NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Commends “Inspiring” Oritain During Visit

In a visit to Oritain’s headquarters in Dunedin on 31 October, New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, commended the company as an “inspiring” business.

The visit was part of a series of engagements for the Prime Minister in the lower South Island. Also accompanying the Prime Minister were Joseph Mooney, Member for Southland, Miles Anderson, Member for Waitaki, and other distinguished guests.

Prime Minister Luxon addressed the importance of combining the innovation of academia with the operational strength of business, supported by government, to enable the successful transition from start-up into commercialization.

In addressing Oritain’s staff, he said, “This is exactly what we need to see more of in New Zealand – talented people who are combining innovation and commercialization to succeed on the world stage. It is really exciting and it is very inspiring.”

Earlier this year, Oritain’s then-CEO and now Founding Chair Grant Cochrane accompanied the Prime Minister as part of his mission to South East Asia. The delegation travelled to Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines to deepen relationships and progress opportunities in the region.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Oritain commenced with Grant Cochrane outlining the company’s journey, strategic vision, and the growing role of Oritain’s technology in global supply chain transparency. The Prime Minister was impressed by Oritain’s growth and international partnerships, commending the mission to protect product integrity across diverse industries.

Oritain’s science leaders, Co-founder and Chief Scientist Prof. Russell Frew and Senior Science Advisor Dr. Kate Jones, then led the Prime Minister on a tour of Oritain’s labs to showcase the science of traceability and demonstrate how product samples are analysed to verify origin.

Oritain has further associations with New Zealand government, with former Prime Minister Rt Hon Sir John Key the company’s Board Chairman. Rugby World Cup-winning captain and businessman Sir Richie McCaw is also an Alternate Director and Independent Advisor on the Oritain board.

In closing, the Prime Minister spoke in admiration of the innovative work happening at Oritain and the impact the company is making in advancing global standards.

“It is really important work. When you think about ethical supply chains and modern slavery, know you are doing good work – you are doing stuff that really matters. You have not just built a great business, but you have done something good for society and the world.”

For more information contact:

Clare Evans 
Head of Communications & PR, Oritain 
clevans@oritain.com