Editorial: Passage to India
OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.
Facing criticism on the deal for dairy in particular, Trade Minister Todd McClay said TPP is a free trade agreement in that it frees up trade.
"We were ambitious particularly in the area of dairy and would have seen greater liberalisation and better access for New Zealand dairy farmers into these markets," he said at the Auckland TPP roadshow.
"We didn't achieve all that.... But we need to remember dairy is still one of the most protected and regulated industries in the world."
After all these years they are starting to get better access to the US, the world's largest economy, for dairy and other produce.
"If you are asking whether we think that is it and we don't have to worry about dairy and other industries around the world, the answer is no. NZ will always argue for greater liberalisation in all these areas."
But if they don't go into the TPP agreement, restrictions would be higher on all exporters. Ninety five percent of our exports will be covered by free trade without restriction when TPP enters into force.
McClay says they will use the whole of this year for the parliamentary stage of the process. Previous trade agreements have moved through Parliament much faster.
This was NZ's largest and most beneficial agreement and had two years to enter into force, he said. They have time to work through the legislative stages, which are likely to be quite technical particularly on the copyright issue.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.