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Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Senator the Hon Don Farrell in Auckland on Friday for the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Ministers meeting.
Todd and Don will also meet a range of trans-Tasman businesses at an event hosted by the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum, to discuss enhancing the strength and resilience of the trans-Tasman partnership.
“Working together is more important than ever in the face of increased global economic volatility,” Todd says.
“As New Zealand builds and deepens our trade relationships across the world, it’s important that we don’t take our trade links with Australia for granted. Australia is typically the first export destination for New Zealand companies,” Todd says.
In 2025, two-way trade with Australia was worth $35 billion and involved around 25,000 trans-Tasman businesses.
During his visit to New Zealand, Don will also meet Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston to discuss opportunities to support tourism growth and strengthen connections between the two countries.
“Australia is our largest international visitor market, with strong tourism links supporting businesses, communities and travellers on both sides of the Tasman,” Louise says.
“This is an opportunity to discuss our shared tourism priorities and strengthen the close relationship that already exists.”
Todd will also host Don in the Bay of Islands for a programme focused on Māori tourism and regional economic development.
