Launching the Southern Link

The Southern Link places New Zealand in the middle of a global value chain connecting Asia and South America, generating growth in trade, tourism and export opportunities. Transiting via New Zealand offers the shortest air route between many major cities on the two continents, along with time zone advantages and efficient hubbing and servicing. The NZCC commissioned a report on the Southern Link to quantify the Link’s economic benefits, and identify New Zealand's advantages and the challenges we will need to overcome to harness this opportunity. In this podcast, we discuss the findings with report author Chris Nixon - NZIER Principal Economist, Lionel Berte - Head of Asia Pacific for Asendia (an international mail joint venture between French La Poste and Swiss Post), Steve Jones - NZTE’s Regional Director for Latin America, and Justin Watson - Christchurch Airport’s Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer.