9 May 2025: free trade agreement

Media: NZME

Topic: Fair trade agreement

Enquiry

Reporter sought comment from Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell:

I am writing a story about the EU ambassador, Lawrence Meredith, who visited on May 2 and promoted the EU-NZ FTA.

I just had some questions about the visit and the FTA's effects on the Lakes Region.

1. How have Rotorua and the surrounding areas benefited from the signing of the Free Trade Agreement?
2. The Ambassador talked about the potential twinning of Rotorua with another city in Europe. How would this benefit your region?
3. Why are FTA agreements important to regional producers, business owners, and councils such as yours?
4. How do you think this FTA would impact future growth within Rotorua?
5. What industries have benefited the most from the FTA around the Lakes?

Response

Mayor Tapsell provided the following comment:

“It was a real privilege to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the EU–NZ Free Trade Agreement here in Rotorua, and we’re grateful for the work Minister of Trade Hon Todd McClay put in to deliver this agreement.

“The FTA has been a much appreciated boost to business, and we heard how the horticulture industry in the Bay of Plenty region has benefitted greatly already. The FTA is meaningful because of the potential to save millions in tariffs on goods exported from NZ to the EU.

“These savings create more opportunities for these industries and businesses to grow which benefits our local economy. In its first year, the FTA has already seen a 28% increase in NZ goods exports to the EU which is a fantastic result.

“In future I see great opportunity for Rotorua businesses and industries such as agriculture and forestry to benefit from this connection.

“Beyond trade I also see lots of potential to strengthen the connection with Europe and it was great to talk with the EU members in Rotorua about potential opportunities in future such as sporting, cultural and education exchanges.”