The number of bloggers in China has exploded in the past seven years to over 40 million and that number is continuing to grow, says the man who was there at the beginning when the scene was a nascent one in 2002. Isaac Mao is the man credited with being one of the very first Chinese internet users to set foot in what has since become the country’s massive blogosphere. He recently spoke to journalism students in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington.

Thailand was until recently one of New Zealand’s fastest growing export destinations. In our latest Action Asia Insight, Mike Holt, Managing Director of Auckland design company gardyneHOLT advises New Zealand exporters not to overlook Thailand as a potential market. “China and India are bigger, but Thailand is still a market of 66 million people with a growing urbanised middle class,” he says.

A new Asia:NZ report, South Korea: An Opportunity for New Zealand Business, was recently launched at Deloitte's Wellington offices. The evening benefitted from an enlightening contribution by Alison Mann, who is leading the FTA negotiations with South Korea. “New Zealand is interested in the broadest possible FTA and negotiations with South Korea are on the ambitious end of the spectrum,” she explained.

Following an 11 month building development, City Gallery Wellington reopened on 27 September with a solo exhibition of internationally renowned Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama. Mirrored Years allows New Zealanders the rare opportunity to experience the strange and dizzying world of this avant-garde artist and her trademark polka dots. The Asia:NZ-supported exhibition runs until 7 February.

We invite young leaders, in a team or cluster to submit a proposal for a project which will further Asia and New Zealand relations. The challenge requires a team focus and at least four young leaders need be involved in the development and execution of the project. The deadline for this unique opportunity has been extended to 13 November 2009.