NZ's best photo print studio joins leading software firm, paves way for global growth
MEA, the software specialist powering the world’s largest photo retailers, has acquired leading photo print studio, Happy Moose. The partnership unites MEA’s e-commerce capability and global retail reach with Happy Moose’s expertise in premium production and handcrafted products. Together, they aim to deliver premium photo printing at scale — raising the bar for customers and paving the way for international expansion.
Happy Moose has built a loyal following in New Zealand for its seriously good photo prints and a playful brand personality. From archival-quality papers to true-to-life colour, every order is crafted to make photos look their best. Based in Connecticut, USA and Hamilton, New Zealand, MEA’s technology connects thousands of photo labs and retail stores worldwide — including major US retailers — making it one of the most widely used photo printing platforms.
By acquiring Happy Moose, MEA offers customers the best of both worlds — high-tech convenience and handcrafted quality — while preserving the unique character that has made Happy Moose a local favourite.
We’re pairing powerful technology with premium printmaking,” stated Rod Macfarlane, Executive Director at MEA, “MEA’s technology underpins one of the world’s largest photo printing networks, and Happy Moose is New Zealand’s best photo lab. Together we can create premium print experiences at a scale the industry hasn’t seen before.
Happy Moose will continue producing orders from its studio in Dunedin, New Zealand – including collage posters and photo books - while MEA integrates its catalogue into its platform, with select products rolling out in new markets such as the USA and Australia over time. No immediate changes for existing Happy Moose customers are expected.
Key Highlights:
Photo software specialist MEA has acquired New Zealand's best photo print studio, Happy Moose.
The partnership pairs MEA’s global reach with Happy Moose’s seriously good photo prints.
Together they aim to deliver premium photo prints at scale, paving the way for international growth.
The acquisition builds on MEA’s history of innovation in photo printing, including leading print-on-demand apps Printicular and Photo Prints Now. These connect millions of customers to fast, convenient printing - and now, with Happy Moose in the family, MEA can also offer premium handcrafted products alongside its high-volume services.
Deal terms were not disclosed. The acquisition closed on 8 August 2025.
Monty the Moose is triple-checking customers’ orders," added Macfarlane. "He’s a bit of a perfectionist.
For more information contact MEA at USA: 203.599.1111, NZ: 07.838.2325, AU: 02.909.85.909 or at info@we-are-mea.com.
Press kit with photos and full release available here.
About MEA
MEA develops software for photo printing and fulfilment used by labs and retailers worldwide. Its apps, including Printicular and Photo Prints Now, make it easy to order prints and personalised products for pickup or delivery. MEA operates globally with teams in Connecticut, USA and New Zealand. Learn more at www.meaphototech.com.
About Happy Moose
Happy Moose is a New Zealand print studio known best for photo prints and personalised photo products, produced with meticulous colour and materials. The team handcrafts every order from its Dunedin base with a touch of moose-inspired charm. Learn more at www.happymoose.nz.
Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will travel to Saudi Arabia and then to the United States (US) next week to meet with his trade and agriculture counterparts.
In Riyadh, Mr McClay will meet with Minister of Commerce, HE Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, HE Eng Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, to advance bilateral trade and investment opportunities, including in food and agritech cooperation.
The visit will also be an opportunity discuss how best to leverage the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, for which negotiations concluded last year.
Mr McClay will then travel on to Washington D.C. at the invitation of United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer. He will also meet with U.S. industry representatives, think tanks, and his agriculture counterpart, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
“Following the United States’ 1 August decision to apply a 15 per cent, or more, tariff to ever country with a trade surplus, this visit will be an opportunity to discuss the impact of that decision and better understand the factors that may influence future U.S. tariffs,” Mr McClay says.
“New Zealand and the United States have a long-standing, well-balanced trading relationship, with periods where the US has enjoyed a surplus and times, like now, when New Zealand has a modest one. Overall, our trade is complementary and reflects the strength of a long-standing partnership.
“I will be seeking to understand the effect of any change in trade flows for example, if New Zealand’s current surplus shifted to a deficit, and what that might mean for our exporters,” Mr McClay says.
“The US currently faces an average tariff of just 0.3 per cent when exporting to New Zealand, far lower than what we face into their market.
“It’s important that we raise these concerns constructively, while reaffirming our commitment to the strong, cooperative relationship we have with the United States,” Mr McClay says.
