Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:55

Play by the rules

Written by Sudesh Kissun

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the Government is always working to ensure that our food exporters are treated fairly under trade agreements signed with other countries.

Speaking at the NZ Dairy Industry Awards in Queenstown, he highlighted the simmering trade dispute between NZ and Canada over the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

New Zealand initiated the dispute because Canada was not complying with CPTPP rules, blocking dairy exporters' access to its market.

A CPTPP arbitration panel ruled decisively in New Zealand's favour. Canada had until 1 May to change how it administered its tariff quotas - to stop giving its own domestic industry priority access, and to allow exporters to benefit fully from the market access negotiated in good faith between Canada and New Zealand.

McClay says NZ takes its trade obligations seriously and expects other countries to do the same.

"Canada is a great friend of NZ, we work together well around the world, but they must deliver on their obligations," he says. "And on your behalf the government reserves the right to use any instrumental at our disposal."

More like this

NZ dairy sector eyes inclusion in India free trade deal

The dairy sector is hopeful of being part of a free trade deal being hammered out between New Zealand and India.

Fieldays calls for strategic investment in its future

A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.

McClay: “Go hard, go fast!"

Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

Todd McClay urges farmers to prioritise safety amid storm

Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.

Featured

Big day at Clash of the Colleges

Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.

New Zealand Merino Company expands TextileGenesis traceability

The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.

Waituna Lagoon consent puts farms at risk, Federated Farmers Say

According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.

Metallica, Kiwi farmers, and community leaders unite for food relief in NZ

Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.

Alliance Group returns to profit after two years with $93m turnaround

After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.

Zespri Forecasts Record Returns for 2025/26 Kiwifruit Season

According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.