Friday, 18 January 2019 12:56

Change of tune

Written by Rural News Group

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

The Hound, like most rational people in NZ’s primary and export sectors, was delighted to see the much maligned and denigrated trade agreement of the past few years – the CPTPP, formerly known as the TPP – come into force this month.

Your old mate would like to tip his hat to current trade minister David Parker for finally getting the deal over the line and into action, as well as the former trade ministers in the previous government – Tim Groser and Todd McClay. However, your old mate still finds it hard to believe that the same David Parker who finally signed off the deal was the David Parker (in opposition) who rallied and marched against the very same deal. Thankfully the reality of government and some minor tweaking of the TPP text has led Parker and others now sitting on the Treasury benches on their road to Damascus.

More like this

Minister raises tariffs dispute

Trade Minister Todd McClay has used a meeting of the CPTPP hosted by Canada to take that country to task for defiantly refusing to open up its dairy market to NZ.

From the CEO: A changing trade environment

Did you know that nearly 90% of total New Zealand wine sales occur offshore? That simple number means our wine businesses are the most export oriented of all the global wine industries. It also makes our sector especially sensitive to any changes in the trade rules that govern the access of our wines into international markets.

Canada's flagrant dishonesty

Deeply cynical and completely illogical. That's how Kimberly Crewther, the executive director of DCANZ is describing the Canadian government's flagrant breach of international trade law in refusing to open its market to New Zealand dairy exports.

NZ dairy processors want Canada to respect rules

New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.

McClay ready for trade fight with Canada

Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.

Featured

European growers strengthen Zespri’s year-round kiwifruit supply strategy

European growers are playing a key role in ensuring Kiwifruit marketer Zespri has year-round supply of high-quality fruit for consumers.

Agriculture a “shining light” for NZ economy, says ANZ CEO Antonia Watson

ANZ's chief executive Antonia Watson says agriculture has proven to be “a shining light” for New Zealand’s economy.

Pre-Christmas warning issued to farmers and topdressing pilots

A warning to farmers and topdressing pilots to take extra care as Christmas approaches.

Australian teams to help repair North Canterbury irrigators after storm

Moves are afoot to get a team of Australians over here to help repair North Canterbury's irrigation machinery, ravaged by the big windstorm of late October.

Early drought conditions emerging in Hawke’s Bay as rainfall drops

As you approach Hastings from the south along SH2, the colour of the west-facing hills are a good indicator of a drought.

Global beef trade set for growth driven by Asia – Rabobank report

Global beef trade is expected to grow steadily over the next five years, driven by increasing demand from Asia and strategic export expansions by South American countries.