Meetings in Washington will cover wider bilateral trade, investment and agricultural priorities.
Source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Chris Seed will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.
“New Zealand’s strategic partnership with the United States is one of our most important and long-standing relationships,” Mr Peters says.
“It is therefore essential that New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States has the necessary experience, judgement and influence to effectively represent our country in Washington DC and navigate the range of important and pressing issues that are vital to New Zealanders.
“Mr Seed is one of New Zealand’s most senior and accomplished diplomats and is accordingly the right person for this vital role,” Mr Peters says.
Mr Seed served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2019-2024 and has previously led New Zealand High Commissions in Canberra and Port Moresby. He will take up the role in January 2026.
Mr Seed succeeds Rosemary Banks, who will shortly complete her second term as Ambassador in Washington DC.
“Ms Banks has had a most distinguished diplomatic career, having led New Zealand missions in Paris, New York and Washington,” Mr Peters says.
“Twice Ms Banks has been asked by her Government to serve in Washington DC and we are enormously grateful to her that twice she answered that call to serve with distinction as New Zealand Ambassador to the United States.
“Ms Banks’ long diplomatic experience and her elevated standing amongst her US counterparts, during such a challenging time in global affairs, has seen her contribute greatly to one of New Zealand’s most critical bilateral relationships,” Mr Peters says.
A Bay of Plenty beverage company continues to make waves across high-end venues in New York City, preparing to launch on Amazon while navigating trade tariffs in the process.
Demand for the premium non-alcoholic beverage, Wai Mānuka, is rising rapidly and just four months after launching, the company has secured its third order - a full 20-foot container - more than doubling its two previous shipments.
By the end of August, Wai Mānuka will be stocked in over 100 premium restaurants, cafés, and boutique retailers across the city, with containers now ordered every two to three months.
“To navigate US tariffs, we have to go big,” chief executive Joe Harawira said.
Their US distribution partner is covering most of the 15% tariff, a move Harawira said reflected confidence in market-fit and product potential.
Wai Mānuka is also preparing to launch on Amazon in New York City, giving 10 to 12 million local users the option to have the non-alcoholic elixir delivered directly to their doors.
“This will give us an opportunity to engage directly with customers, build loyalty, and expand our reach,” Harawira said.
Interest is also growing from other key states, including Texas, Chicago, and Los Angeles. But for now, the focus remained on building a strong foundation in New York before expanding too quickly.
Wai Mānuka is seeking investors who bring not only capital but strategic value to help accelerate growth.
“It’s capital-intensive to grow a brand in the US,” Harawira said.
“We’re gaining 25 new accounts every month, and the key is consistent sell-through at scale.”
To reduce landed costs, minimise environmental impact, and navigate tariff hurdles, the company is exploring US-based manufacturing.
Harawira is working closely with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, his US partners, and other industry leads to assess the opportunity.
In a further boost, Harawira has been selected to join a New Zealand trade delegation meeting with native American investors and executives, exploring new pathways for indigenous business collaboration.
He will meet them later this month.
Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/
There were a number of questions asked during the webinar that we provide answers to below. Some of these were answered during the webinar but we provide answers again below given their broad relevance.
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Source: www.mfat.govt.nz
The American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 AmCham-DHL Express Success and Innovation Awards, the 26th year of these awards celebrating success and innovation for companies doing business with the USA. AmCham Executive Director, Mike Hearn said that “over the last year trade with the US has continued to grow, with the US becoming New Zealand’s second largest trading partner, however the recently announced 15% tariffs will cost New Zealand exporters round $1.4billion. The effect of these tariffs is still to be felt”
“This year’s exporter finalists again come from a more diverse background to previous years, coming for consumer goods, technology and the services sectors” The supreme winner also receives an airfare to anywhere in the USA on United Airlines, US$5,000 of advisory services from Sweeney Vesty, introductions to venture capitalists, economic development agencies in the USA as well as to other valuable connections. Over the last twenty-five years our sponsors have provided over $400,000 worth of prizes to our award winners.
Selina Deadman, Vice President Commercial, DHL Express New Zealand, commented, “It’s our privilege to help deliver the 26th AmCham-DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards for 2025. As an express international logistics provider, DHL observes firsthand the ingenuity and innovation required by local Kiwis competing in the US market. This year’s finalists all demonstrate the continued value in exporting to this market, and we know that a successful landing in the USA can be the catalyst for some of the best business success stories in this country. On behalf of DHL, I’d like to congratulate all our 2025 finalists.”
