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

Palmerston North Shearer Sentenced After MPI Investigation Into Sheep Abuse

A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.

Power Farming Launches Southland Joint Venture

Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.

Meet the Need Delivers Record 1.27 Million Meals as Food Insecurity Hits One in Three NZ Households

Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.

NZ Tractor Sales Up 10.7% in First Half of 2026: TAMA

As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.

NZ Avocado Sector Eyes Bigger Crop and New Export Markets

The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.

Keep What Works Working: NZ's New Resistance Campaign

New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.