NZUS Council

Our squad to play Mexico and the USA in September has been confirmed 🇳🇿🇺🇸🇲🇽

➡️ Read more at: https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/144502?newsfeedId=1275622

For American undergraduate student Keira Smith, studying marine biology in New Zealand was a dream - but it's now her reality thanks to a Gilman International Scholarship Program. Applications are now open for the next round!

Education New Zealand is proud to partner with the United States Department of State on the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, that provides awards of up to US$5000 to support American undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to study or intern abroad for credit. Applications close 10 October 2024, 11.59pm PT.

Through her scholarship, Kiera is spending a semester at Massey University Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, before taking her learnings home to the US.

For more information check out https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/

Or read Kiera's story here: https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/prestigious-scholarship-provides-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity-for-us-student/

📰 Yesterday, the NZUS Council was delighted to host our inaugural Media Fellowship winner Pete McKenzie at the The University of Auckland for the second of three fireside chats across the country.

🎙The conversation was introduced by NZUS Council Executive Director Fiona Cooper and expertly moderated by Professor Rouben Azizian, Chair of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (Auckland).

🌎 Through the Fellowship programme, Pete had the opportunity to visit the US earlier this year, where he engaged with a diverse group of public and private sector leaders and shared his insights with the 50-strong audience.

🙏 Thank you to everyone who joined us in an insightful discussion on the New Zealand-United States bilateral relationship, reflecting on its progress and exploring risks and opportunities for New Zealand and the USA in the Pacific and beyond.

📅 We will be hosting our final event in Christchurch in September. More details to come.

In a speech to The Lowy Institute on 15th August, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted New Zealand's foreign policy outlook amidst a deteriorating global strategic environment.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of international engagement and collaboration with longstanding allies such as Australia and building more depth into relationships with other close partners such as the USA. He pointed to New Zealand's active role in strengthening ties with the US through initiatives like annual Foreign Ministers talks and the Technology Dialogue.

He also underscored New Zealand’s participation in collective efforts, led by the US, to uphold international security and freedom of navigation, reflecting a deep commitment to global stability.

Read the full speech here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/foreign-policy-speech-lowy-institute

✈️ A New Era for the RNZAF.

We're excited to see the Royal New Zealand Air Force take delivery of the first of five C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand's air mobility capabilities.

This delivery not only enhances our ability to support global humanitarian and disaster relief efforts but also strengthens our partnerships with allies.

The new fleet ensures that New Zealand remains ready to meet the most demanding operational requirements with increased reach, enhanced capabilities, and proven performance.

Read Flight Global's article here: https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/lockheed-hands-first-c-130j-to-rnzaf/159538.article

Lockheed hands first C-130J to RNZAF Lockheed Martin has delivered the first of five C-130J tactical transports to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

📰 New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade has released its weekly economic report with some interesting developments for the US economy.

Labour productivity increased by 2.3% annually in the second quarter, with labour costs rising at their slowest pace in over two years.

This productivity growth, which has been notable over the past 18 months, indicates a healthier long-term economic outlook for the US.

Additionally, the Federal Reserve's potential decision to reduce baseline interest rates in September could signal an end to tight monetary policy, providing welcome news to markets.

Read more about this and other economic matters in the report on their website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-market-reports/weekly-global-economic-report-6-august-2024?utm_source=MFAT&utm_campaign=19faff7fa7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_08_06_09_42&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-19faff7fa7-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Weekly Global Economic Report – 6 August 2024 A joint report released last week provided a bright forecast for Southeast Asia over the next decade

In the last eight or so years, trade policy has become more a matter of politics than policy in the USA. Trade became a political issue in the 2016 Presidential election and President Trump took the US out of the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement, thus thwarting New Zealand’s longstanding hopes of achieving a trade agreement with the US.

