Trump tariffs
OPINION: Former politicians seem incapable of staying away from the limelight after they retire.
New Zealand is in the process of renegotiating the free trade agreement with China, Prime Minister John Key says.
He told a China Business Summit in Auckland today that FTA has been so massively successful; we have done a lot better than most parties thought.
"We are in the process of renegotiating the FTA. I think it is very important; it is the next milestone."
Chinese ambassador to New Zealand Wang Lutong said we will be the first developed nation to renegotiate a bi-lateral agreement with China.
Key said two-way investment would be very important and the next step in the relationship.
Talking about Fonterra's decision to invest into Chinese infant formula company Beingmate Key said the Chinese company is a massive player and Fonterra is a huge global player. "If you want access to international markets you want integration and you want it fast."
With the infant baby formula, there had been changes from the Chinese Government which had seen some consolidation. He said the market was growing rapidly and there won't be lots and lots of players, there would be a few.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.