Thursday, 19 February 2026 11:25

Indian FTA

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Winston Peters' tirade against the free trade deal stitched with India may not be all political posturing by the wily politician.

A key highlight of the FTA is student mobility and post-study work visas. For the first time, New Zealand has signed a dedicated Student Mobility and Post-Study Work Visa Annex with any country.

The agreement also creates structured visa pathways for skilled Indian professionals, including a quota of 5,000 visas for stays of up to three years in sectors.

Peters’ assertion that the deal does more for Indian migrants than the dairy sector is not too far off the mark.

More like this

India FTA Removes 33% Tariff on NZ Sheepmeat

India FTA Removes 33% Tariff on NZ Sheepmeat

New Zealand’s red meat sector has welcomed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement taking effect, which removes India’s 33% tariff on New Zealand sheepmeat.

NZ Forestry Exports to India Now Tariff Free

NZ Forestry Exports to India Now Tariff Free

More than 95 per cent of New Zealand’s forestry and wood exports to India can now enter tariff free as the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement comes into force today.

Zespri Welcomes India FTA: Kiwifruit Tariff Cut

Zespri has welcomed the entry into force of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement today, calling it a significant milestone that will support long-term growth in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing consumer markets.

NZ Apples Head to India: Apple Action Plan Gets a Leader

A seasoned horticulturist has been appointed to deliver the Apple Action Plan, a key initiative of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens

National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.

Popular Reads

Ex-All Black Sam Whitelock Swaps Rugby for Dairy Farming

Returning to the family dairy farm after playing 20 years of professional rugby around the world is no easy task.

Agricultural Vehicle Rule Changes Welcomed by Rural Contractors NZ

Rural Contractors NZ says proposed changes to land transport rules for agricultural vehicles are a welcome response by the Government…

Fonterra CFO Andrew Murray Resigns

Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.

Breckenridge to Lead Lactalis Australia

Global dairy giant Lactalis has integrated its Australian operations with the Mainland Dairy consumer business it acquired from Fonterra earlier…

Beef + Lamb NZ Inc Marks 40 Years of Red Meat Marketing

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Incorporated (BLNZ Inc) is marking 40 years of promoting red meat to New Zealand consumers,…

Featured

NZ Dairy Hits Record 2 Billion kgMS in 2025/26 Season

The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.

Milk Powder Prices Rally: $10/kgMS Milk Price in Sight

Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.

Year 11 Agriculture Science Saved: Teachers Welcome U-Turn

Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.

Cost of Living Crisis 'Cost Government Votes'

Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.

Another Ex-Feds President Off To The Beehive

Another former Federated Farmers national president is heading to Parliament.

HortNZ Independent Director Murray Denyer Steps Down After Six Years

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) independent director Murray Denyer is stepping down from the board after six years.

National

Canterbury Farmer Urges Peers to Back Meet the Need

For Canterbury dairy farmer Cameron Henderson, supporting Meet the Need comes down to a simple question: how can the success…

Fonterra Board Pay Rise: Chair Fee Up to $528,500

Fonterra board members are in line for a pay rise of around 3%.

DCANZ Urges Next Government to Back Dairy Export Growth

Dairy processors are ready to further boost New Zealand’s export earnings but want the incoming government to match their ambition…

Massey VC Says University Best Placed to Support Dairy

Massey University is best placed to solve the “problems” facing the dairy industry, says vice chancellor, Pierre Venter.

Synlait’s Longest-Serving Employee Joins Executive Team

Synlait's longest serving employee – a man who joined the Canterbury-based milk processor even before it began processing milk –…

Machinery & Products

New Michelin Tyres for Slurry Tankers and Trailers

Global tyre manufacturer Michelin has extended its agricultural trailer tyre range, with the introduction of its new WorkxBib series, designed…

JCB Lifts Investment After Hydrogen Engine Milestone

Following the record-breaking success of its hydrogen-powered Hydromax, JCB is ramping up its investment in the business, key to the…

Stationary Mixing Tank Gets Job Done Quickly, Efficiently

During calf rearing, logistics can play an important role in getting the job done quickly and efficiently.

High-Volume Effluent Irrigation Made Simple

Having been on the market for over 10 years, the King Cobra K2 travelling raingun continues to be a popular…

Pichon Adds SV10R and SV14 to SV Slurry Tanker Range

French manufacturer Pichon has expanded its SV slurry tanker range with the launch of two new models.

» Latest Print Issues Online

dairynewscover

ruralnewscover

winegrowercover

Milking It

Not Out of the Woods Yet

OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.

Peters Targets Fonterra

OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.

» eNewsletter