In Bucharest, a business leader told me: “We’re not overlooked anymore.” And he’s right. Central Europe is rising economically and strategically. So why are New Zealand investors still looking west?

When it comes to digital transformation, Central Europe is moving faster than many of us realise. While others wrestle with legacy systems, countries like Poland and Romania have jumped straight to mobile-first infrastructure and digital government.

If you're a New Zealand business owner looking for offshore partners, skilled collaborators or even talent to recruit, it's time to take another look at Central Europe.

Walking the streets of Warsaw, the energy is hard to ignore. Construction cranes pivot above trams, cafes brim with professionals, and the local Chamber of Commerce talks more like a startup incubator. This isn’t the Europe you remember.

For three decades, the Asia New Zealand Foundation has been dedicated to equipping New Zealanders with the tools, experiences and insights to engage confidently and capably with Asia.

The Government has labelled Budget 2025 the “Growth Budget”. For Moore Markhams clients, particularly business owners and whānau-led enterprises across Aotearoa, the announcement brings a mix of targeted incentives, modest cost-of-living support and long-term structural shifts. These touch on key areas such as business investment, retirement savings and infrastructure.

New Zealand, known for its natural beauty, also offers a robust and attractive environment for business, and can be particularly attractive to investors from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The country’s top position in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index highlights the streamlined nature of its regulatory framework.