A century of sporting connection between India and New Zealand is providing the platform for something bigger - a conversation about what the next 100 years of partnership could look like.
On 12 and 13 November, the New Zealand–India Business, Sport and Innovation Summit will bring senior leaders from business, government, sport, technology and education together in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland to build connections, exchange ideas and explore new opportunities between the two countries.
For Indian delegates, the Summit offers a chance to engage directly with New Zealand leaders, gain insight into the country's capabilities and innovation ecosystem, and explore opportunities for collaboration across business, technology, education and sport.
The programme has a deliberately practical focus. Sessions will examine how New Zealand organisations can enter and thrive in India, what New Zealand can learn from India's experience of innovation and growth at scale, and how ideas developed in New Zealand can connect with the scale and expertise of the Indian market.
Other discussions will explore artificial intelligence and digital transformation, food and beverage and the Māori economy, education and talent, and the role of sport as an economic connector.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Head of Business Events Ken Pereira says the Summit is designed to turn conversation into meaningful connections.
"India and New Zealand bring different strengths, perspectives and experiences to the table, and there is enormous value in creating the space for those to come together. At its heart, this Summit is about mahi tahi - working together - showcasing New Zealand capability and creating relationships and opportunities that can extend well beyond these two days," says Ken Pereira.
The speaker line-up reflects that ambition, bringing together leaders from both countries and across sectors. Contributors include international cricketer and former India captain Ajinkya Rahane, entrepreneur and Animation Research Limited founder Sir Ian Taylor, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar, Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Rene de Monchy, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill and India's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Her Excellency Ms Muanpuii Saiawi.
The Summit will also put relationships at the centre of the experience, with opportunities for delegates to connect with people and organisations interested in strengthening ties between the two countries.
It forms part of 100 Years of Unity Through Sport, a national celebration marking a century of sporting connection between Aotearoa New Zealand and India. The year-long programme uses sport as a platform to deepen connections through culture, community and business.
That connection will be particularly visible in Auckland. The Summit coincides with a wider programme of activity in the region, including the All Whites taking on India at Go Media Stadium on 12 November.
Delivered in partnership by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland's cultural, events and destination agency, and Sport New Zealand, the Summit reflects a shared ambition to build on 100 years of connection and create new opportunities for the future.
For Indian business leaders, innovators and organisations, the New Zealand–India Business, Sport and Innovation Summit offers a place to make connections, exchange knowledge and help shape what comes next.
The next 100 years start now, register now to secure your place. Early bird registrations close 21 October.