A former New Zealand Trade Minister, Ambassador and internationally respected trade negotiator, The Hon Tim Groser has spent decades shaping trade policy, economic strategy and international relations at the highest levels.
Widely regarded as one of New Zealand's foremost experts on global trade, geopolitics and climate policy, Tim has played a central role in some of the country's most significant international negotiations and economic agreements.
His distinguished diplomatic career included serving as New Zealand's Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation, where he chaired both the WTO Rules Negotiating Group and the Agriculture Negotiating Group, two of the organisation's most influential negotiating bodies. He was also New Zealand's Chief Negotiator during the Uruguay Round, the landmark negotiations that led to the creation of the World Trade Organisation.
Tim entered Parliament in 2005 and went on to serve as New Zealand's Minister of Trade, Minister Responsible for Climate Change Issues and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015. During this period, he was instrumental in advancing New Zealand's international trade agenda and strengthening the country's position in an increasingly complex global economy.
Following his ministerial career, Tim served as New Zealand Ambassador to the United States and Special Envoy to the Pacific Alliance, representing New Zealand's interests at a time of significant geopolitical and economic change.
Today, Tim is the founder of Groser & Associates and continues to provide strategic insight on international trade, economic policy and global affairs. He also serves as Chair of the NZ GeoHeatshot Project, a nationally significant initiative advancing geothermal innovation with the potential to make a substantial contribution to global energy security and climate change solutions.
Recognised for his strategic thinking, negotiating expertise and deep understanding of global markets, Tim remains one of New Zealand's most respected voices on international trade, geopolitics, climate policy and the future of the global economy.
Talking Points
The World Turned Upside Down: Geopolitics, Trade and New Zealand's Future
For decades, New Zealand prospered under a stable international rules-based system that encouraged trade, cooperation and economic growth. Today, that system is under increasing pressure from geopolitical rivalry, rising protectionism, strategic competition and shifting global alliances.The World Turned Upside Down: Geopolitics, Trade and New Zealand's Future
Drawing on his experience as New Zealand's Trade Minister, Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation and adviser to Prime Ministers, Tim Groser examines how these global forces are reshaping the international landscape and what they mean for New Zealand's economy, foreign policy and future prosperity.
This keynote provides a clear-eyed assessment of the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand in an increasingly uncertain world.
Key themes: Geopolitics, international relations, foreign affairs, trade strategy, global markets, government and leadership.
The Future of Global Trade: Can Small Nations Still Win?
The World Trade Organisation was established to create certainty, stability and growth through international trade. Three decades later, many argue the system is struggling to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.The Future of Global Trade: Can Small Nations Still Win?
As one of New Zealand's most experienced trade negotiators and former Minister of Trade, Tim Groser offers a unique perspective on the forces reshaping global commerce. From trade disputes between major powers to the emergence of new economic alliances, he explores how New Zealand can continue to compete and prosper while traditional trading frameworks evolve.
Insightful, strategic and highly relevant, this keynote examines the future of global trade and what it means for businesses, industries and policymakers.
Key themes: International trade, globalisation, economics, business strategy, government policy and international business.
Feeding a Changing World: The Future of New Zealand Agriculture
Agriculture remains the backbone of New Zealand's export economy, but the industry faces growing pressure from climate commitments, changing consumer expectations, technological disruption and evolving international markets.Feeding a Changing World: The Future of New Zealand Agriculture
Having served as New Zealand's Chief Agriculture Negotiator and Chair of the WTO Agriculture Negotiations, Tim Groser brings unparalleled insight into the global forces influencing the sector. He explores the future of food production, international market access, agricultural innovation and the opportunities available to New Zealand producers in a rapidly changing world.
This is a thought-provoking discussion on the future of one of New Zealand's most important industries.
Key themes: Agriculture, agribusiness, sustainability, climate change, exports, innovation and future trends.
Supercritical Geothermal: The Renewable Energy Breakthrough That Could Change Everything
What if the world could unlock a virtually limitless source of renewable energy?Supercritical Geothermal: The Renewable Energy Breakthrough That Could Change Everything
As Chair of the GeoHeatshot Project, Tim Groser is at the forefront of one of New Zealand's most ambitious scientific and energy initiatives. Supercritical geothermal technology has the potential to access vastly greater levels of renewable energy than conventional geothermal systems, creating transformative opportunities for both New Zealand and the global community.
In this fascinating keynote, Tim explores the science, economics and strategic importance of supercritical geothermal energy, and why success could have profound implications for energy security, economic growth and climate change mitigation.
Key themes: Renewable energy, climate change, sustainability, science, innovation, technology and future energy systems.
Video
Think hot, think deep: The odds on a geothermal silver bullet for NZ’s energy future
Hon Tim Groser was fabulous and thought provoking! A very impressive talk, absolutely captivating. The audience loved the history lessons and insights and remarked that it was a brilliant, i ... keep reading Institute of Finance Professionals NZ Inc.
Just wanted to extend our thanks for being part of the recent Harbour Investment Forum – your insight and thought-provoking perspective has sparked a lot of positive feedback and conversation at our end.
Tim Groser was our opening keynote speaker at our conference with an ESG focus. He was fantastic, funny & received great feedback from attendees.
