21 Aug 2026
2 months ago
568 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launched the New Zealand-Thailand Strategic Partnership to enhance their 70-year relationship, aiming to triple two-way trade to NZ$13.5 billion by 2045. They plan to upgrade trade agreements, strengthen supply chains, and resume direct Thai Airways flights to boost tourism, trade, and connectivity with ASEAN markets. Additionally, the leaders committed to increased cooperation on border security, cyber security, and combating trafficking, formalized through a Joint Declaration and a Joint Plan of Action for 2026-2030.
18 Jul 2026
3 months ago
714 views
A landmark Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) between New Zealand and Singapore, signed in May 2026, is now in force to strengthen supply chain resilience amid global conflicts. Under the agreement, Singapore guarantees fuel, medicines, and chemicals to New Zealand, while New Zealand guarantees food supplies to Singapore, ensuring stability for businesses and citizens. This world-first pact highlights the strong bilateral partnership and commitment to open, rules-based trade between the two nations.
11 Jul 2026
3 months ago
796 views
Prime Ministers Christopher Luxon and Narendra Modi elevated New Zealand-India relations to a Strategic Partnership, agreeing on a Roadmap to 2030 aimed at doubling two-way trade and enhancing cooperation across trade, investment, technology, maritime security, education, tourism, and agriculture. Central to this plan is the implementation of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, which will reduce tariffs on most exports and unlock new opportunities in a market of 1.4 billion people. The partnership also includes strengthened maritime security cooperation and new arrangements in sport, tourism, and agriculture, marking Modi's first visit to New Zealand in 40 years.
07 Jul 2026
3 months ago
907 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for approximately 1,000 Medical Imaging Technologists (MITs) employed by Health New Zealand, which includes pay increases of 2.5% in 2026 and 2% in 2027. The agreement supports a transition to seven-day service provision, enhancing scanning capacity to enable quicker diagnosis and treatment for patients. This ratification follows similar approvals for various other healthcare professional groups, reflecting constructive engagement between APEX and Health New Zealand.
06 Jul 2026
3 months ago
778 views
New Zealand exporters are experiencing significant growth in India ahead of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) coming into force, with export volumes rising due to increased demand for high-quality products like apples and kiwifruit. The FTA will immediately eliminate tariffs on 57% of exports, providing substantial financial benefits to growers and expanding opportunities in forestry, wool, wine, services, and tourism sectors. Trade Minister Todd McClay emphasizes that early exporter engagement and timely ratification of the FTA will enhance access and boost New Zealand’s trade success with India.
03 Jul 2026
3 months ago
731 views
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand in 40 years, marking a historic moment in bilateral relations, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced. The visit aims to strengthen ties through discussions on trade, investment, maritime security, education, technology, and other areas, building on the recently signed New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement that will boost exports and economic growth. This visit also celebrates the strong people-to-people connections between the two countries, with a significant Kiwi-Indian community contributing across various sectors.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
845 views
Legislation for the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has passed its first reading, aiming to reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95% of New Zealand exports to India, unlocking significant market opportunities. India’s rapidly growing economy presents major potential for New Zealand businesses, with 57% of exports becoming tariff-free immediately and protections secured for key sectors like wine and services. The Bill will undergo public consultation before expected ratification later this year, supporting the government’s goal to double export value by 2034.
20 May 2026
5 months ago
1011 views
Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay will visit China for bilateral trade talks, industry promotion, and the APEC Trade Ministers meeting, emphasizing the importance of China as a key trading partner under New Zealand's Free Trade Agreement. He aims to strengthen connections with major regional economies and address critical fuel supply chain disruptions to ensure smooth trade flows. APEC's 21 economies collectively account for over 70% of New Zealand's exports, 60% of global GDP, and 37% of the world’s population.
07 May 2026
5 months ago
947 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for approximately 5,500 senior doctors represented by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS). He emphasized the critical role senior doctors play in the healthcare system and their contribution to achieving government health targets. The agreement follows similar approvals for other health sector groups and reflects constructive engagement between ASMS and Health New Zealand to ensure continued patient care.
04 May 2026
5 months ago
1020 views
New Zealand and Singapore have signed the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) to ensure the uninterrupted movement of critical goods like fuel and food by preventing export restrictions between the two nations. This world-first agreement, built on cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic, formalizes practical collaboration to enhance supply chain resilience amid global volatility. Incorporated into their existing Free Trade Agreement, AOTES reflects their commitment to reliable access to essential supplies during crises and strengthens their trusted partnership.
01 May 2026
5 months ago
965 views
Kiwi exports to the European Union have surged by $3 billion in two years following the New Zealand-EU Free Trade Agreement, boosting the economy and supporting jobs nationwide. Key export gains include significant increases in butter, meat, industrial goods, and tourism, with total goods exports up 35% to $6.7 billion and services exports up 11% to $2 billion in the year to December 2025. This growth exceeds expectations, strengthens regional economies, and reinforces the EU as a vital trading partner for New Zealand amid global uncertainty.
30 Apr 2026
5 months ago
1105 views
New Zealand will test its foot and mouth disease readiness through upcoming simulations, including Exercise Farm Gate in May and Exercise Cloven Shield in July, led by the Ministry for Primary Industries. These exercises aim to rehearse responses from on-farm detection to national governance, strengthening biosecurity systems to protect the economy and communities. The government emphasizes the importance of preparedness given the potentially massive economic impact of an outbreak, estimated at up to $14.3 billion annually without action.
27 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1069 views
New Zealand and India have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that eliminates or reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports, boosting job creation, economic growth, and export diversification. Key benefits include immediate duty-free access to major products like sheep meat, wool, seafood, and forestry exports, as well as significant tariff cuts on kiwifruit, wine, mānuka honey, and dairy, with many tariffs phased out over a period of up to ten years. The agreement also activates a parliamentary review process and includes a Most Favoured Nation clause, ensuring New Zealand exporters gain enhanced market access comparable to that of the European Union.
23 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1075 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is traveling to New Delhi to sign the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which aims to enhance trade by eliminating or reducing tariffs on the majority of New Zealand exports, including key products like sheep meat, seafood, fruits, and industrial goods. This landmark agreement supports New Zealand's goal to double export value within 10 years by providing duty-free or reduced-tariff access to a wide range of products and services in one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Additionally, McClay will participate in Anzac Day commemorations and a joint business summit, while also promoting trade and investment activities in Singapore.
23 Apr 2026
6 months ago
950 views
The Online Casino Gambling Bill has passed its final reading, introducing a regulatory regime that enhances consumer protections and ensures gambling revenue benefits local communities. It establishes up to 15 licenses for operators who must exclude problem gamblers and comply with strict harm prevention measures, while the Department of Internal Affairs gains stronger enforcement powers, including penalties up to $5 million. The Bill also closes tax loopholes, requires licensed operators to pay taxes, and will be followed by supporting regulations on advertising, harm minimisation, and consumer protection.