13 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1508 views
A new in-water cleaning technology developed by Port of Auckland and New Zealand Diving and Salvage Limited, supported by Biosecurity New Zealand, will be used in Auckland this summer to help commercial vessels meet biofouling requirements and protect the marine environment. The system effectively cleans hard-to-reach areas on vessel hulls, reducing the need for offshore cleaning and minimizing disruption to passenger and cargo operations. Following successful trials and provisional approval, Biosecurity New Zealand aims to support vessel operators in complying with biosecurity measures while balancing commercial pressures.
05 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1029 views
On 5 December 2025, Australia and New Zealand held their third Climate and Finance Ministers’ 2+2 Dialogue, emphasizing collaboration on climate action, renewable energy investment, and regulatory alignment to lower energy costs, enhance security, and capitalize on economic opportunities from the net zero transition. They committed to joint initiatives including upgrading energy efficiency programs, aligning EV and battery standards, supporting sustainable aviation fuel development, and advancing sustainable finance frameworks to boost trade and investment. Additionally, the ministers reinforced their partnership in supporting Pacific resilience, coordinating economic reforms, and fostering regional cooperation to address climate impacts and promote long-term prosperity.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1352 views
Associate Transport Minister James Meager announced a $5 million Government investment in new container-handling equipment for Gisborne’s Eastland Port to boost economic opportunities and regional connectivity. This funding, from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, aims to support local businesses, improve freight resilience, and enhance the region’s ability to handle disruptions like those caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. The investment is expected to attract new trade, create jobs, and help double the value of exports from Tairāwhiti over the next decade.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1161 views
The New Zealand Government is actively reducing non-tariff trade barriers to support approximately $600 million in exports, boost business growth, and create jobs, with recent successes including expanded market access to China, Korea, and Mexico. Key initiatives such as trade agreements with the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council, and ongoing negotiations with India have contributed to exports surpassing $100 billion for the first time, driven by strong growth in food and fibre sectors. Ministers Nicola Willis and Todd McClay emphasize that improving market access and trade certainty is essential for sustaining economic momentum, supporting jobs, and doubling export value within the next decade.
26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1170 views
New Zealand has joined the international Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) to attract investment and support its Minerals Strategy, which aims to double mineral export value by 2035 and enhance sustainable global supply chains. The partnership aligns with New Zealand’s strengths in critical minerals essential for modern technologies and will help create high-paying jobs while strengthening international relationships. Several countries have benefited from MSP membership through financing commitments, and New Zealand expects similar opportunities to develop its critical minerals sector.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1221 views
Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced that over 150 new social homes will be delivered by Community Housing Providers (CHPs) in Hawke’s Bay, targeting one and two-bedroom units to meet the region's greatest demand. The government is investing in a new housing system focused on building the right homes in the right places with appropriate support, backed by funding for more than 2,000 additional homes nationwide over the next two years. These efforts, supported by simplified funding and partnerships with local organizations, aim to address housing shortages efficiently, with some homes already delivered and more expected by mid-2026.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1156 views
One year after launching New Zealand’s first Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Plan, the Government has increased the frontline workforce by around 10%, reduced vacancy rates and wait times, and expanded training and new roles in key areas. Budget 2025 boosted funding for psychology internships and psychiatry registrar positions, surpassing targets and enhancing clinical training capacity. The updated plan, released alongside a $30 million investment to combat meth harm, focuses on faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a stronger crisis response to ensure timely help for those in need.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1303 views
The speech highlights the shift from the failed, wasteful iReX ferry project to a fiscally disciplined, pragmatic approach that saves taxpayers $2.3 billion by focusing on essential infrastructure upgrades and acquiring two new ferries within a $1.7 billion budget. The new plan maintains support for rail, keeps costs low to benefit consumers, and involves collaboration with experienced industry partners, including a reputable Chinese shipbuilder, ensuring timely and efficient delivery by 2029. Emphasizing commonsense and practical expertise over costly overreach, the project is already underway with strong leadership and community support, promising a sustainable future for New Zealand’s Interislander ferry services.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1186 views
The Government has secured two new Interislander ferries from Guangzhou Shipyard International under a $596 million fixed-price contract, with the total program costing less than $2 billion and saving taxpayers $2.3 billion by cutting expensive consultancy and excessive infrastructure. Funding for the infrastructure will be recovered through port fees and Interislander is expected to build reserves for future ferry replacements, operating like a normal business. The project is managed by Ferry Holdings with support from CentrePort, Port Marlborough, and KiwiRail, emphasizing fiscal discipline and minimizing disruption, while also strengthening economic ties with China.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1065 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay joined the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership to launch an initiative aimed at enhancing supply chain resilience through a Ministerial Declaration. The FIT Partnership, established in September 2025, serves as a platform for small and medium-sized economies to promote open, fair, and rules-based trade while welcoming new members Malaysia and Paraguay. This effort aims to provide greater certainty and reduced costs for exporters, boosting economic confidence amid global disruptions.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1092 views
The NZ-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty has come into force, enhancing economic cooperation by providing clear investment rules and complementing the existing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both countries view these agreements as key to increasing two-way investment and strengthening private sector engagement, supported by the newly established NZ-UAE Business Council. The UAE serves as a major market for New Zealand and a strategic gateway to a rapidly growing and diversifying regional economy.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1109 views
The NZ-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty has come into force, enhancing economic cooperation by providing clear investment rules and complementing the existing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both countries view these agreements as crucial for increasing two-way investment, strengthening private sector engagement, and supporting New Zealand's economic growth. Additionally, the establishment of the New Zealand-UAE Business Council aims to further boost trade, investment, and collaboration between the two nations.
17 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1080 views
New Zealand’s forestry and wood-processing sector led a successful trade mission to India, aiming to expand growth opportunities and strengthen market ties. The mission produced tangible results under the Forestry Cooperation agreement, enhanced understanding of India’s forestry policies, and highlighted New Zealand’s premium timber products suited for India’s urbanization and sustainable construction. A return Indian forestry delegation will visit New Zealand in February 2026 to further develop the bilateral partnership and deepen strategic relations.
10 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1144 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced new deals and partnerships worth up to $450 million at the China International Import Expo (CIIE). Over 20 Memorandums of Understanding and supply agreements were signed between New Zealand and Chinese companies during the event, with over 80 New Zealand companies participating. The focus was on showcasing premium Kiwi offerings across various sectors, and the importance of e-commerce and digital trade in meeting consumer demands in China was highlighted to support New Zealand exporters.
07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1271 views
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and a large trade delegation visited New Zealand, deepening business ties and accelerating trade talks with Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. The visit included high-level meetings, engagements with the New Zealand Indian community, and discussions to advance negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. Both sides are committed to securing a balanced and ambitious FTA that will benefit their trade relationship and provide access to the growing Indian economy.