14 Oct 2026
1 week ago
216 views
International visitor numbers to New Zealand in August 2026 reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels, signaling strong progress toward the government's goal of matching 2019 figures by year-end. Significant growth was seen particularly from China, Australia, and other key markets, reflecting successful government and industry efforts to boost tourism. As tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner and a major employer, this recovery supports economic growth, jobs, and opportunities for Kiwis.
06 May 2026
5 months ago
1144 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay welcomed Costa Rica’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), highlighting enhanced trade opportunities and significant tariff eliminations for New Zealand exports such as sheep meat, seafood, and dairy products. Costa Rica will become the 13th CPTPP member, with accession expected to take effect in the second half of 2027 following signing and ratification processes. The CPTPP strengthens rules-based trade and economic integration among member economies, which collectively represent over 15% of world GDP.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1071 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.
02 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1170 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon completed his official visits to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea, focusing on advancing New Zealand's trade and economic interests. During his trip, he attended the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, held bilateral discussions with key partners like the United States and Indonesia, and emphasized the importance of New Zealand's participation in regional forums for economic growth. The visits resulted in the launch of strategic partnerships with Korea and ASEAN, aiming to boost New Zealand's trade opportunities and profile in these regions.
02 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1177 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon completed his official visits to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea, focusing on advancing New Zealand’s trade and economic interests. During the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, the regional economic situation was a key discussion point, highlighting the importance of engaging with APEC's 21 economies. Luxon emphasized the significance of participating in international forums like APEC and the East Asia Summit to advocate for New Zealand’s interests, culminating in the launch of strategic partnerships with Korea and ASEAN to enhance trade opportunities for New Zealand.
30 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1036 views
Defence Minister Judith Collins is traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus to discuss defense and security issues, marking the 50th anniversary of New Zealand's dialogue relations with ASEAN and the 15th anniversary of the ADMM-Plus. The forum aims to enhance Indo-Pacific defense cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity, with Ms. Collins emphasizing the importance of international rules-based order and New Zealand's contributions. In addition to the meeting, she will engage in bilateral discussions with defense counterparts before returning to New Zealand on 3 November.
29 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1276 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and tourism during his visit to Malaysia. Yinson Renewables plans to invest in New Zealand's renewable energy projects totaling around 1GW, with support from Invest New Zealand. Additionally, YTL Corporation Berhad acquired Hotel Indigo in Auckland for $160m, signaling confidence in New Zealand's tourism sector and receiving approvals from the Overseas Investment Office. Luxon also engaged in high-level talks on Indo-Pacific issues, established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, and signed a halal arrangement with Malaysia to boost exports before heading to the Republic of Korea for APEC.
17 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1441 views
The speech delivered to the ASEAN – NZ Business Council emphasized the importance of New Zealand's foreign policy reset, focusing on Southeast Asia as a key partner for trade, security, and resilience. The reset aims to deepen relationships through practical diplomacy, increased resources, and tangible outcomes such as strategic partnerships with countries like Viet Nam and Singapore. The plan for the year ahead includes turning upgraded agreements into results, building people-to-people ties, and deepening security cooperation to deliver security and prosperity for New Zealanders.
23 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1251 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is heading to Kuala Lumpur for high-level ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meetings, marking the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN and emphasizing the commitment to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. With ASEAN being New Zealand’s fourth-largest trading partner, valued at over $29 billion annually, the focus is on strengthening ties to double export value in a decade. Trade with ASEAN has doubled under AANZFTA in the past 15 years, with potential for further growth, and Mr. McClay aims to advance New Zealand’s priorities, support Kiwi businesses, and foster strong trade relationships during his visit.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2117 views
New Zealand and Malaysia aim to enhance trade in high-quality halal meat products, with Malaysia being a key market for New Zealand's premium halal meat exports. Malaysia is facilitating approvals for New Zealand halal meat premises to gain access to its market, potentially leading to significant growth in exports and benefiting Kiwi farmers and exporters. Both countries are collaborating to streamline export requirements for New Zealand halal meat, emphasizing the importance of compliance with halal standards and strengthening their relationship in halal processing and assurance systems.
12 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2742 views
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasizes the importance of relationships with Southeast Asia for security and prosperity. They are working intensively with Southeast Asia, aiming to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN by 2025. During his visit to Malaysia, Mr. Peters engaged in discussions on various security issues and held bilateral talks with ministerial counterparts from several countries.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2004 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Malaysia this week for regional engagement with Southeast Asian partners. “The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays a central role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and has been a steadfast partner of New Zealand,” Mr Peters says. “In our 50th anniversary of Dialogue Relations with ASEAN, we will highlight the value of the deep partnership between New Zealand and South East Asia, and will engage on the strategic issues impacting the stability of our region.