16 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1373 views
New Zealand Minister Todd McClay cautiously welcomed the US decision to remove additional reciprocal tariffs on key agricultural exports like beef and kiwifruit, which account for about 25% of New Zealand's exports to the US, worth NZ$2.21 billion annually. The rollback, estimated to save exporters around $330 million, restores pre-April tariff conditions but is only partial, as tariffs remain on other products, maintaining uncertainty and costs for exporters. McClay emphasized the balanced trade relationship and continues to urge the US to remove tariffs on all New Zealand exports.
10 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1150 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.
08 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1304 views
The Government has allocated additional funding to aid farmers and growers in Southland, Clutha, and Hurunui districts in recovering from storm damage. Severe weather caused extensive destruction to powerlines, farm buildings, infrastructure, and affected dairy farms with prolonged power outages. The Rural Support Trusts in North Canterbury, Otago, and Southland are receiving up to $70,000 to assist in coordinating recovery efforts and supporting those in need, in addition to the $250,000 previously allocated for storm-affected communities.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1231 views
Legislation has been enacted to restrict farm-to-forest conversions on productive farmland, fulfilling a campaign promise by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay. The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme - Forestry Conversion) Amendment Act, effective from October 31, 2025, aims to protect food production, rural communities, and forestry investments. Exotic forests are limited from entering the Emissions Trading Scheme on New Zealand's most productive soils, with exemptions for Māori-owned land and erosion-prone areas, while transitional exemptions are available for qualifying forestry investments made between 2021 and 2024.
23 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1219 views
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay advises farmers, growers, and foresters to prioritize safety and heed weather warnings, especially in the Canterbury region under a red level strong wind warning. The warning indicates potential dangers such as flying debris, fallen trees, and powerline hazards, urging caution and avoiding unnecessary risks. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with civil defence teams, while affected individuals are advised to stay indoors, prepare for power cuts, and seek support from the Rural Support Trust if needed.
20 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1147 views
The Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research, with Agriculture Minister Todd McClay highlighting the opening of a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in Waikato. Livestock Improvement Corporation's new 'Methane Barn' will facilitate large-scale monitoring of methane produced by dairy cows, allowing farmers to select lower-emitting genetics without compromising productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop up to 11 methane-cutting tools by 2030, emphasizing the commitment to reducing emissions without jeopardizing farm operations or jobs.
19 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1200 views
New Zealand's Biosecurity, Food Safety, and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard is representing the country at the World Dairy Summit in Chile, where global dairy industry stakeholders convene annually. Hoggard aims to showcase New Zealand's efficient farming practices and discuss the country's innovative, sustainable dairy products at the event. The dairy sector's crucial role in global nutrition, economic support, and New Zealand's export growth strategy is emphasized through Hoggard's participation and upcoming engagements in Argentina and Uruguay.
17 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1044 views
The Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research at a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in the Waikato, according to Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. Livestock Improvement Corporation's 'Methane Barn' will allow for monitoring and measuring methane from dairy cows to help farmers select lower-emitting genetics without affecting productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop methane-cutting tools with investments totaling over $400 million, ensuring farmers can reduce on-farm emissions without compromising production or jobs.
17 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1239 views
Experienced agribusiness leaders Simon Limmer and Murray Dyer have been appointed to the AgriZeroNZ board by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay for three-year terms. They will join the existing board chaired by Rob Hewett to drive the adoption of new tools for reducing on-farm emissions. AgriZeroNZ, a public-private joint venture, has already invested in 14 ventures and research projects, with plans to make up to 11 mitigation tools available by 2030 to help Kiwi farmers reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and meeting climate obligations.
01 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1238 views
The Ministers for RMA Reform, Agriculture, and the Environment have urged Regional and Unitary Councils to be pragmatic in issuing consents before the new planning system transition. They emphasize the importance of supporting rural producers and unlocking economic growth by being flexible in the consent process. The Government expects councils to exercise discretion, smooth the transition into the new system, and align their behavior to support the future planning system.
18 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1285 views
The Government passed the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill to prevent wholesale conversion of farmland to pine forests, aiming to balance food production and Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) confidence. Key changes include limits on exotic forestry registrations for productive farmland, flexibility for farmers to convert up to 25% of land to forestry, and provisions for Māori-owned land. The Bill aims to support rural economies, create jobs, and ensure ETS credibility, with a review planned for 2028 to assess effectiveness.
18 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1170 views
Dr Shane Reti, the Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister, announced a $70 million investment in AI research to enhance New Zealand's AI capabilities, accelerate commercialization, and stimulate economic growth. The investment will be made over seven years through the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology to support innovative AI research, develop expertise, and boost competitiveness. Dr. Reti emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities in AI, citing successful collaborations that have shown potential for significant healthcare savings and revenue generation.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1342 views
Minister Todd McClay announced five new commercial partnerships between New Zealand and Saudi Arabian companies during a Trade and Investment mission in Riyadh, expecting over $100 million in commercial value. The partnerships aim to deepen trade relations, boost exports, and align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 for premium solutions. Examples include collaborations in nutrition products, fruit production, animal management, and creative industries like design and construction.
13 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1376 views
Minister Todd McClay will lead a delegation of 21 New Zealand businesses to Riyadh to enhance trade ties with Saudi Arabia, aiming to tap into the country's significant economic potential outlined in its Vision 2030 strategy. The mission will spotlight New Zealand's strengths in food, agriculture, technology, and creative sectors, aligning with the government's goal to double export value in a decade and support Saudi Arabia's development objectives. With Saudi Arabia already a key export market for New Zealand, bilateral trade has seen substantial growth, reaching $1.58 billion, showcasing the mutual benefits of the partnership.
28 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1490 views
The New Zealand–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has come into effect, offering significant tariff savings and market access for Kiwi exporters. Key goods like dairy, red meat, and fruit will now enter the UAE duty-free, with the agreement aiming to enhance trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. The CEPA also paves the way for increased bilateral trade, job creation, and economic growth, aligning with New Zealand's export expansion goals.