Articles tagged with Todd Mcclay

New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement: Boosting Exports with Duty-Free Access

3 days ago | 74 views

New 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 List

New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement Unlocks Major Export Opportunities

3 days ago | 90 views

New 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 exporters

New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement: A Landmark Deal Boosting Exports and Jobs

3 days ago | 79 views

Prime 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 Minister

Nathan Guy Appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Starting 2026

1 week ago | 72 views

Nathan 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 Industries

Kiwi Food and Fibre Exports Set to Hit Record $62 Billion in 2026

1 week ago | 76 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.

Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi farmers SOPI report Agriculture and Forestry food and fibre exports meat and wool horticulture forestry dairy

Rotorua Ends Contracted Emergency Housing, Rehousing Families for Stability

1 week ago | 86 views

The 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 Homelessness

New Zealand Sets Practical Biogenic Methane Target to Cut Emissions by 2050

1 week ago | 150 views

The 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 budget

32 Graduate Veterinarians Start Rural Careers in New Zealand Through Govt Scheme

1 week ago | 130 views

Thirty-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

New Zealand Seeks High-Quality Free Trade Agreement with India to Boost Exports

2 weeks ago | 142 views

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is leading negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India to secure better market access for New Zealand exporters, who are currently disadvantaged compared to competitors like Australia. Since the launch of talks earlier this year, there has been strong engagement between the two countries, with multiple high-level visits and discussions emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive deal. The FTA aims to create jobs, boost export revenue, and support New Zealand’s economic growth while maintaining the country’s legislative sovereignty.

Tags: Todd McClay Piyush Goyal Christopher Luxon Narendra Modi Winston Peters India New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Australia UK

New Zealand’s New Planning System Cuts Red Tape for Farmers and Growers

2 weeks ago | 110 views

New Zealand is replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 with two new bills—a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill—to simplify land use regulation and better support farmers by reducing red tape, standardizing rules, and adopting a risk-based approach. The new system emphasizes property rights, fewer consents through flexible freshwater farm plans, and practical environmental management, aiming to lower costs and increase certainty for farmers while promoting sustainable practices. The bills will be introduced to Parliament soon, with public consultation planned and laws expected by 2026 to foster economic recovery and environmental stewardship.

Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill farmers growers farm plans agriculture

Invest New Zealand Announces Inaugural Board to Boost Foreign Investment and Growth

3 weeks ago | 130 views

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced the inaugural board appointments for Invest New Zealand, a new agency established in July 2025 to attract high-quality foreign investment that drives innovation, economic growth, and job creation. The board, chaired by Rob Morrison with Carmel Fisher as deputy chair, brings extensive domestic and international expertise to support the agency's mission of engaging multinational corporations and investors, including those applying for the Active Investor Plus Visa. McClay expressed confidence that the new board will provide strong leadership to grow capital, production, jobs, and the overall economy.

Tags: Todd McClay Rob Morrison Carmel Fisher David Tapsell Richard Hedley Mary MacLeod Ross George Charles Finny Catherine Savage

InvestNZ Launches Strategic Growth Areas and Investment Prospectuses for NZ

3 weeks ago | 103 views

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced the launch of Invest New Zealand, an agency focused on attracting significant foreign investment to boost the economy by targeting projects from $20 million to $1 billion and advising on supportive policies. InvestNZ will prioritize six strategic growth areas, including renewable energy, technology, and advanced manufacturing, while acting as a bridge between local investors and high-value opportunities. Additionally, three investment prospectuses for Tourism, Wood Processing, and Innovative Food Production were introduced to showcase New Zealand's competitive sectors and attract global investors.

Tags: Todd McClay Invest New Zealand Foreign Direct Investment InvestNZ Active Investor Plus Auckland Business Chamber Tourism Wood Processing Innovative Food Production New Zealand economy

Government Boosts Kiwi Exports by Cutting Trade Barriers and Expanding Market Access

4 weeks ago | 147 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.

Tags: Nicola Willis Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi exporters trade barriers exports China Mexico Korea NZ–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

Costa Rica Nears CPTPP Membership as Trade Ministers Advance Accession Talks

1 month ago | 150 views

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay welcomed progress on Costa Rica’s accession to the CPTPP, with ministers planning to announce substantial conclusions before year-end, making Costa Rica the second economy to join after the UK. Accession processes will also begin with Uruguay this year and with Indonesia, the Philippines, and the UAE in 2026, while discussions continue with other aspirant countries to meet the Auckland Principles. Additionally, inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogues with the EU and ASEAN were held to strengthen cooperation on digital trade, supply chain resilience, and support for WTO reform, emphasizing the importance of upholding international trade rules.

Tags: Todd McClay Costa Rica CPTPP United Kingdom Uruguay Indonesia Philippines United Arab Emirates European Union ASEAN

FIT Partnership Launches Initiative to Strengthen Global Supply Chain Resilience

1 month ago | 144 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.

Tags: Todd McClay Future of Investment and Trade FIT Partnership supply chain resilience New Zealand Malaysia Paraguay trade investment Ministerial Meeting