NZ Prime Minister and Airport Chair Sign Deal in Shanghai to Strengthen Trade and Tourism Connectivity
(IN SHORT) Christchurch Airport and Shanghai Airport Authority have signed an MOU in Shanghai—witnessed by Board Chair Sarah Ottrey and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon—to strengthen strategic ties, enhance direct air connectivity, and support growing trade and tourism between China and New Zealand’s South Island. Ottrey’s participation in the New Zealand Trade Mission highlights her dual role in aviation leadership and the NZ China Business Council. With Chinese visitors spending NZ$1.1 billion in 2024 and bilateral trade at NZ$38 billion, direct flights via Christchurch Airport are crucial. From 23 June, the airport will also host its 11th Kia Ora South events in China to promote tourism and education travel.
(PRESS RELEASE) CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, 2025-Jun-20 — /Travel PR News/ — Christchurch Airport and Shanghai Airport Authority have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation between the two aviation hubs. The agreement was signed in Shanghai by Christchurch Airport Board Chair Sarah Ottrey alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the current New Zealand Trade Mission to China.
This MOU is designed to bolster strategic collaboration, promote direct flight connections, and accommodate rising demand for both trade and tourism between China—New Zealand’s largest trading partner—and the South Island. The broader trade mission, spanning Shanghai and Beijing, seeks to unlock new opportunities in tourism, education, and premium food and beverage exports—sectors crucial to New Zealand’s future economic growth.
Sarah Ottrey’s inclusion in the 28-strong delegation of New Zealand business leaders underscores her expertise in aviation and her deep engagement in Sino-New Zealand relations. As an active member of the NZ China Business Council, she contributes directly to policy dialogue on enhancing trade, tourism, and investment flows between the two nations.
Prime Minister Luxon commented, “Sarah brings invaluable regional insight and tourism experience to our trade delegation. Her leadership at Christchurch Airport will help us strengthen economic and cultural ties with China.”
In 2024, Chinese visitors to New Zealand spent NZ$1.1 billion, while two-way trade reached NZ$38 billion. Direct air links via Christchurch Airport are vital to sustaining and growing these figures, enabling seamless movement of people, goods, and ideas.
Following the MOU signing, a Christchurch Airport delegation will host the 11th annual Kia Ora South events in China from 23 June, in partnership with Tourism New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These events showcase New Zealand’s tourism and education offerings to Chinese markets.
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SOURCE: Christchurch International Airport