US political sensitivities about trade have persisted during President Biden’s tenure and the US has not entered into any new free trade agreements under his Administration. Our 2024 NZUS Council Media Fellow Pete McKenzie reports that the outlook for New Zealand to secure a free trade agreement with the US is gloomy for the foreseeable future. Maybe so, but it will remain high on the priority list for New Zealand exporters and the NZUS Council.

You can read Pete McKenzie's report in The Herald here: www.nzherald.co.nz/business/united-states-free-trade-agreement-right-off-the-table-pete-mckenzie/N7MYYQSZPRAUBCVAZLGWEV3EY4/ #:~:text=The%20great%20hope%20of%20New,American%20officials%20and%20trade%20analysts.

The NZUS Council welcomes the NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) report “The place where talent does not want to live” which shines a light on how New Zealand’s international tax requirements are actively working against New Zealand’s migrant attraction policies and programmes – as well as discouraging Kiwis with much needed skills from coming home.

While the Foreign Investment Fund ( ) policy was right for the time thirty years ago, it is no longer fit for purpose in a more globalised world, where there is fierce and increasing competition to woo talent. It is holding us back as a nation. The NZUS Council joins other New Zealand business organisations in calling for a review of NZ’s international tax requirements to pull them into line with other jurisdictions and make New Zealand the place where talent chooses to live.

You can read more about this issue in the below links.

NZUS Council and NZIER joint media statement: https://www.nzuscouncil.org/media-release-changes-needed-to-make-new-zealand-the-place-where-talent-wants-to-live/

The full NZIER report can be viewed here: https://www.nzier.org.nz/publications/the-place-where-talent-does-not-want-to-live

NZ Herald: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/agribusiness-and-trade-the-new-zealand-tax-rule-that-stops-talent-staying/655YPXV3IVCFLNC7IB2L3Z6Y2E/

AmCham New Zealand | Auckland Business Chamber | Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) | Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF) | Bennett

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's four-day visit to the USA was a valuable opportunity to boost the bilateral relationship at the top level.

The Prime Minister had a brief but warm meeting with President Joe Biden during the NATO Dinner at The White House and met with Members of US Congress from both major political parties as well as senior US officials.

The visit to Washington DC highlighted that New Zealand and the USA have a strong friendship based on shared value as well as shared interests in peace and security in the interests of global prosperity.

In California, the Prime Minister and Governor Gavin Newsom agreed to launch new work on geothermal energy, offshore wind and transport decarbonisation. The visit also highlighted New Zealand's capabilities on innovation, our fast-developing space industry, and opportunities for US investment.

Read the all press releases from the Beehive on the PM's visit on their site:

Pre-travel to the States: https://lnkd.in/geEftzM5

During his visit: https://lnkd.in/g6wYzhFT

Wrapping up the trip: https://lnkd.in/gZBareyM

📢 It is great to see that New Zealand continues to make a strong contribution to the US dairy market. The USA is Fonterra’s 4th largest market by value.🥛

Fonterra recently highlighted its impact in the US market, in particular, by supplying dairy ingredients for ready-to-drink protein beverages.

Fonterra supplies specialty proteins to leading US brands like Premier Nutrition: The Good Energy People, whose Premier Protein is the top brand in the US ready-to-drink category.

Richard Allen, President Atlantic at Fonterra, emphasizes the strategic importance of the US as the Co-op’s fourth largest market by value, showcasing New Zealand milk, sustainability, and innovation.

Fonterra's US operations span three channels: Ingredients, Foodservice, and Consumer, catering to a diverse customer base from start-ups to global FMCGs and partnerships with companies like Mars and Ancient Organics illustrate Fonterra's collaboration in developing and supplying dairy ingredients for popular products and organic innovations in the US market.

You can read the full story on their website: https://www.fonterra.com/nz/en/our-stories/articles/usa-the-land-of-opportunity.html

USA, the land of opportunity As the USA celebrates its Independence Day holiday, we thought it was a good opportunity to showcase the impact your milk makes in the Co-op’s fourth largest market by value.

Great news.

