09 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
362 views
Food and fibre exports from New Zealand reached a record $65.2 billion in the year to June 2026, driven by strong demand, tight global supply, and despite challenges like the Middle East conflict and trade disruptions. Key sectors saw significant growth, including dairy exports up 6%, meat and wool up 20%, and horticulture up 5%, with notable export increases to the EU, UAE, and India following new trade agreements. The government is supporting this growth through trade deals, resource management reforms, and investments in technology to boost productivity, reduce emissions, and enhance farmgate returns.
29 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
295 views
The speech highlights the significant progress made in New Zealand's red meat sector through increased farmer confidence, market access, and supportive policies, emphasizing collaboration between government and industry. It outlines plans to grow production by allowing greater land use flexibility, improving productivity, and investing in innovation while maintaining high environmental standards. The government aims to double export value by 2034 by opening new markets, particularly in India, despite challenges like rising costs and international trade disputes, with a focus on supporting rural communities and sustainable growth.
11 Aug 2026
2 months ago
617 views
The Government, led by Associate Agriculture Minister Mike Butterick, is seeking feedback on proposals to strengthen New Zealand’s organic sector through a modern regulatory framework, including a national organic mark and updated regulations. The organic sector is valued at $1.18 billion with significant exports, and the new Organic Products and Production Act 2023 aims to boost consumer confidence, business certainty, and international trade. Ongoing consultation with the organic community ensures the regulations support growth and reflect stakeholder input, with detailed proposals available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.
21 Jul 2026
3 months ago
693 views
One year after launching A Minerals Strategy for New Zealand to 2040, the government has made significant progress by implementing policies and reforms that have increased mineral exports, production, employment, and permitting activity. Key achievements include establishing a Critical Minerals List, enhancing global partnerships, improving geoscience data access, and creating a more efficient regulatory framework, which have boosted investor confidence and sector growth. Moving forward, the focus will be on expanding international partnerships, attracting investment, reviewing royalty settings, and maximizing value from critical minerals through processing, refining, and innovation to sustain long-term economic benefits.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
854 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.
01 May 2026
5 months ago
968 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.
27 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1084 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.
20 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1279 views
Legal verification of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been completed, with signing scheduled for 27 April in New Delhi, providing New Zealand unprecedented access to India's large and growing economy. The agreement eliminates or reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand exports, including immediate duty-free access to key products like sheep meat, wool, seafood, and forestry, while also offering significant tariff cuts on items such as kiwifruit, wine, and mānuka honey. Following signing, the FTA will undergo parliamentary examination and public scrutiny, ensuring transparency and enabling New Zealand to benefit from Most Favoured Nation status and expanded export opportunities across various sectors.
04 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1264 views
Tauranga-based Māori health tech company Carepatron is expanding internationally after receiving support from the Government’s Māori Development Fund, which accelerated its AI-powered clinical support tool’s development and boosted export revenue by 50%. This growth aligns with the Government’s goals to double New Zealand exports and strengthen Māori participation in high-value sectors like technology. The investment reflects a broader strategy to enhance Māori enterprise capability, innovation, and global reach, driving economic success that benefits whānau, hapū, iwi, and regional communities.
04 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1276 views
New Zealand's international trade statistics reveal strong export growth, reaching $29.2 billion in the December quarter, driven by key sectors like dairy, tourism, and meat. Trade and Investment Minister Hon Todd McClay highlights the importance of open markets, strong trading relationships, and government support in sustaining this success amid global economic uncertainty. The government remains committed to enhancing trade by reducing barriers, expanding free trade agreements, and empowering exporters to drive economic growth and job creation.
04 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1437 views
International visitors to New Zealand are rapidly returning, with tourism contributing $12.5 billion to the economy for the year ending December 2025, a 3% increase from the previous year. Visitor numbers have reached 90% of 2019 levels, with spending per visitor and daily spending both rising, boosting local businesses and jobs. The government aims to double the value of tourism exports by 2034, highlighting the sector’s importance as New Zealand’s second-largest export earner.
11 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1356 views
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay hosted a barbecue to celebrate National Lamb Day and the milestone of lamb exports exceeding $4 billion, highlighting the red meat sector's vital economic contribution to New Zealand. The government aims to boost the agriculture sector by cutting red tape, enhancing trade, and supporting farmers to help double export values within ten years. Key trade achievements include agreements with the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council, and India, with ongoing efforts to remove trade barriers and expand market access.
01 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1940 views
China has announced beef import quotas effective from January 2026 for three years, including an annual duty-free quota for New Zealand starting at 206,000 tonnes, which exceeds New Zealand’s recent export volumes. New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay emphasized that the quota reflects strong bilateral engagement and ensures minimal disruption to exports under the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. Despite the new restrictions, China remains a key market for New Zealand beef, with ongoing efforts to maintain smooth trade relations and explore growth opportunities.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1394 views
The Waihi North mining project has received fast-track consent to expand operations until 2043, significantly boosting New Zealand’s economy with an estimated $5.2 billion in silver and gold exports and supporting around 800 jobs. The expedited approval process took 112 working days, compared to the usual five years, and is expected to generate $422 million in Crown revenue for public services. Oceana Gold’s application includes new open pit and underground mines, extending mining beyond the original 2030 expiry and highlighting the Fast-track process’s role in accelerating major infrastructure projects.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1702 views
New Zealand’s food and fibre exports are projected to reach a record $62 billion by June 2026, driven by strong demand, favorable growing conditions, and diverse sectors including meat, wool, horticulture, forestry, and dairy. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay highlights government support through reforms, trade expansion, and sustainability initiatives, contributing to rising farmer confidence and economic recovery. The sector now accounts for 83% of all goods exports and employs one in seven New Zealanders, underscoring its vital role in the country’s economy and communities.