14 Oct 2026
1 week ago
213 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.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
609 views
The Hydrogen Hui highlights New Zealand’s potential to develop hydrogen as a key part of its energy mix, supporting economic growth, energy security, and emissions reduction through innovation across the hydrogen value chain. The government is committed to establishing clear regulatory frameworks and investing $45 million in projects like Aspiring Materials’ green hydrogen and critical minerals facility to foster regional development and technological advancement. Success relies on collaboration among industry, investors, and researchers to build a sustainable hydrogen sector, guided by the newly launched New Zealand Hydrogen Industry Road Map.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
596 views
The Hydrogen Hui highlights New Zealand's commitment to developing hydrogen as a key part of its energy future, emphasizing its potential for energy security, regional economic growth, and emissions reduction across various sectors. The government is working on establishing clear regulatory frameworks and investing $45 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support innovative hydrogen projects like Aspiring Materials' green hydrogen and critical minerals facility. Success will rely on collaboration among industry, researchers, and investors, guided by the newly launched New Zealand Hydrogen Industry Road Map to build a comprehensive hydrogen value chain.
18 Jul 2026
3 months ago
720 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.
02 Jul 2026
3 months ago
791 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will visit Singapore and Japan next week to strengthen New Zealand’s strategic partnerships and regional cooperation. In Singapore, he will engage with senior leaders to enhance collaboration under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discuss regional challenges, while in Japan, he will meet political and business leaders to promote trade, investment, and defense cooperation. These visits aim to deepen ties, support security, and boost economic relations with key partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
02 Jun 2026
4 months ago
915 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden will represent New Zealand at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, where she will discuss the country’s employment law reforms, including the gateway test that clarifies employment status for platform-based workers. She will also participate in the Asia Pacific Labour Ministers meeting and engage in standards-setting discussions, while taking the opportunity to meet with senior leaders in London and Singapore to discuss labour market and health and safety reforms. The conference, hosted by the International Labour Organization, gathers around 4,000 attendees from 187 member states to address global labour issues.
04 May 2026
5 months ago
1023 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.
23 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1081 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.
01 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1118 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay concluded his role as Vice Chair at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, where members agreed on the need to modernize the WTO despite failing to finalize reforms and extend the tariff ban on digital trade. Significant progress was made with 66 WTO members agreeing to implement a new Electronic Commerce Agreement, banning tariffs on digital trade flows and benefiting small businesses and exporters. McClay also engaged with international counterparts on critical fuel supply chains and continues to push for limiting fisheries and agricultural subsidies to improve exporters' returns.
31 Mar 2026
6 months ago
1048 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced a joint statement with Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership members to keep global supply chains open, transparent, and resilient amid disruptions like the Middle East conflict. The FIT partners committed to collaborating on identifying trade disruptions, exchanging information, and ensuring air and seaports remain open to facilitate uninterrupted trade. Established in 2025, the FIT Partnership unites small and medium-sized economies to shape global trade, with New Zealand hosting the next ministerial meeting in July.
31 Mar 2026
6 months ago
1169 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced a joint statement by Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership members to keep global supply chains open, transparent, and resilient amid disruptions like the Middle East conflict. The partners committed to collaborating on identifying trade disruptions, sharing information, and ensuring air and seaports remain open to facilitate unimpeded trade. New Zealand, hosting the next FIT Ministerial Meeting in July, leads this initiative to support small and medium-sized economies in shaping the future of global trade and investment.
13 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1285 views
New Zealand and Singapore have signed a new electronic certification arrangement to replace the paper-based system, enabling real-time digital exchange of export health certifications for food and primary products. This initiative aims to streamline border processes, reduce costs, enhance supply chain security, and accelerate market access, supporting trade growth between the two countries. The arrangement is part of their Joint Plan of Action under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and aligns with New Zealand’s goal to double export value within ten years.
19 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1534 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of Victoria Louise Heine as a High Court Judge, effective 16 February 2026, in Wellington. Justice Heine has a distinguished legal career, including roles as a partner at Chen Palmer and Chapman Tripp, a barrister sole, and an Adjunct Law Lecturer, with expertise in civil remedies, regulatory disputes, and arbitration. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University, a Master of Laws from the University of Chicago, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2021.
08 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1150 views
Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay embarked on a trip to China, the UAE, India, Singapore, and Australia to enhance trade relations and advocate for New Zealand's interests globally. In China, he led a trade mission at the China International Import Expo and emphasized New Zealand's 'Grass-Fed' standard, highlighting the significance of the trade relationship with China as the largest trading partner. The Minister engaged in various meetings and trade negotiations in the UAE, India, Singapore, and Australia, aiming to strengthen economic ties and achieve the government's goal of doubling export value over a decade to boost job opportunities and incomes in New Zealand.
31 Oct 2025
11 months ago
1172 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay, along with their Singaporean and Chilean counterparts, launched negotiations for the Green Economy Partnership Agreement (GEPA) in the Republic of Korea. The agreement aims to boost trade and investment opportunities in the global green economy, estimated to reach US$11 trillion by 2040, by focusing on areas such as sustainable finance, green goods and services, and low emissions fuel alternatives. The negotiations, set to continue until 2026, follow the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Singapore and underline New Zealand's commitment to meeting climate targets and fostering a greener economy through international collaboration.