Gary Judd KC: India FTA - The Sting Beneath the Sting

Cabinet Said Stop. The India FTA Says Go

In The Sting in the India Trade Deal A Constitutional Trojan Horse: advancing change through political stealth, I examined the inclusion of clause 13.2.2a in the India FTA. That clause states:

Ani O'Brien: Who is right about the India Free Trade Agreement ?

Not a disaster. Not a breakthrough. Just a trade deal.

The public debate over New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreement with India has been waging since New Zealand First announced they would not be supporting it. Depending on who you listen to, it is either a significant breakthrough that opens New Zealand up to one of the world’s most important emerging markets, or a rushed, low-quality deal that gives away too much while delivering too little in return. Both sides are telling a version of the truth. But neither, on its own, is sufficient to understand what has actually been agreed.

Dr Don Brash: Separatism in the fine print

The following is written in Don's capacity as Hobson's Pledge trustee

Hobson’s Pledge does not normally involve itself in the politics of free trade agreements. But one detail within the recently signed New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has us very concerned. The Government has affirmed its commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and, in doing so, continues to embolden the very separatist agenda that we fight against every day.

The signing of UNDRIP back in 2010 was the catalyst for moves like He Puapua and more.

John McLean: UNDRIP On The Sly

National, Labour & ACT are sneaking the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into New Zealand law

The signed Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and India will come into force in New Zealand when approved by New Zealand’s Parliament. The National, Labour and ACT political parties have each committed themselves to voting in favour of legislation adopting the FTA. It’s therefore virtually certain that Parliament will entrench the FTA in New Zealand’s indigenous law before the next general election scheduled for 7 November 2026.