Graham Adams: Why was UNDRIP ‘affirmed’ in the India FTA?

Exactly how a clause “affirming” the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples found its way into the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement is still unclear but the question is not going to go away any time soon.

In fact, it is turning into a whodunnit as political sleuths try to figure out when the clause was introduced, who put it there, and who wanted it included. They have been forced to try to join the dots and speculate due to the government’s inability — or unwillingness — to offer a convincing explanation.

Bob Edlin: The FTA with India......

The FTA with India: Chippy chides the Govt for not inviting Labour to come dancing much earlier

What’s all this about?

That was the question we mused on, here at PoO, on spotting the headline

Bob Edlin: McClay (a Vice Chair again) is braced for another bout of WTO talks ......

McClay (a Vice Chair again) is braced for another bout of WTO talks – but the future looks tariffying for free trade buffs

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is bound to have been chuffed at being appointed Vice Chair for the World Trade Organisation’s 14th Ministerial Trade Negotiation Conference, “for a second consecutive time following his role at MC13 in Abu Dhabi two years ago”.

Bob Edlin: Govt favours farming over forestry....

Govt favours farming over forestry – but is it giving a greater priority to growing cities than growing crops?

Just a few days ago, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay was braying about the introduction “of long awaited legislation that will put a stop to large-scale farm-to-forestry conversions”.

This would deliver on a key election promise to protect the future of New Zealand food production.

Todd McClay: Legislation introduced to restrict farm-to-forest conversions

Today Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay introduced long awaited legislation that will put a stop to large-scale farm-to-forestry conversions – delivering on a key election promise to protect the future of New Zealand food production.

“For too long, productive sheep and beef farms have been replaced by pine trees in the race for carbon credits. That ends under this Government,” Mr McClay says.

Bob Edlin: Want to know where NZ would be without our farm exports?...

Want to know where NZ would be without our farm exports? Todd McClay is the fellow to ask

Herewith – a challenge for PoO readers:

Dan Brunskill: The Coalition Government promises an economic growth plan within weeks.....

The Coalition Government promises an economic growth plan within weeks, but can it deliver results?

It is awkward for a Government, elected to get the economy back on track, to have spent its first full year in office watching output shrink almost $2 billion in inflation adjusted prices.

2024 was a year of recession by any definition of the word, although a more useful definition would show the New Zealand economy has been in a recession since September 2022.

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Todd McClay pulls off trade deal

Hands up who’s impressed with Todd McClay today?

That was a surprise this morning, wasn’t it?

He's managed to finally sing a free trade deal with the Gulf States, that we have as a country been working on for nearly 20 years and got nowhere with.

And it’s not that we didn't’ try - Boy did we try! Do you remember the Saudi sheep deal.

Todd McLay: 20 Government actions free up the rural economy

Hard working men and women of rural NZ are doing their bit to help rebuild our economy, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today.

“With interest rates and on farm inflation having turned a corner, farmers continue to innovate and boost productivity while working to meet environmental obligations.

Hon Chris Bishop, Hon Todd McClay, Hon Andrew Hoggard: RMA Bill

Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill

The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment Bill which will make urgent changes to the resource management system.