Biosecurity Act review
The Minister for Biosecurity announced today that the Government will be progressing amendments to the Biosecurity Act 1993. The final proposals for the Biosecurity Act Amendment Bill have been released on our website: Proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act | NZ Government. At this stage, there is no proposal to change the law relating to biofouling. The Minister for Biosecurity has instead directed officials look at other ways to improve marine biosecurity risk management. Information supplied by Shipping New Zealand.
Ministerial Meetings
Shipping New Zealand has scheduled meetings in the next week with Ministers before the parliament closes for the Christmas break. Scheduled meetings are with Min James Meager (Associate Minister of Transport), Min Casey Costello (Minister for Customs), Min Andrew Hoggard (Minister for Biosecurity). Information supplied by Shipping New Zealand.
APEC meeting
Ahead of the recent meeting of APEC leaders, in South Korea at the beginning of the month, NZ Trade Minister, the Hon Todd McClay indicated that APEC remains vital for promoting cooperation and open trade against a background of rising global protectionism and geopolitical tension. He emphasised that the forum’s bilateral and collective meetings give the opportunities for ministers to talk bilaterally and collectively. McClay also noted the China–New Zealand economic relationship, arguing that the trade agreement with China is “very important”. Trade between the two nations was recently reported to exceed $40 billion.
At the conclusion of the APEC meeting, the leaders of APEC issued a joint statement noting that the global trading systems continues to face significant challenges and emphasised regional connectivity through promoting trade and investment, and supply chain resilience.
Relationship with India
India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, will make his first official visit to New Zealand shortly to “strengthen the growing New Zealand-India trade and economic partnership,” according to the NZ Trade Minister, the Hon Todd McClay. He added that it marks a milestone in the relationship. “The [NZ] Government has been clear about its commitment to building a broad, deep and enduring strategic relationship with India,” Minister McClay said. While in New Zealand, Minister Goyal discuss Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Minister McClay.
The Fourth Round of Negotiations between Delhi and Wellington began recently. According to the Indian Government Press Bureau, negotiations in this round are focusing on key areas, including Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, and Rules of Origin.
Negotiations began in March 2025 for a comprehensive free trade agreement.
Two-way total trade between India and New Zealand amounted to NZ$3.14 billion (year ended December 2024); New Zealand currently exports NZ$718 million worth of goods to India. New Zealand’s current exports to India include forestry and agricultural products, wool, logs, and apples.
