13 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1373 views
Minister Todd McClay will lead a delegation of 21 New Zealand businesses to Riyadh to enhance trade ties with Saudi Arabia, aiming to tap into the country's significant economic potential outlined in its Vision 2030 strategy. The mission will spotlight New Zealand's strengths in food, agriculture, technology, and creative sectors, aligning with the government's goal to double export value in a decade and support Saudi Arabia's development objectives. With Saudi Arabia already a key export market for New Zealand, bilateral trade has seen substantial growth, reaching $1.58 billion, showcasing the mutual benefits of the partnership.
11 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1293 views
The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards recognized projects like re-seeding juvenile pāua and driving mussel farming innovation. Professor Kura Paul-Burke of the University of Waikato was celebrated for championing healthy oceans through community-based restoration efforts. Other winners included individuals and organizations contributing to sustainable practices and innovation in the seafood sector.
02 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1320 views
A bill protecting marine farmers from costly consent reviews was passed, aiming to support the aquaculture industry's goal of generating $3 billion in revenue by 2035. The Resource Management Act amendments restrict council reviews of coastal permits until 2030, reducing bureaucratic barriers for industry growth. These changes aim to allow marine farmers to focus on innovation and growth rather than dealing with regulatory red tape and costs.
28 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1423 views
The Government has released the Amplify strategy to enhance Kiwis' involvement in the arts, boost the sector's economic impact, and generate more jobs. The strategy aims for New Zealand to be globally recognized for its arts and creativity, with specific goals set for economic growth, increased engagement with arts and culture, and more jobs in the sector by 2030. Amplify focuses on three strategic pillars: maximizing value from creative sectors, nurturing talent and career opportunities, and updating regulations to support cultural sector growth, with plans for ongoing updates based on industry feedback.
28 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1481 views
The New Zealand–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has come into effect, offering significant tariff savings and market access for Kiwi exporters. Key goods like dairy, red meat, and fruit will now enter the UAE duty-free, with the agreement aiming to enhance trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. The CEPA also paves the way for increased bilateral trade, job creation, and economic growth, aligning with New Zealand's export expansion goals.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1537 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is providing $24.62 million to boost horticulture expansion in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti through water storage, flood resilience, and Māori land projects, aiming to enhance regional economies, employment, and export growth while improving resilience to economic shocks and extreme weather events. Specific projects include establishing high-value horticulture on Māori land in Tairāwhiti, expanding water storage capacity in Hawke’s Bay, replenishing the Makauri aquifer in Tairāwhiti, and developing water storage infrastructure for pipfruit orchards. These investments aim to strengthen regional resilience and productivity, with a focus on supporting the regions' economic growth and success.
22 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1520 views
Minister Todd McClay met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in Washington to address New Zealand's concerns about US tariffs disadvantaging Kiwi exporters compared to other countries. Ambassador Greer acknowledged New Zealand's low tariffs on US goods and explained the recent 5 per cent tariff increase in relation to trade surplus, setting a new minimum tariff rate of 15 per cent for surplus countries. Discussions also included product-specific trade investigations and plans for trade officials to meet to assess tariff impacts and enhance exporter certainty, with future meetings scheduled during ASEAN Trade Ministers' Meeting and APEC Leaders' Summit to strengthen trade relations and combat harmful trade practices affecting dairy industries in both countries.
20 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1642 views
The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act, passed into law, has improved the freshwater farm plan system to make it more workable and affordable for farmers, reducing duplication and costs by allowing industry organisations to certify and audit plans. This change recognizes good work done by farmers and industry groups in managing risks, focusing on actual on-farm risks and practical actions to reduce them. The Act increases the minimum farm size requiring a freshwater farm plan to 50 hectares for certain land uses, removing the requirement for around 8,000 smaller, lower-risk farms, supporting environmental stewardship and growth in the primary sector.
16 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1399 views
Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will travel to Saudi Arabia and the United States to discuss bilateral trade and investment opportunities, particularly in food and agritech cooperation. In Saudi Arabia, he will meet with Minister of Commerce and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture to advance these opportunities and leverage the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement. In the US, Mr McClay will meet with USTR Jamieson Greer and industry representatives to discuss the impact of recent tariffs and broader bilateral trade, investment, and agricultural priorities.
12 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1513 views
The Government has intervened to prevent potential stop work notices for thousands of New Zealand farmers due to water discharge rules under the RMA, affecting 2,800 Waikato farms. Various regional councils raised concerns, leading to amendments broadening permitted water discharges in the Resource Management Amendment Bill. The changes aim to support farmers, ensure water quality improvement, and avoid hindering economic recovery, with the bill set to pass into law soon.
11 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1896 views
Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard has announced the release of a revised Code of Welfare for Deer, emphasizing the importance of balancing animal protection with practicality and economic considerations for farmers. The code, the first of the priority pastoral livestock codes to be finalized, aims to uphold New Zealand's strong reputation for animal welfare standards while ensuring that regulations are practical and proportionate. Developed in consultation with the deer industry, the code sets clear welfare standards and guidelines for farmers to follow, promoting high standards of animal handling and care.
07 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1655 views
New Zealand's Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Investment Todd McClay and Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman signed a new bilateral arrangement in Jakarta to enhance agricultural cooperation and trade opportunities. The agreement focuses on livestock development, smart agriculture, biosecurity, agricultural research, and streamlined trade processes. Both countries will establish a Consultative Forum to coordinate future cooperation and align efforts on technical standards, certification, and regulatory requirements, aiming to boost exports and investment in agriculture.
02 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1941 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced plans to stimulate economic growth on a third of New Zealand's land, aiming to create jobs and boost wages nationwide. They highlighted issues with the current concessions regime for businesses operating on conservation land, proposing to reform the Conservation Act to streamline processes and introduce charges for foreign visitors at popular sites. The revenue generated from these charges, estimated at up to $62 million annually, will be reinvested in maintaining and enhancing conservation areas, while ensuring free access for New Zealanders.
29 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1847 views
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay is urging farmers, foresters, and growers in the Top of the South, Bay of Plenty, and parts of Northland to prepare for adverse weather conditions, with orange rain warnings issued for these regions due to significant rainfall expected. MPI staff are on standby to assist, with additional support deployed in affected areas, such as the Top of the South and the Bay of Plenty. Farmers are advised to relocate stock to higher ground in preparation for the storm, and are encouraged to stay updated on weather warnings for further guidance.
28 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3189 views
Farmer confidence in New Zealand has reached an eight-year high, indicating the resilience of the sector and progress towards doubling export value. The shift in sentiment is evident from the latest Federated Farmers Confidence Survey, showing a significant increase in confidence levels. This positive trend is attributed to the hard work of rural New Zealanders and government support, with key improvements in profitability, productivity, and mental health reported.