China-Focused Trade Shows in New Zealand — NZCPE 2026

China-focused trade shows in New Zealand: where NZCPE fits

New Zealand runs plenty of general trade shows. NZCPE is the one built entirely around China trade — hosted by MOFCOM, backed by 16 NZ business chambers, and now in its sixth edition.

Most trade shows in New Zealand cover a mix of countries and categories, which means a China-specific supplier or buyer is competing for attention with unrelated booths. NZCPE — the New Zealand – China Products Expo — is built the other way round: every exhibitor, buyer programme and industry zone exists specifically for China–NZ trade. It runs 20–22 November 2026 at Auckland's NZICC, and it's now in its sixth edition.

How is NZCPE different from a general trade show?

Two things set it apart. First, the institutional backing: NZCPE is hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce (Trade Development Bureau) and the CCPIT Guangdong Committee, delivered on the ground by NZ EJ Holdings Ltd and Shaanxi Brand Culture Technology Co., Ltd., and formally supported by 16 New Zealand business chambers including the Auckland Business Chamber, NZCTA, EMA, Business North Harbour, and the Canton and Fujian chambers of commerce. Second, the structure: 13 dedicated industry zones — food & beverage, gift & cultural products, textile & apparel, home & building materials, digital & electronics, outdoor & sports, PV & energy storage, culture & tourism, e-commerce, finance, logistics & shipping, heritage art, and provincial pavilions from Guangdong, Shaanxi, Hunan and Fujian — mean every exhibitor and buyer is there for China trade specifically, not sharing floor space with unrelated countries.

When and where is it, and has it always been there?

20–22 November 2026 (pack-in 19 November), at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, 101 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD. Previous editions — 2024 and 2025 — were held at Auckland Showgrounds; 2026 is the first year at NZICC, a move to a more central, higher-capacity venue in the Auckland CBD.

What's the track record?

NZCPE has run for six years. The 2025 edition brought together 150+ companies and institutions and generated RMB 20 million in on-site transactions and RMB 70 million in signed intent contracts, with buyers including Foodstuffs. The 2024 edition drew 12,000+ visitors and 1,900+ registered NZ professional buyers, with an opening ceremony attended by Chinese Ambassador Wang Xiaolong, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and NZ Minister Paul Goldsmith.

Who actually attends — buyers, exhibitors, or both?

All three trade day audiences plus the general public. Friday 20 November is the trade day for professional buyers only; Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 are open to the public for cultural programming and retail. On the trade side, the buyer programme spans retailers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, e-commerce platforms, corporate procurement teams and government trade agencies (NZTE, MFAT, MPI, MBIE), while exhibitor booths run from a standard 9 sqm shell scheme up to custom raw-space builds.

Can I sponsor instead of taking a booth?

Yes — sponsorship packages are available alongside exhibitor booths. Contact the organisers at sponsorship@nzcpe.co.nz for current tiers and inclusions.