Articles tagged with Todd
South Taranaki Green Hydrogen Facility Begins Construction with $19.9M Funding
3 hours ago | 43 viewsConstruction has begun on a sustainable green hydrogen facility in South Taranaki, supported by a $19.9 million government investment and additional co-funding, with a total project cost of up to $112.3 million. The facility will supply renewable electricity to Ballance Agri-Nutrients' Kapuni site and produce green hydrogen for emissions-free transport, creating around 50 construction jobs and seven permanent roles. This project, a partnership between multiple organizations, aims to boost the regional economy by integrating wind energy, renewable electricity, and zero-carbon hydrogen fuel production at scale.
Tags: Shane Jones Hiringa Energy Parininihi ki Waitōtara Todd Regional Development Minister Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Provincial Growth Fund South Taranaki New ZealandGovernment Boosts $200K Support for Farmers Affected by Severe Weather
1 week ago | 91 viewsThe Government is increasing support for farmers and growers affected by severe weather, providing an additional $200,000 to Rural Support Trusts in impacted regions. Ministry for Primary Industries staff are working with sector groups to identify where aid is most needed, complementing the $2.2 million previously announced for Mayoral Relief Funds and marae welfare reimbursements. Farmers and growers seeking help are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust for assistance.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Christopher Luxon Government Rural Support Trust Ministry for Primary Industries farmers growers Northland Bay of PlentyForestry ETS Costs Slashed to $10.25/Ha, Boosting NZ Forest Owners
2 weeks ago | 224 viewsForestry Minister Todd McClay announced a reduction in the Emissions Trading Scheme annual charge for forest owners from $14.90 to $10.25 per hectare, marking a 66% decrease since the National-led Government took office. The changes, resulting from a second operational cost review, also include updated service fees and new targeted fees to better reflect actual administration costs while maintaining service quality. Consultation on these proposals, which aim to support the forestry sector’s role in emissions targets, opens now with updated settings expected to take effect by mid-2026.
Tags: Todd McClay Forestry Minister Emissions Trading Scheme ETS Registry forest owners Labour Government cost reduction New Zealand forestry sectorFarmers Urged to Stay Safe Amid Severe Weather Warnings and Support Available
2 weeks ago | 361 viewsAgriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay urges farmers and growers to stay informed about severe weather warnings and seek support if needed, as heavy rain and strong wind alerts affect many regions. The Ministry for Primary Industries is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with emergency groups, and providing on-ground assistance while advising people to prioritize safety and avoid floodwaters. A precautionary state of emergency has been declared in Whangārei, and those needing help are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust.
Tags: Todd McClay Ministry for Primary Industries MPI Agriculture and Forestry MetService Rural Support Trust Northland Whangārei Bay of Plenty Hawke’s BayTodd McClay Reappointed Vice Chair for WTO MC14 to Boost NZ Trade Interests
2 weeks ago | 185 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has been reappointed Vice Chair for the World Trade Organisation’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) to be held in March 2026 in Cameroon, reflecting New Zealand’s commitment to the multilateral trading system. McClay will focus on advancing key issues such as agricultural exports, fisheries subsidies reforms, the WTO E-commerce moratorium, and strengthening dispute settlement processes. As one of three Vice Chairs, he will work closely with the host Chair and members to ensure a successful conference that benefits New Zealand’s exporters and economy.
Tags: Todd McClay World Trade Organisation MC14 New Zealand WTO Ministerial Conference Yaoundé Cameroon Jamaica Philippines Trade NegotiationNew Zealand Updates Land Use and Natural Hazard Policies to Boost Development and Resilience
3 weeks ago | 138 viewsThe Government’s new reforms, effective today, aim to balance enabling urban development with protecting New Zealand’s most productive land, particularly by providing more flexible use of moderately productive Land Use Capability Class 3 land. Additionally, a new National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards introduces a consistent, risk-based approach for councils to manage natural hazard risks, enhancing community resilience amid climate change. These changes, part of the first tranche of national direction instruments under the RMA, support streamlined planning, safer communities, and will integrate with the upcoming modern planning system.
Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay RMA Reform National Policy Statement Land Use Capability Class 3 Natural Hazards New Zealand Government Agricultural Areas Climate Change Planning BillChina Sets Beef Import Quotas Impacting New Zealand Exports From 2026
1 month ago | 338 viewsChina 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.
Tags: China New Zealand Todd McClay beef imports trade agreement quota safeguard investigation beef exports China NZ FTA trade relationshipNew Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement: Boosting Exports with Duty-Free Access
1 month ago | 365 viewsNew Zealand and India have finalized a Free Trade Agreement that eliminates or reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand exports, providing unprecedented access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers and opening opportunities across sectors including agriculture, seafood, and services. The agreement includes duty-free access for key products like sheep meat, kiwifruit, apples, and mānuka honey, alongside provisions for skilled work visas and protections for product names through Geographical Indications. This historic deal aims to boost New Zealand’s exports, create jobs, and strengthen economic ties, with the agreement expected to be signed in the first half of next year.
