Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker has signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in Santiago, Chile.

New Zealand is interested in strengthening economic ties with the Mercosur trading bloc, says Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker.

Mar 07  - Young New Zealanders will soon be able to set their sights on Portugal to live, work and play.

Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway has announced that up to 50 young New Zealanders a year will be able to live and work in Portugal for up to 12 months.

The announcement follows the signing today of a reciprocal working holiday scheme, during the visit to New Zealand of the Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities Abroad, H.E. José Luís Carneiro.

Mr Lees-Galloway says today’s announcement provides a great opportunity for young Kiwis to broaden their horizons, and for young Portuguese people to enjoy New Zealand’s warm hospitality and incredible environments.

“Portugal is an important partner for New Zealand on a wide range of international issues, and a strong supporter of the effective rules-based international system that underpins our security and prosperity,” he says.

“It’s important that our political relationship is complemented by strong links between our people, and especially our young people. The new working holiday scheme will help to strengthen these links, and to deepen the relationship between New Zealand and Portugal still further over the years to come.”

The Portugal-New Zealand working holiday scheme will be open from 20 March 2018 to people between 18 and 30 years old. New Zealanders wishing to apply should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact the Portuguese Embassy in Canberra (or, if living offshore, the Portuguese Embassy in their country of residence).

| A beehive release   ||  march 07   |||

Feb 28, 2018  -  Support for small businesses through a payroll management subsidy is to continue for a further two years.

Feb 23, 2018  -  The new $1 billion per annum Provincial Growth Fund has been officially launched in Gisborne today by Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones.

Feb 23, 2018  -  The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will invest $8.6 million in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay to immediately boost tourism and forestry opportunities, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says.

Feb 23, 2018  - The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will invest more than $6 million towards revitalisation of the Whanganui Port and upgrade of the town’s rail line, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says.

Feb 20, 2018  -  PM to Tonga, Samoa, Niue, and the Cook Islands.  Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says the New Zealand government’s Pacific Mission will take place from 4-9 March and travel to Tonga, Samoa, Niue, and the Cook Islands.

Feb 20, 2018  -  Police and Small Business Minister Stuart Nash departs today for the United States and Mexico to discuss mutual cooperation on law enforcement and economic issues.

Feb 16, 2018  -  Revenue Minister Stuart Nash has confirmed the bright-line test on residential property sales will be extended from two years to five years in legislation currently making its way through Parliament.