The study underscores the strategic importance of the New Zealand dairy sector, a cornerstone of Chinese investment. Long-standing partnerships with some of the world’s largest dairy players continue to grow, with recent top-up investments reinforcing the value of stable, long-term collaboration. Analysts note that these ties extend beyond trade, encouraging innovation, technology transfer, and greater resilience across the value chain.

Beyond dairy, Chinese investors are targeting emerging sectors such as pet food and video game development. The report highlights how successful exports to China often translate into follow-up investment, while the gaming industry demonstrates how capital from China can generate global rather than solely domestic benefits. Experts describe this shift as part of a “no stone unturned” phase in New Zealand’s investment attraction strategy.

While 60 New Zealand firms now maintain a corporate presence in China, outbound investment remains modest, totaling just NZ$117 million between 2014 and 2024. Still, optimism about the Chinese market is strong. According to a separate Business Outlook survey, over half of New Zealand companies reported “high or very high” confidence about their China prospects, with 95 percent expressing at least moderate optimism, largely fueled by rising profits and revenues.