Latest News

Monday 8th February 2010

SOIL CONTAMINATION NEEDS NEW STANDARDS:  MINISTER

New standards are needed to help councils deal with contaminated soil sites, according to New Zealand’s Environment Minister.

Nick Smith has just released a draft National Environmental Standard on assessing and managing contaminants in soil, based on what he calls the latest toxicological findings from international research.

Mr. Smith calls his proposal a legacy of the many chemicals and hazardous substances used in industry, agriculture and horticulture.

He says some sites pose risks to public and environmental health.

Minister Smith’s new proposals will undergo a 10-week consultation.

FREE TRADE DEAL WITH INDIA

New Zealand’s agricultural industry could cash in big if we sign a free trade agreement with India.  Industry leaders say a free trade deal would give Kiwi exporters a helping hand in one of the world’s biggest markets.

Trade Minister Tim Groser announced the start of negotiations with India at a recent global trade summit in Switzerland.

New Zealand exports to India have tripled over the last decade and are worth $630 million a year.

The Minister says a free trade deal could potentially boost exports in some sectors by as much as 300 percent.

Meat and Wool NZ Chairman Mike Petersen says India presents huge opportunities for sheep meat but warns it could also compromise other markets.

APPLE EXPORTERS STILL OUT IN  THE COLD

New Zealand apple exporters are frustrated that a decision by the World Trade Organisation on whether they can have access to Australian markets has been delayed again.

In 2007, Biosecurity Australia agreed to end an 86-year-old ban on New Zealand apples, originally enforced to avoid the threat of a disease called fire blight.

Because of the severity of the quarantine restrictions, Pipfruit New Zealand pushed the New Zealand Labour government to take a case to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva.

The panel, who heard expert evidence from Australians and New Zealanders, should have announced its decision three months ago. Instead, it’s been put on hold.

Pipfruit NZ CEO Peter Beaven warns that if the report finds in favour of New Zealand, the Australians will try to stall the move.