This year’s awards and finalists are: Exporter of the Year to the USA – Technology ADInstruments Ltd Lumin Windcave NZ Ltd
Exporter of the Year to the USA – Services Crimson Education Ltd Pratt & Whitney Air New Zealand Services t/a Christchurch Engine Centre
Exporter of the Year to the USA - Consumer Goods Calocurb Ltd Moxx Int Ltd The Better Packaging Co. Ltd
Investor of the Year to or from the USA Axon Enterprise Inc for investment in Auror Bridgewest Group Motion Capital Management Ltd
Bilateral Connections with the USA Auckland Council American Universities International Programs Ltd Rob Coneybeer
Contribution to Tourism with the USA International Working Holidays Travel USA Ltd
Social Impact with the USA The NZ Robotics Charitable Trust Inc/Kiwibots
One of the above will be selected as the Supreme winner.
One other award will be presented on the night: The AmCham Supporter of the Year The awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner at the Pullman Hotel Auckland on 18th September for details and tickets see www.amcham.co.nz
The keynote speaker will be The Hon Todd McClay, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Forestry, Minister for Trade and Investment and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In addition to AmCham, DHL Express, United Airlines, the awards are supported by ANZ Bank; Auckland International Airport; Insprie Labs; Ironside McDonald Intellectual Property; Lockheed Martin New Zealand; and SweeneyVesty. Media sponsor - The Business. Wine sponsor - Constellation Brands. Event Manager and sponsor – Event Revolution.
Previous winners of the Supreme Award have included Peace Software; Airways Corporation; HumanWare; Tenon; Orion Health; Zeacom; SMI Group; Fonterra; Pratt & Whitney Air New Zealand Services t/a Christchurch Engine Centre; Buckley Systems; Greenshell New Zealand; Vista Entertainment; Fisher & Paykel Healthcare; Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Zespri International; Tourism Holdings; Sir Peter Beck; Seequent Ltd; Oritain Global; Auror Ltd; and Toku Eyes.
New tariffs announced on New Zealand exports On 31 July (US time) US President Trump signed Executive Order 14326 which raised the additional tariff on much of New Zealand goods exports to the US from 10% previously, to 15% (in addition to the US's standard MFN tariff). See the Fact Sheet here. The revised tariffs took effect on 7 August, with goods already en route subject to the previous tariff rates, provided they arrive by 4 October (see Sec. 2. Tarff Modifications. (a) of the Executive Order linked above). Separately, sectoral tariffs continue to apply for some products:
25% for autos and auto parts (NZ$56 million - 1.8% of US goods imports from NZ)
50% for steel and aluminium (NZ$157 million - 0.6% of total US imports from NZ)
50% for copper (NZ$15 million – 0.2% of total US imports from NZ)
There are some exceptions where New Zealand exports just face the MFN tariff. This is primarily for those sectors facing ongoing section 232 investigations.
The Tariff Finder sets out the total tariffs for each US tariff line, including where higher sectoral tariffs apply or where there is an exception.
Should you have further questions, please get in contact with us at us.exports@mfat.govt.nz
You are welcome to share, distribute, re-use and re-publish this report as you see fit, as long as no substantive changes are made, and it continues to be attributed to the Ministry. You can view the complete list of market reports published to date here: www.mfat.govt.nz/market-reports Please contact us with any further questions on us.exports@mfat.govt.nz
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The United States has confirmed that tariffs on New Zealand exports will increase from 10 per cent to 15 per cent from 7 August, placing us alongside other key US trading partners including Japan and South Korea.
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says, this decision appears to be based on a calculation of trade deficits, with countries running a surplus with the US moved to the higher rate. In New Zealand’s case, the surplus is modest, around US$500 million, and is not overly significant in the context of the US economy.
Over the past decade, our trade relationship with the US has seen periods where the US enjoyed a significant surplus and times, like now, when New Zealand has a modest one. Overall, our trade is balanced and complementary, reflecting the strength of a long-standing partnership.
“I am seeking an urgent call with the US Trade Representative to make New Zealand’s position clear: this increase risks harming exporters and consumers of both countries. The US currently faces an average tariff of just 0.8 per cent when exporting to New Zealand, far lower than what we face into their market,” Mr McClay says.
