International News
South Korea will submit a bill to ratify RCEP agreement.
South Korea plans to submit a bill to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), joining New Zealand, China, Australia and the ASIAN countries. RCEP, creates the world’s biggest trade block covering around 30% of global gross domestic product and around 2.2 billion people. New Zealand and South Korea already have a comprehensive free trade […]
Kiwiso store opening provides NZ businesses new Chinese market opportunity
Alpha Group, a health supplement business in China, has opened its first supermarket, Kiwiso Store. Kiwiso will introduce premium New Zealand products to the Chinese market. Kiwiso offers 30 New Zealand wellness products, including natural foods, personal care, skincare, intimate care, and mum and baby products. The intention is to grow its offerings over the […]
New Zealand to increase NZDF commitment to the United Nations Command, Republic of Korea
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will deploy three additional personnel to the Republic of Korea, increasing the size of its contribution to the United Nations Command and its Military Armistice Commission from nine to 12 personnel. “Increasing the size of our deployment to the Republic of Korea reflects the importance that New Zealand places […]
End of New Zealand Afghanistan evacuation mission after Kabul terror attack
The Government has ended its effort to evacuate New Zealand citizens, their families, and Afghan allies from Afghanistan after a terror attack at Kabul’s international airport. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern issued a statement on Friday morning saying the last flight of a Defence Force Hercules into Kabul was completed on Thursday, prior to the attack. […]
New Zealand cuts off applications for Afghans to resettle here
New Zealand won’t be accepting any more applications from Afghan nationals to resettle in New Zealand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) citing the “rapidly deteriorating situation” and lack of time left before the August 31 deadline. New Zealand sent 80 personnel and a C-130 Hercules aircraft to assist efforts with partner nations […]
New Zealand and China’s Covid19 Delta experiance
In 2020 New Zealand and China both took a hardline stance on Covid19, aiming for eradication of the virus. The strategy worked well for both countries, with only limited isolated outbreaks through out the later half of 2020 and early 2021. Both countries benefited from their handing of the virus enjoying stronger economic growth than […]
UK releases NZ free trade negotiation details as agreement nears
A free trade deal with the United Kingdom is getting closer, with both sides set to sign an agreement in principle by the end of the month. Tariffs on exports of honey and apples to the UK would be slashed and wine which faces tariffs of up to 20 pence per bottle would also be […]
New Zealand airlifts about 200 out of Afganistan
About 200 people on New Zealand’s evacuation list have been airlifted out of Kabul’s international airport, as a firm deadline for the withdrawal of the United States and allied forces approaches. US President Joe Biden on Tuesday rebuffed requests from allies to extend the deployment of thousands of troops to the airport in Afghanistan’s capital, […]