Why does the EU-NZ FTA take so long?

Plans for prime minister Jacinda Ardern to embark on a last-minute lobbying effort to the EU were put on ice. (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Tim Hurdle

Mon, 15 Nov 2021

Last week, news broke that the negotiation of the European Union and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement was further delayed. Reports said that French President Emmanuel Macron wanted to delay further negotiation until after the election he faces in April 2022.Plans for NZ prime minister Jacinda Ardern to embark on a last-minute lobbying effort were put on ice.NZ sources derided the market access offer on the table for NZ agricultural exporters as “paltry” and “lacking ambition” – with many wanting to gain unfett...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Economy

Wētā FX narrows loss and rebuilds R&D

New Zealand contracts rose 28% to $411m.

Gregor Thompson 12:10pm

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Thursday, Sept 04

Take a break and try our quiz.

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Markets

No encore: Potentia exits Vista stake

Despite board snub, Australian investor is still keen on NZ software businesses.

Rebecca Stevenson 7:10am

Sponsored

Are employers doing enough to prepare workers to retire well?

When one third of the New Zealand workforce is aged 55 or older – are employers doing enough to help them prepare for retirement?

Moneyfit

Sponsored

Bold Steps: reshaping women’s leadership in Aotearoa

Dame Therese Walsh and Dame Joan Withers reflect on the summit’s unlikely beginnings – and how it has evolved into a platform for ambition and impact today.

OnBeingBold