“New Zealand exports around $9 billion of goods to the US annually. At 15 per cent, the impact will be considerable for exporters, many of whom absorbed or passed on the earlier 10 per cent rate. At 15 per cent, that becomes much harder.
“Our focus now moves to engaging directly with the US on this current announcement to seek changes to this decision.
“New Zealand has always stood for open, rules-based trade. We will continue to advocate strongly for a resolution that supports our exporters and maintains the strength of our trading relationship with the United States.”
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Kegstar New Zealand Limited to acquire kegs, beacons attached to those kegs or held in inventory, and New Zealand keg records, from Konvoy New Zealand LimitedKegstar and Konvoy both supply beer kegs to breweries on a rental basis, as well as providing logistics services. Kegstar is owned by MicroStar Logistics, LLC which operates a keg services business across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the US. Konvoy is owned by Konvoy Holdings Pty Limited, which operates a keg services business in Australia and New Zealand. Konvoy was placed into receivership in March 2025 and went into liquidation on 30 May 2025. A public version of the clearance application will be available shortly on the Commission’s case register.
Source: https://comcom.govt.nz/
AgriZeroNZ has invested US $3.5 million (NZ $6.3 million) in biotech company BiomEdit to accelerate its development of a probiotic-based feed additive to enhance productivity and reduce methane emissions from dairy cows.
The public-private partnership’s latest investment follows recent backing of two other companies developing probiotic-based solutions: Hoofprint Biome Inc (US) and Bovotica (Australia).
AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee says probiotic solutions are an important part of its expanding investment portfolio, which also includes a bolus, vaccines, inhibitors and pasture.
“We’re investing in local and global companies to give us the best chance of providing New Zealand farmers with access to a range of affordable, effective mitigation solutions to choose from.”
McNee says early investment in global companies ensures products are developed for pasture-based systems and making those tools available in New Zealand, which is a relatively small market on a global scale, is a priority.
“Probiotics are of particular interest to us because they’re naturally occurring and have the potential to deliver a productivity benefit alongside a methane reduction – benefits that are likely to be powerful drawcards for farmer uptake.”
Indiana-based BiomEdit are specialists in microbial discovery to address major challenges in animal health.
Their unique scientific approach identifies microbes that improve an animal’s health and performance, which enables development of probiotics to effectively feed these beneficial microbes to animals.
“BiomEdit’s team is highly experienced with proven ability to take a product from discovery to commercialisation. We’re pleased to support them to leverage this expertise to help Kiwi farmers reduce methane emissions without compromising productivity and profitability.”
Wayne McNee, AgriZeroNZ chief executive
BiomEdit CEO, Aaron Schacht, says their approach enables them to ‘make life difficult for methanogens’, the methane-forming microbes ruminant animals produce in their rumen while they digest their food.
“We’ve discovered naturally occurring microbes that inhibit methanogen activity and simultaneously increase production by repurposing that energy to improve rumen function.
“Our early lab trials have shown promising results and this support from AgriZeroNZ will help us continue to test and refine the product to ensure its long-lasting enough to be effective in grazing systems and, importantly, safe for cattle.”
Animal trials are currently underway in the US, with plans to do larger-scale trials in New Zealand later this year.
Schacht says they’re targeting a 30% reduction in methane emissions from its natural probiotic, and future products could see a 50% reduction with the use of engineered probiotics.
“To improve the methane-inhibiting properties of the naturally occurring microbes, we’re exploring how we can engineer certain strains to express safe molecules – either peptides or proteins – that directly target methanogens. The goal would be even greater levels of enteric methane reduction and higher performance.”
While BiomEdit’s natural probiotic should have a straightforward pathway to get regulatory approval in New Zealand, McNee notes the process for any future engineered products will be dependent on the outcome of the Gene Technology Bill.
“With global markets starting to demand lower-emissions products, cutting-edge innovations could be the solution to help New Zealand farmers stay ahead, meet those expectations, and keep delivering high-quality food.”
AgriZeroNZ’s investment was part of BiomEdit’s Series B funding round which raised more than US $18 million. It was led by Anterra Capital, with follow-on investment from Nutreco and new participation from Indiana’s Elevate Ventures, and Betagro among others.
Source: https://www.agrizero.nz/
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