11 November 2015

Foreign Direct Investment Workshop to help Northland companies prepare better for overseas investment

Northland Inc is hosting a Foreign Direct Investment Workshop on Wednesday 11 November to support Northland companies in their bid to secure overseas investment for their growth opportunities.

“When it comes to pitching and securing overseas investment Northland companies are finding themselves entering a heavily regulated and complex environment. The level and standard of information provided to potential foreign Investors varies greatly and can be the main reason why success is not achieved,” says Northland Inc Chief Executive Officer David Wilson.

This workshop looks at how businesses can prepare themselves and their applications to compete on a level playing field. Foreign investment can be a highly contestable process and workshop organisers want to see Northland companies winning more of these types of deals.

The speakers will help demystify the often changing landscape of overseas investment with a view to share their experience and practical examples on how to navigate this sometimes unknown process.

Michael Brunner, workshop organiser and Associate Principal for Crowe Howarth, says the workshop will give those attending the “knowledge and skills” they need to compete internationally.

“It is about getting more Northland companies over the line when it comes to getting that investment dollar and, which investors not to pursue,” Mr Brunner.

Catherine Reid who will be speaking at the workshop and is the Overseas Investment Act expert says:

“The Overseas Investment Office is currently rejecting 20 percent of applications submitted because they haven’t met the standard required.  It is crucial that investors submit high quality applications for a smoother OIO process.”

This workshop will give Northland companies the chance to hear from a panel of experts so they can determine which opportunities to go for and how to present the best application they can with sound knowledge of the regulatory requirements. It is hoped that more companies look to this untapped capital market to help them grow and bring new business opportunities to Northland.

The speakers are:

Guy Tapley – NZTE, Manager Regional Investment - The role of large projects in economic development – the research

Mike Brunner – Crowe Horwath, Associate Principal - The funding landscape - a business and opportunity perspective

Andrew Sayers – Hong Kong NZ Business Association, President with Kenneth Leong - Asian Capital looking for a New Zealand Home?

Bad Tatere – Investment Fund Manager at Te Tumu Paeroa – Te Tumu Paeroa - The Maori growth agenda and foreign investors

Guy Tapley – NZTE, Manager Regional Investment - New Zealand investment attraction strategy Understanding the rules and playing a better game

Julian Dawson – Barrister, RMA lawyer- Unlocking the RMA for foreign investment

Catherine Reid – Gibson Sheat, Overseas Investment Act expert, 4 years’ experience in OIO - Must know tips from inside the Overseas Investment Office

The day will conclude with a panel facilitated question and answer session on: Five key FDI steps forward for Northland and five existing institutions that may stop Northland FDI in its tracks.

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