Pacific Islands seasonal workers who will be allowed into New Zealand under a new border exemption will finally be paid a living wage. The New Zealand government has announced it is granting access through the border for 2000 workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employers scheme in the new year. New conditions in place as part […]

It’s the world’s biggest trade deal most people have never heard of. New Zealand and 14 other countries from the Asia Pacific region are set to sign a new major trade agreement this weekend – the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). It encompasses Japan, China, South Korea, the 10 members of the Association of Southeast […]

The first cohort of international students are preparing to return to New Zealand under a new border exception announced by the government last month. Universities New Zealand, which represents the country’s eight universities, said 194 eligible students have been contacted and will now start their visa process. It said the students are from China, the […]

Dairy prices firmed at the global dairy auction overnight with the average price rising by 1.8 percent. The average price is now $US3157 ($NZ4582) a tonne. This compares with a 2 percent fall at the last auction two weeks ago. The price of wholemilk powder increased 1.8 percent to $US3037 a tonne. Prices for other […]

A New Zealand trade specialist is welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping statements about his desire to open trade doors with the world. Addressing Apec leaders yesterday Xi promised he will cut tariffs and indicated he wants to forge new partnerships. Xi said he has even reached out to the United States – declaring China doesn’t […]

Asia Pacific leaders have set aside differences with their first joint communique in three years, calling for free and predictable trade to help a global economy laid low by the coronavirus pandemic. Leaders of the 21-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), who included US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping, also said they would […]

Covid-19 has done little to dampen investment in New Zealand startups. A report from the business advisory firm, PwC, shows angel investment in the six months to June was down by just 5 percent on the year earlier, with $33.6 million pumped into fledgling firms. A total of 41 deals were completed over the period, […]

The government should stop focusing on unproven hydrogen energy technology to tackle climate change, says an expert. Canterbury University professor of mechanical engineering Susan Krumdieck said the government was enthusiastic about the development of green hydrogen, but it was a waste of time and money. Green hydrogen is a potential future vehicle fuel that would […]

The windfarm operator and developer Tilt Renewables has more than doubled its profit for the six months to September, mostly through accounting provisions, as it juggles developments in a changing energy sector. The company reported an after-tax profit of $AU11.8 million up from $AU6.8m on the year earlier. Its revenue was down after selling a […]

Speciality dairy company Synlait will raise $200 million through share issue to strengthen its balance sheet and complete the investment required under a new partnership it has with a global company. There had been speculation the company would raise funds after it was placed in a trading halt yesterday. The placement has been underwritten at […]