High-five for a fantastic bilateral trade relationship! Delighted to see the latest trade figures showing imports topping recent highs and exports making us 🇺🇸 New Zealand's second-biggest market. 📈🌏

Read more via Stats NZ - https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/exports-reach-7-billion-in-may/ 🇺🇸 🇳🇿

AmCham New Zealand Export Gov New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade NZUS Council

This afternoon, we were delighted to host Pete McKenzie, the inaugural NZUS Council Media Fellowship winner, in the country's capital for the first of three fireside chats across the country. The chat was moderated by Council Executive Director Fiona Cooper.

Thanks to our partners Penelope Borland and Fulbright New Zealand and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the historic Old Government Building.

Supported by the Fellowship programme, Pete visited the US earlier this year and shared his views based on discussions with a wide range of contacts in the US public and private sectors.

Many thanks to those that joined us for a thoughtful conversation about the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and the United States, including how far it's come and future opportunities to advance our common interests.

We will be hosting similar events in Auckland and Christchurch in August and September, respectively. More details to come.

📰 Good news story: Stats NZ have released a report noting a new high for New Zealand exports.

In May 2024, New Zealand's export sector reached a historic milestone with total exports valued at $7.2 billion, reported Stats NZ. This marked the first time monthly exports exceeded $7 billion, showing a $202 million increase from May 2023. Alasdair Allen from Stats NZ attributed this growth to peak export seasons for fruits, alongside strong performances in meat, dairy, and vegetable exports.

The United States played a crucial role in this achievement, with exports to the US rising by $255m to reach $1.0b, a record high for monthly exports to that market. Despite market challenges elsewhere, New Zealand's trade relations with the USA, our second largest trading partner, remained robust.

Key exports to the US included beef, wine, sheep meat, natural milk constituents, and casein, contributing significantly to New Zealand's export success. Overall, these statistics highlight New Zealand's competitive edge and resilience in global markets and the importance of the US market for New Zealand.

Read the full report on the Stats NZ website: https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/exports-reach-7-billion-in-may

Exports reach $7 billion in May | Stats NZ New Zealand’s total exports were valued at $7.2 billion in the May 2024 month.

📈 More good news reported in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) Market Intelligence Report on the USA's efforts to increase domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing. 👨‍🔧

The US passed the CHIPS Act in 2022, allocating nearly US$53 billion to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and R&D, aiming for supply chain resilience and a 20% global production share by 2030, with bipartisan support ensuring ongoing subsidies.

🤝 Given New Zealand's significant semiconductor exports, there are potential opportunities for NZ companies to access CHIPS funding based on ownership models and partnerships with US firms.

You can read the full report on their website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-market-reports/united-states-efforts-to-increase-domestic-semiconductor-chip-manufacturing-june-2024?utm_source=MFAT&utm_campaign=869a9f3c3d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_06_17_04_46&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-869a9f3c3d-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

United States efforts to increase domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing – June 2024 Semiconductor chips are a key input into almost all electronic goods.

📈 More good news reported in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) Market Intelligence Report on the USA's efforts to increase domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing. 👨‍🔧

The US passed the CHIPS Act in 2022, allocating nearly US$53 billion to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and R&D, aiming for supply chain resilience and a 20% global production share by 2030, with bipartisan support ensuring ongoing subsidies.

🤝 Given New Zealand's significant semiconductor exports, there are potential opportunities for NZ companies to access CHIPS funding based on ownership models and partnerships with US firms.

You can read the full report on their website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-market-reports/united-states-efforts-to-increase-domestic-semiconductor-chip-manufacturing-june-2024?utm_source=MFAT&utm_campaign=869a9f3c3d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_06_17_04_46&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-869a9f3c3d-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

✍ This year's NZUS Council Media Fellow Pete McKenzie recently had a piece published in the Listener following on from his trip to the States where he met with a wide range of key players in the bilateral relationship.

The Fellowship enables a New Zealand journalist with an interest in international affairs to visit the United States on a two-week research tour.

