This month, we bid farewell to Kirk Hope and warmly welcomed Katherine Rich as the new Chief Executive of Business New Zealand. Katherine brings a wealth of experience in policy and advocacy, having led the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council (NZFGC) for several years, following a nine-year tenure in Parliament. She also has deep knowledge of New Zealand’s export sector, having represented the NZFGC on the GS1 Board, served as a member of the New Zealand International Business Forum, and spent five years on the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) as a New Zealand representative. During her time with ABAC, Katherine focused on reducing non-tariff barriers for exporters across the region—a priority that many exporters will surely appreciate.

Last month, shipping costs spiked, this month is it electricity prices surging due to a perfect storm of low lake levels, low wind generation, and low gas supplies. While electricity and shipping costs are currently below their highest peaks, costs remain high and are putting unnecessary pressure on exporters and businesses. Check this month’s trade and advocacy update for
more information.

This past month saw shipping costs on the rise again as rebels continue to threaten the Red Sea shipping lanes and routes continue to be diverted around the Cape of Good Hope. US President Biden’s decision not to run for re-election has added another twist in the US Presidential Elections – you can find ExportNZ’s perspective on both topics in our Trade & Policy Update below.

It’s a busy time for all at the moment! The PM, Christopher Luxon, is concluding the first trade mission of the new government, having led a senior business leaders delegation to Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines – the trade minister has been in China meeting with ministerial counterparts, and excitingly we’re on the countdown to the NZ-EU FTA coming into force at the end of this month!

We had some great news overnight as the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement passed its third and final reading. The Bill will now receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General bringing it into law and completing the ratification process. Next step – Entry into Force (Which we understand will be on the 1st May). Keep an eye out as we’re working with some great partners on a few EU – focused events and bits of materials in the lead up!

If you are an exporter in the Wellington region or know of someone in the region then please check out our ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards for 2024 – entries are currently open! It’s a fantastic way to showcase your business and celebrate the work, the effort, and the innovation that is coming out of the sector.