Editorial: Taming Trump
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.
OPINION: Without doubt, a priority of the Government this year will be to gain traction on the elusive free trade deal with India.
After all, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has promised an FTA with India in this term. It seems the push for an FTA is not only coming from Wellington. New Delhi, for its part, has written to major Indian businesses seeking their views on negotiating an FTA with NZ.
NZ's two-way trade with India was valued at $2.93 billion in the year to June. To put that in perspective, India ranks 12th in terms of trading partners. New Zealand's two-way trade with China, NZ's largest trading partner, was valued at $37.84b.
Current exports to India consist mainly of wood products, wool, and fruit. Dairy products - New Zealand's biggest export earner - barely feature due to India's protective tariffs.
During its first year, the Government was determined to make a difference. Luxon has spoken twice with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and has secured an invite to visit New Delhi this year. Trade Minister Todd McClay has met his Indian counterpart six times - the latest meeting taking place in India last month.
However, securing a deal with India will be tricky. Agricultural access, particularly for dairy products, remains the biggest challenge. India's dairy sector employs millions of small farmers and carries enormous political significance. The livelihoods of more than 150 million people depend on India's dairy industry. Any changes will always be highly political.
There's a school of thought that NZ should follow Australia's lead. The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, signed in 2022, delivered significant market access while respecting Indian sensitivities. Australian exporters now enjoy tariff-free access for products like sheep meat and many horticultural goods.
Last month a NZ hort sector delegation visited India to engage with government officials.
India has long safeguarded its farmers against the perceived threat of dairy imports with previous governments treating market access for dairy and other key agricultural exports as a 'red line' of sorts for negotiations.
But there have been hints that the current government may be willing to take a more pragmatic approach for the benefit of other sectors.
The potential of a market with nearly 1.5 billion people opening up for our products is just what NZ's hort and red meat sectors need.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.
Recently two of New Zealand's top Maori sheep and beef farms held field days as part of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. The two are: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, northeast of Whangarei, and the proprietors of Tawapata Onenui farm on Mahia Peninsula in southern Hawke's Bay. Reporter Peter Burke attended both field days.
The New Zealand hemp industry is hoping for quick and comprehensive reform of its legislative framework after a recent "historic" visit to sites in Canterbury by a big group of politicians, officials and industry stakeholders.
Resolving rural sector disputes constructively, fairly and with long-term outcomes in mind will top the agenda at a gathering of experts in Hamilton next month.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
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