Why Kiwi businesses are actually well suited for China. A lot of people see China as too different or too complex for NZ businesses. In reality, many Kiwi decision-makers already have the right mindset. It just needs to be applied in the right way.
There is a natural openness in how Kiwi leaders operate. We are generally willing to adapt, whether that is product, pricing, or channels. In China, that flexibility is often the difference between gaining traction or being ignored.
Another strength is the way relationships are approached. NZ businesses value trust and consistency, and while China builds relationships differently, that foundation still translates. Businesses that show up, follow through, and think long term tend to stand out.
Being from a small market also creates an advantage. Kiwi businesses are used to looking outward and navigating unfamiliar environments. Expanding into China is not a completely new mindset — it is an extension at a larger scale.
The gap is not capability. It is how these strengths are applied. Many businesses either underestimate themselves, or try to apply NZ logic without adapting it. China does not require you to become a different business. It requires you to use your strengths more intentionally.
Julian Zhu
Founder & Managing Director, MiDeer Consulting