Overview
- The government, which confirmed legal checks were finished Monday, set April 27 for a New Delhi signing of the free trade agreement.
- Signature will table the full text and a National Interest Analysis the next day and send the pact to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee for scrutiny.
- The deal removes or reduces tariffs on about 95% of New Zealand exports, with 57% duty-free at the start rising to 82% over time, and it wipes tariffs on timber immediately.
- New Zealand First says it will vote no over immigration settings and dairy access, and Luxon called a “butter chicken tsunami” jibe from deputy leader Shane Jones not acceptable.
- Officials say the pact helps diversify sales beyond China and includes a clause that would grant wine and services the same access the EU secured if New Zealand’s deal takes effect first.