The Government has launched Invest New Zealand, a new initiative aimed at making New Zealand a top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). This agency will focus on attracting capital to critical infrastructure, fostering innovation, increasing R&D, and enhancing global connections. Incubated within New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), it will transition into an autonomous agency to drive international investment and economic growth.
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The Government is simplifying export regulations for New Zealand food products to facilitate trade and innovation. By introducing a two-stage system for export exemptions, the changes will reduce costs, streamline processes, and enhance opportunities for industries like dairy, projected to generate $25.8 billion in export revenue by June 2025.
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The Government is delivering on its promise to cut red tape and enhance export opportunities by introducing a more efficient system for food export exemptions. Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard announced these changes to help exporters deliver safe and high-quality New Zealand food to more international markets.
Currently, New Zealand food producers must meet domestic composition and labelling standards, even when they differ from importing country requirements. Exporters often face costly and time-consuming processes, applying for exemptions on a case-by-case basis through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
In response to industry feedback, the Government will implement a two-stage approach to reform the system.
Stage 1: Exemptions for labelling requirements across all food products and composition requirements for animal products under Risk Management Programmes, including dairy—New Zealand’s largest export earner with forecasted revenue of $25.8 billion for 2025.
Stage 2: Composition exemptions will extend to other foods following necessary regulatory adjustments under the Food Act.
These changes aim to balance trade facilitation with food safety and suitability requirements, allowing exporters to manage compliance independently while being verified under risk-based measures. The new regulations are set to take effect in mid-2025.