Pete is a freelance journalist who did his MA in journalism at Columbia University in New York under a Fulbright Graduate Award. Pete visited the US in April 2024 to research trends and developments that are relevant to the bilateral relationship.

Read Pete's article here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/from-anzus-fracture-to-us-alliance-the-massive-shift-in-nzs-foreign-policy/QXUC2BJRRVF3NIRQVBM3ENYVXQ/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhtwitter&utm_content=app.dashhudson.com/nz-listener/library/media/409053551

From Anzus fracture to US alliance: The massive shift in NZ’s foreign policy NZ and the US are closer than in decades, so where's our independent foreign policy?

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) have released a new Market Intelligence Report on the country's exports to the US highlighting its continued growth.

In 2023 bilateral trade between New Zealand and the US continued a strong post-pandemic recovery and growth trajectory. With 16% growth in 2023, the US was New Zealand’s fastest growing major market.

You can read the full report on their website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-market-reports/nz-exports-to-the-us-strong-growth-continues-june-2024?utm_source=MFAT&utm_campaign=5cc6d677e5-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_06_07_02_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-5cc6d677e5-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

NZ exports to the US: strong growth continues - June 2024 In 2023 bilateral trade between New Zealand and the US continued a strong post-pandemic recovery and growth trajectory.

📢 Great news from Parliament as Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour issues a Ministerial directive letter to Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to make consent processing faster under the Overseas Investment Act.

The NZUS Council welcomes this step towards making NZ more attractive to foreign direct investment (FDI). 💼

🌎 The United States is New Zealand's second largest source of FDI with NZ$9.82 billion in the year to March 2023. We look forward to seeing this grow, supporting the growth of Kiwi businesses and the nation's economic prosperity.

Read the full press release here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/making-it-easier-invest-new-zealand

Making it easier to invest in New Zealand The Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour has issued a new Ministerial directive letter to Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to make consent processing timeframes faster under the Overseas Investment Act.

Exciting news from Parliament as Trade Minister Todd McClay MP and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts MP for North Shore head to Singapore to sign three key Indo Pacific Economic Framework ( ) agreements.

These agreements, involving 14 partners and representing 40% of global GDP, aim to enhance the trading environment for our exports and strengthen ties with key markets.

With a focus on trade efficiency, anti-corruption efforts, and elevating labour standards, these agreements seek to to create a more secure investment climate in the Indo-Pacific region. Minister Watts' participation in the Clean Economies Investors forum also underscores New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable development and combating climate change.

During their visit, they will engage in bilateral meetings with partners including the United States, Australia, Canada, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan and Singapore.

Read the full press release here: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/free-trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements-under-negotiation/indo-pacific-economic-framework-for-prosperity/ipef-overview

IPEF overview Find out more about the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.

📢 The NZUS Council has appointed Jonathan Mason as its Chair, succeeding Rosemary Banks who is departing to become New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States.

This change of Chair comes at a time when there is renewed focus on New Zealand’s relationship with the United States as a critically important trading partner, a source of investment, and new technologies.

On his appointment, Jonathan said: “I’m happy to be appointed to the role and look forward to promoting better access to trade in goods and services between the two countries.”

Mr Mason is a professional independent director with vast experience in companies involved in the US market.

See the full press release of Jonathan's appointment on our website: https://www.nzuscouncil.org/press-release-new-zealand-united-states-council-announces-appointment-of-new-chair-jonathan-mason/

PRESS RELEASE: New Zealand United States Council Announces Appointment of New Chair Jonathan Mason - NZUS Council The NZUS Council has appointed Jonathan Mason as its Chair, succeeding Rosemary Banks who is departing to become New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States. Mr Mason is a...

🌍 The New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC has prepared an in-depth summary of the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its potential impacts to New Zealand business.

🌱🔋The IRA, seen as a landmark achievement of the Biden Administration, was signed into law over a year ago, authorising around USD$391 billion in government spending to reduce emissions and promote green industrialisation.

