help ensure their perspectives inform government decision-making.
Why this matters
The Alliance provides a stronger, more coordinated way for ethnic business organisations to engage with government, collaborate on shared priorities, and contribute to government decision-making.
Ethnic businesses are an increasingly important part of New Zealand's economy. By 2024, one in five (20%) business owners in New Zealand were from an Ethnic Community, reflecting the growing contribution of ethnic entrepreneurs through business ownership, investment and innovation.
The Alliance builds on the Ministry's ongoing engagement with ethnic business communities and responds to business leaders' calls for a more coordinated way to engage with government. By strengthening collaboration between government and the ethnic business sector, the Alliance will help ensure the perspectives of ethnic businesses are better reflected in decision-making and support their continued growth and contribution to New Zealand's economy.
A step forward for the sector
Participants recognised the establishment of the Alliance as an important milestone, reflecting the time and effort it has taken to bring diverse ethnic business organisations together.
The proposal to establish the Alliance was endorsed by participants, with no objections raised.
Participants emphasised that the Alliance would provide a stronger collective voice for ethnic business organisations and strengthen collaboration across the sector.
There was a clear focus on making sure the Alliance is sustainable over time, with appropriate governance and inclusive leadership.
The meeting also created an opportunity for members to build new connections and identify ways to work together across organisations and communities.
Looking ahead
The Ministry will continue to support the Alliance as a trusted convenor and Secretariat, helping strengthen collaboration between government and ethnic business organisations.
The inaugural meeting brought together representatives from the following organisations: The Africa New Zealand Business Chamber, China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, Korea New Zealand Business Council, Latin America New Zealand Business Council, New Zealand Brazil Business Chamber, New Zealand China Trade Association, New Zealand Commonwealth Business Council, New Zealand Indian Business Association, New Zealand Indian Central Association, New Zealand Malaysia Business Association, New Zealand Philippines Business Council, Pakistan New Zealand Business Council, the Federation of New Zealand Shenzhen Societies, New Zealand Nepal Chamber of Commerce, and Sri Lankan Business Association in New Zealand.
The Ministry thanks these organisations for their valuable contribution to establishing the Alliance and helping shape its future direction.
Ethnic business organisations interested in joining the Alliance can contact the Ministry at info@ethniccommunities.govt.nz for more information about the membership criteria and joining process.
Image on the left: Representatives from 15 ethnic business organisations participate in discussions during the inaugural meeting of the Ethnic Business Organisations Alliance.
Image in the middle: Participants share perspectives and contribute to discussions on the proposed purpose and direction of the Ethnic Business Organisations Alliance.
Image on the right: Leaders from ethnic business organisations across New Zealand at the inaugural meeting of the Ethnic Business Organisations Alliance, held in Auckland on 2 July 2026.