Wayne Brown: City-to-city relationships are the future of trade

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited Auckland to meet with Prime Minister Chris Luxon yesterday. The two exchanged warm words, attended a business conference together, and agreed to elevate the countries' relationship to that of a strategic partnership. With Auckland being the economic-h…

Anne-Marie Brady: Geopolitical Commentator on the fish hooks of partnering with larger countries

Yesterday's Strategic Partnership with India means we've elevated our relationship to more than just a bilateral affair. We've set out a goal to double two-way trade by 2030, expressed interest in other sectors like tourism, farming, and sport, and agreed to increase our maritime cooperation with …

Todd McClay: Trade Minister on National's new trade-focused election policy

The National Party has just announced it's trade policy, should the party be re-elected in November.  They've said that the aim is to secure markets with seven new economies across Europe, Africa and South America, with more to be chased further down the line.  Trade Minister Todd McClay told Tim…

Edwin Paul: Chair of India New Zealand Business Council on India FTA, Modi's visit and Winston Peter's comments

It's been a busy week between New Zealand and India.  The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to make his first official visit to New Zealand as the FTA gets over the line, however Winston Peters has raised concerns around Indian immigrants receiving unfair scrutiny at the border.  The Cha…

Nicole McKee: New ACT Deputy Leader explains party's goals ahead for elections

Nicole McKee will be the new ACT Party Deputy Leader, replacing Brooke Van Velden who's leaving politics this year. Nicole only stood for Parliament six years ago, coming with a background as a small-business owner, volunteer and firearms advocate. But she's risen through the ranks, becoming a ca…

David Seymour: ACT Party Leader on aiming to downsize Government

ACT has announced its plans to radically downsize Government departments, and bring fairness back into our benefit-system. Firstly: They're making medical certification for health-related benefits mandatory, and only issued by MSD-approved doctors with objective criteria rather than a leaving it t…

Simeon Brown: Health Minister on the Government's changes to the Medicines Act

GP fees could be frozen for 12 months from July under a proposed Health NZ shake-up of the funding system. Under the proposals, around 60 percent of practices would receive increased funding through capitation re-weighting and annual funding increased. Overall funding for GPs would reportedly inc…

Adam Pearse: NZ Herald deputy political editor on Chris Luxon's visit to Australia

Christopher Luxon has returned from Queensland, after meeting with Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses.  No announcements have been unveiled, but the leaders discussed defence options and Luxon has been eying opportunities to get involved in the 2032 Olympics.  NZ Herald deput…

Simon Watts: Auckland Minister says Budget 2026 delivers for Auckland, despite Mayor's pessimism

The Government says this year's budget especially strengthens Auckland's role as New Zealand's economic engine room. They point out that they're investing in health, including funding to purchase land for a future South Auckland Hospital, and a share of the Government's $5.5-billion health package…

Chris Penk: Defence Minister on increasing military spend to align with partners

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says New Zealand is "freeloading" from the American military because of our low military spend. The remarks were made at an Asia-Pacific security conference in Singapore, attended by Defence Minister Chris Penk. The New Zealand Government has already announced pla…