Coasties may be interested to hear that Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is set to visit Brazil and China this month, leading a mission aimed at boosting trade and strengthening international ties.

With a combined population exceeding 1.6 billion, Brazil and China offer significant opportunities for Auckland businesses to expand into new markets.

Mayor Brown will join Auckland-based business leaders, who are covering their own travel expenses, to explore economic partnerships in these key regions.

One highlight of the mission will be discussions around the Southern Cross trade connection—a proposed air route connecting Asia, Auckland, and South America.

This new passenger and freight link would enhance Auckland’s role as a trade hub.

“This route could open up faster, more cost-effective ways for our businesses to reach these important markets,” said Mayor Brown.

The Mayor’s trip will first take him to Brazil on 20 October, where he will meet São Paulo’s Vice-Governor alongside Trade Minister Todd McClay.

Trade Minister Todd McClay

The visit will also include a roundtable with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, a technology showcase featuring Auckland companies, and a signing ceremony for new business partnerships.

Upon his return to Auckland, Mayor Brown will travel to China on 31 October.

He will engage with officials in Haikou, visit the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, and attend a ceremony marking 35 years of sister-city relations with Guangzhou.

In addition, Mayor Brown plans to explore China’s infrastructure achievements, particularly its rapid expansion of high-speed rail.

“Learning from China’s approach to infrastructure could provide insights for Auckland’s future development,” he noted.

The trip will wrap up with a stopover in Tokyo, where Mayor Brown will attend the Japan-New Zealand Business Council Conference before returning to Auckland on 17 November.

The trip, estimated to cost NZD 75,000, has been approved by the council’s audit committee, with one staff member accompanying the Mayor on each leg.

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson will assume mayoral duties while Mayor Brown is away.

This trade mission marks the first time an Auckland Mayor has officially visited Brazil, setting a new precedent for international outreach and economic diplomacy.