Lawrence Meredith

Excellent to visit Tauranga with #TeamEurope marking two years of the EU–NZ FTA 🇪🇺🇳🇿 From kiwifruit & agri-tech to ports, infrastructure & innovation, the Bay of Plenty is buzzing. Great to see EU and NZ partnerships delivering growth, sustainability & jobs 🥝🤝 #StrongerTogether

Great to visit The University of Waikato with #TeamEurope 🇪🇺🇳🇿 ㅤ Impressive discussions on marine science, AI, agri-tech, engineering & health research, alongside strong EU links. ㅤ Exciting plans too for the NZ Institute for Marine Futures 🌊 ㅤ #StrongerTogether #HorizonEurope

It was a privilege to welcome the European Union delegation to the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus this week 🇪🇺🇳🇿 The visit highlighted world-class marine and environmental research 🌊🔬 at our Coastal Marine Field Station, as well as valuable conversations with staff and students across the University 🎓🤝 We look forward to continuing to strengthen New Zealand–EU partnerships through research, innovation, and education 🚀📚 #CoastalMarineFieldStation #WaikatoTauranga #MarineResearch #EnvironmentalResearch # EurpoeanUnion

Great to kick off #TeamEurope’s visit to Tauranga at Syos 🇪🇺🇳🇿 ㅤ Impressive innovation in advanced marine, aviation, land & subsea systems — including support for trusted partners like Ukraine defending their land, sea and skies. ㅤ In turbulent times, trusted partnerships matter more than ever. 🚀 ㅤ #StandWithUkraine

Celebrating Europe Day in Parliament last night 🇪🇺🇳🇿 Thanks Minister McClay & Potaka. ㅤ From the EU–NZ FTA & Business Summit to #HorizonEurope, climate action & support for Ukraine — we are building a stronger partnership based on trust, trade & shared values 🤝 ㅤ #StrongerTogether

Wonderful to attend the Europe Day reception this evening, and to hear the deep support for action on climate, for a healthy environment and Te Tiriti (along with Geographical Indications and good fromage!). #valuesmatter

Great to welcome Finnish Minister Ville Tavio to Auckland 🇫🇮🇪🇺🇳🇿 ㅤ A strong delegation showcasing Finland–NZ ties—from AI & deep tech to infrastructure & logistics. ㅤ Small, innovative economies delivering real impact together 🤝 ㅤ #StrongerTogether

Great to start the day at another engaging Beehive to Business event — this time with Rt. Hon. Chris Hipkins. Many thanks to Hayley Horan and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce for the valuable exchange ahead of this year's election. ㅤ A strong focus this morning on clean energy and the importance of working with trusted partners to address global fuel challenges. The EU is stepping up with AccelerateEU — a clear signal of our commitment to a secure, resilient, and clean energy future. ㅤ As President Ursula von der Leyen underlined: “The choices we make today will shape our ability to face the challenges of today and the crises of tomorrow… This will give us energy independence and security.” ㅤ New Zealand has an impressive pipeline of cleantech innovation — Zethos (who I visited last week), NILO, Aspiring Materials, and Neocrete are just a few examples — ready to scale globally. Europe is a natural partner and market for these solutions. ㅤ The EU–NZ partnership is delivering on collaborative innovation (through Horizon Europe), investment, and shared ambition to drive the clean transition forward 🌱 ㅤ hashtag#StrongerTogether

This morning in Christchurch, I was deeply moved to join the ANZAC day service and lay a wreath as the sun rose on ANZAC Day. 🇪🇺🇳🇿🇦🇺 ㅤ A touching moment, in the early light — standing together with the large crowd and 513 retired and active service members — to remember those who served and those who never returned. ㅤ We honour the courage and sacrifice of all from Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia who gave their lives, and all who have served in defence of peace, democracy, and freedom. ㅤ The EU stands in solidarity with New Zealand and Australia — remembering the past, and reaffirming the values that continue to unite us. ㅤ Honoured to join Rt. Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister; His Worship Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch; Kahurangi Carter MP; Laura McClure MP; Reuben Davidson MP; Hon Dr Duncan Webb MP; Lieve Bierque, Coralie de La Fage and Belfiore Bologna, Honorary Consuls of Belgium, France and Italy; standing shoulder to shoulder with Bevan Killick, the British Honorary Consul. ㅤ #StrongerTogether

Great to meet Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger — a city with real momentum. 🚀 From the opening of the One New Zealand Stadium to a bold cleantech vision, Christchurch is buzzing. The city is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation — from clean tech to hydrogen to advanced materials. Our upcoming Cleantech Summit at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre (21 September) will be another important step in connecting this ambition globally. ㅤ At the University of Canterbury, excellent exchanges with Professor Lucy Johnston (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation), Professor Martin Holland, Dr Serena Kelly and Dr Jannik Haas. Two stimulating seminars followed by lively debate — a clear signal of the depth of interest in the EU–NZ partnership. 🌏 ㅤ With Dalziel Paul and Julianne Hughey, great to hear of the strong momentum through #HorizonEurope and the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme. Christchurch is already active across seven themes — linking local innovation with European cities and regions, and tackling global challenges from climate to digital and urban transformation. ㅤ Christchurch shows how local leadership can drive international cooperation, through the EU–NZ relationship, into real opportunity — and real impact. ㅤ #StrongerTogether 🤝

Great to join PM Christopher Luxon at the opening of Zethos in Christchurch—a world-first in clean metal refining ♻️ ㅤ Momentum continues → EU–NZ Cleantech Summit (Sept 2026) + 22 🇳🇿 successes in Horizon Europe driving innovation. ㅤ #StrongerTogether

Congrats to SBC & Mike Burrell on a pivotal report 👏 ㅤ Clear message from @simonwattsmp : growth + emissions reduction should go together. ㅤ Now looking to our Cleantech & Renewable Energies Summit (21 Sept, Christchurch) ⚡—time to turn ambition into action. ㅤ #StrongerTogether