📈 💼 This act is seen as a key driver for economic growth and job creation while positioning the US at the forefront of the clean energy race.

See key points from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT)'s summary and report of the IRA on our site: www.nzuscouncil.org/us-inflation-reduction-act-opportunities-for-nz-green-tech/

US Inflation Reduction Act – Opportunities for NZ Green Tech - NZUS Council The New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC has prepared an in-depth summary of the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its potential impacts to New Zealand business. The IRA,...

There are few issues more topical than US trade policy, digital trade and supply chains, so we were delighted to host a lively event on these issues this week featuring The National Bureau of Asian Research, in conjunction with our partners AmCham New Zealand, The University of Auckland Business School and the US Embassy New Zealand.

🎤 Thanks to Ambassador Robert Holleyman and Dr Kristin Vekasi for their excellent presentations, and our panellists Stephanie Honey and Dr Aadhaar Chaturvedi for their expert responses from a New Zealand perspective.

The US and NZ share many common interests around the regulation of digital trade, and New Zealand’s innovative Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) is of interest to many observers in the US.

While the US is currently reviewing its digital trade policy settings, our panellists expressed the hope the US will be able to resume a leadership role on digital trade policy soon, including in the WTO.

Similarly, while FTAs are not on the political agenda in the US for the time being, there is strong interest in making global supply chains more resilient in conjunction with partners like New Zealand, including through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). There is plenty to work on and we look forward to further policy dialogues with our US friends. 🤝

It was a pleasure to discuss the NZ-US relationship with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at an NZUS Council roundtable meeting on Friday. We discussed the largely positive outlook for New Zealand export industries in the US, including tourism, aerospace, the primary sector and education and other services, and how New Zealand can attract more US investment to help grow our economy. The NZUS Council looks forward to supporting and complementing government efforts to expand and deepen relations with the USA. Thanks to Air New Zealand for hosting us.

The USA is New Zealand’s third largest trading partner and second largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI). Last year two-way trade with the US was worth NZ$26.09 billion, with NZ having a NZ$2.91 billion trade balance. New Zealand’s total goods and services exports were worth NZ$14.5 billion in 2023, with the US taking just over 15% of our total goods and services exports. In the year to 31 March 2023 (most recent figures), US FDI into New Zealand was $9.82 billion. As good as those numbers are there is still plenty of upside opportunity.

Auckland Business Chamber | Beef and Lamb New Zealand | Export NZ | Fonterra | New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade | AmCham New Zealand | The University of Auckland Business School | Kate Acland | Justine Arroll | Rosemary Banks | Mat Bolland Simon Bridges | Fiona Cooper | Adam Frank | Prof. Dawn Freshwater | Catherine Graham | Philip Gregan | Mike Hearn | Fran O'Sullivan | Mark Rocket | Joshua Tan | Simon Tucker | Clare Wilson

Did you know Tech is the second largest contributor to New Zealand's economy? Discover the value and impact that emerging technologies are having upon the lives of New Zealanders at Techweek 2024! As a festival partner this year, we’re excited to be supporting hundreds of events nationwide and engaging thousands of Kiwis across the motu.

Make sure to check out the newly released programme of events and start planning what to attend from this 20-26 of May. Also, don't forget to sign up to the in-person launch event in Auckland on Monday 20 May, where a talented line of up of leaders from New Zealand's gaming and space sectors will dive into how they are building tech for a better tomorrow! 🚀

Sign up now - https://bit.ly/3F4ZxG9

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters, has this morning announced that the Chair of the NZUS Council, Rosemary Banks, will be the next New Zealand Ambassador to Washington DC.

We congratulate Rosemary on her appointment! Rosemary has been a dedicated and hardworking Chair of the NZUS Council and we wish her well in her new role.

Ambassador to United States appointed Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.

Applications are now open for the 2025 Ian Axford Fellowship in Public Policy! Full details are available on www.axfordfellowships.org.nz