Tags: New Zealand India Todd McClay Free Trade Agreement kiwifruit mānuka honey Trade and Investment Minister Treaty of Waitangi Working Holiday Scheme Green ListNew Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement Unlocks Major Export Opportunities
1 month ago | 348 viewsNew Zealand and India have finalized a Free Trade Agreement that eliminates or reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports, providing unprecedented access to India’s 1.4 billion consumers and significantly boosting trade opportunities across multiple sectors. The agreement includes duty-free access for key products like sheep meat, seafood, kiwifruit, apples, and mānuka honey, along with enhanced services trade, skilled work visas, and protections for iconic New Zealand products. This historic deal aims to create thousands of jobs, increase exports, and strengthen economic ties, with formal signing expected in the first half of next year.
Tags: New Zealand India Todd McClay Free Trade Agreement kiwifruit mānuka honey Trade and Investment Minister Treaty of Waitangi New Zealand exportersNew Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement: A Landmark Deal Boosting Exports and Jobs
1 month ago | 283 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon hailed the conclusion of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement as a landmark achievement that fulfills a key campaign promise and opens significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters by removing tariffs on over half of exports to India. The agreement strengthens ties with India, the world's fastest-growing major economy, promising job creation, export growth, and a deeper partnership between the two nations. Extensive diplomatic engagement, including multiple high-level visits and trade missions, contributed to securing this high-quality deal that Prime Minister Modi also supports enthusiastically.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Narendra Modi Todd McClay Piyush Goyal New Zealand India Prime Minister Trade Minister Foreign MinisterNathan Guy Appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Starting 2026
1 month ago | 306 viewsNathan Guy has been appointed as New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy to promote the country’s agricultural exports and support government trade objectives, focusing on key markets like India and the GCC. With his background as a dairy farmer, agribusiness leader, and former Minister for Primary Industries, Guy is well-equipped to advocate for New Zealand’s primary production globally. He will succeed Hamish Marr on January 1, 2026, continuing efforts to enhance New Zealand’s agricultural trade relationships.
Tags: Todd McClay Nathan Guy Hamish Marr New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment Minister of Agriculture Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Meat Industry Association Apiculture New Zealand Minister for Primary IndustriesKiwi Food and Fibre Exports Set to Hit Record $62 Billion in 2026
1 month ago | 277 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi farmers SOPI report Agriculture and Forestry food and fibre exports meat and wool horticulture forestry dairyRotorua Ends Contracted Emergency Housing, Rehousing Families for Stability
1 month ago | 266 viewsThe Government has officially ended contracted emergency housing in Rotorua, reducing reliance on temporary motel accommodations by 85 percent and rehousing all families into permanent homes. This marks a significant improvement from the previous system, which trapped families in unstable living situations and damaged the city's reputation. While contracted emergency housing motels have closed, non-contracted emergency housing remains available as a last-resort option for those in genuine need.
Tags: Tama Potaka Todd McClay Rotorua Government Emergency Housing Housing Minister Labour Government Whānau Tourism HomelessnessNew Zealand Sets Practical Biogenic Methane Target to Cut Emissions by 2050
1 month ago | 324 viewsThe New Zealand Government has passed the Climate Change Response Amendment Bill, setting a new biogenic methane reduction target of 14-24% below 2017 levels by 2050, while maintaining the net zero target for long-lived gases. The legislation supports farmers by emphasizing practical, technology-driven emissions reductions without compromising productivity or trade competitiveness, backed by over $400 million in investments for methane-cutting tools. Additionally, the Bill mandates a 2040 target review, protects food production in emissions budgeting, and clarifies the Emissions Trading Scheme’s role, aiming to provide certainty and move from debate to action in the agriculture sector.
Tags: Todd McClay Simon Watts biogenic methane Climate Change Response Amendment Bill New Zealand agriculture emissions methane targets Climate Change Commission Net Zero target emissions budget32 Graduate Veterinarians Start Rural Careers in New Zealand Through Govt Scheme
1 month ago | 340 viewsThirty-two graduate veterinarians will start their careers in rural New Zealand through the Government’s Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians, receiving $55,000 over five years to work in 26 communities focused on production animals and working dogs. The scheme aims to address the rural vet shortage, support animal health, and promote primary sector growth by placing vets in diverse, close-knit rural areas. Since its launch in 2009, the scheme has supported 516 recipients, with the latest group distributed across regions including Waikato, Canterbury, Otago, and others.
Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Voluntary Bonding Scheme Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand rural veterinarians agriculture veterinary graduates animal health primary sector