The trans-Tasman patent attorney regime, a system for joint regulation of patent attorneys in Australia and New Zealand, is now in effect, helping to create a seamless trans-Tasman business environment.

Reforms as part of the Single Economic Market agenda, agreed to by the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand in 2009, have created a single body to regulate patent attorneys in both countries.

The trans-Tasman patent attorney regime is designed to increase business confidence in the service provided by patent attorneys, to streamline processes, to minimise the cost of regulating patent attorneys in both countries, and to facilitate competition in the market for patent attorney services.

Patent attorneys in Australia and New Zealand will be on a single register. New attorneys will be registered under a single set of requirements, and will be subject to a single code of conduct and single disciplinary process.

Existing Australian and New Zealand attorneys will be automatically transferred to the new joint register.

The Professional Standards Board will continue, but will be renamed the trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board, with an expanded membership.

Senator Arthur Sinodinos, the Australian Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, said the new regime was a logical and sensible step.

“The majority of Australian and New Zealand patent attorneys are already registered in both countries,” Senator Sinodinos said.

“Removing barriers for patent attorneys and encouraging competition are key elements that will help drive productivity, innovation and industry growth for both countries.”

The New Zealand Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Jacqui Dean said the two countries had a close relationship.

“New Zealand and Australia have a longstanding and close relationship, but this is the first time a profession will be truly regulated, in a unified way on a trans-Tasman basis”, Ms Dean said.

The necessary legislation implementing the trans-Tasman patent attorney regime will take effect in both countries on 24 February 2017.

|  A Beehive release  |  February 24, 2017  ||

Primary Industries Minister departs for Iran and the United Arab Emirates today on a trip to build closer trading relationships.

“Iran has been an important trading partner for New Zealand in the past and there is great opportunity to increase our two-way trade. This is an exciting step for New Zealand companies who are working with importers in Iran,” says Mr Guy.

“This will be the third ministerial visit to Iran in 12 months and reflects the growing importance of this relationship. This is an opportunity to strengthen our agricultural relationship, following the signing of an Agricultural Cooperation Arrangement in 2016.”

Mr Guy is also attending Gulfood, the world’s largest food tradeshow being held in Dubai

“Over ten New Zealand exporters will be attending this major event which is attended by global buyers.”

The trip also involves bilateral meetings with members of the UAE Government in Dubai.

Accompanying Mr Guy on the trip is a business delegation including representatives from Fonterra, the Meat Industry Association and Zespri.

Mr Guy departs today and returns to New Zealand on 2 March.

|  A Beehive release  |  February 24, 2017  ||

The Terms of Reference for the Fuel market Financial Performance Study Energy have been released today, says Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins.

The Study, being undertaken by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, will take an in depth look at fuel company finances to determine if the price New Zealanders are paying at the pump is reasonable.

“Petrol and diesel are fundamental to New Zealander households and businesses and I am concerned that the difference between what fuel is imported and sold for (fuel margins) has steadily increasing over a number of years.

“We need to know why this is happening and determine if what people are paying at the pump is reasonable or whether companies are making super-normal profits.

“This study will offer new insights into our fuel sector and help us understand if there is an issue and, if there is, show where we need to focus to address it.

The Fuel Market Financial Performance Study will look specifically at returns on capital employed of the major businesses at different parts of the value chain. These returns will then be assessed against an appropriate cost of capital and compared with fuel suppliers in other countries.

The Study will also consider margins and other market performance measures as another way of providing insight into industry profitability.

“This is a technical study but I do expect some observations to be made about regional price differences.

“I am pleased that the companies involved – Z Energy, BP, Mobil and Gull – have all said that they will co-operate with MBIE. The companies were also consulted on the Terms of Reference,” Ms Collins says.

The Fuel Market Financial Performance Study is expected to be completed by June.Related Documents

Terms of Reference into Fuel Price Inquiry (pdf 353.62 KB)

|  A Beehive release  |  February 24, 2017   ||

New freshwater reforms will result in 56,000 km more fences protecting New Zealand waterways from stock – enough to go round the world one and a half times, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

The new rules on stock exclusion are part of the Government’s plans announced today setting a target for 90% of rivers and lakes to be swimmable by 2040.

“Farmers have made huge progress in recent years to improve their environmental practices and this will be another important step forward. Dairy farmers have already voluntarily fenced off over 24,000km of waterways,” says Mr Guy.

“We know that stock standing in or regularly crossing waterways can do significant damage. While dairy farmers have voluntarily fenced off around 96% of their waterways, we want to extend this to other types of farms as well.

“The proposed national regulation would ensure that dairy cattle, beef cattle, pigs and deer are kept out of waterways.

“We need to ensure the changes are practical for farmers, so the exclusions would be implemented in a staged process starting this year through to 2030, depending on the stock type and land slope.

“There are long term benefits for the primary industries and wider economy from these reforms. Overseas markets and consumers increasingly demand a strong environmental performance over and above regulatory requirements. In this context, protecting New Zealand’s natural advantage has never been more important.

“No single organisation or group is solely responsible for improving our water quality. Meeting the target will take a collective effort, but the primary industries have a key contribution to make.

“In the meantime, the Ministry for Primary Industries continues to work with the primary sectors to invest in good ideas which promote environmental best practice. One example is the Farm Systems Change program, which identifies high preforming farms and uses farmers’ networks to spread their knowledge.

“Another is a major programme under the Primary Growth Partnership, called Transforming the Dairy Value Chain. Under this programme effluent management systems have been improved, and every region now has a riparian planting guideline developed in conjunction with regional councils.

“As a Government we are committed to growing the primary industries at the same time as improving water quality. Water storage schemes like Central Plains Water and the Waimea Community Dam help in this by taking pressure off groundwater sources and maintaining summer river flows, delivering both economic and environmental benefits.

“We also know that science will play a major role in improving our freshwater. The ‘Our Land and Water’ National Science Challenge is investing $96.9 million over 10 years into this, hosted by AgResearch and involving six other Crown research institutes.

To read the proposals, and find out how to have your say, visit www.mfe.govt.nz

Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to the Cook Islands this week to undertake a range of meetings, including with Prime Minister Henry Puna and his Cabinet.

“My discussions with Prime Minister Puna and his Cabinet will cover a range of matters including New Zealand’s support to the Cook Island’s tourism sector, which accounts for over 60% of national GDP,” Mr McCully says.

“Ensuring the ongoing health of the tourism sector is a top priority in our partnership. For this reason, New Zealand has committed to projects designed to improve sanitation and water quality infrastructure, specifically in Rarotonga and Aitutaki.”

This visit will also provide an opportunity to hear from Cook Island representatives about economic development opportunities in the outer islands.

While in the Cook Islands, Minister McCully will also meet with members of the Opposition and attend engagements with the Cook Islands Tourism Board and key business leaders.

| A Beehive release  |  February 20, 2017  ||

Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith has welcomed the signing of a ground breaking bilateral international science agreement between New Zealand and Australia at the Leaders’ meetings in Queenstown today.

The Australia – New Zealand Science, Research and Innovation Cooperation Agreement is a commitment to valuable collaboration across the innovation and science systems, and between researchers and innovative companies, on both sides of the Tasman.

“International agreements bring new knowledge, ideas, people, technology and investment into New Zealand’s science and innovation system. These partnerships also contribute to the export of the unique research and innovation generated in New Zealand,” says Mr Goldsmith.

“Our collaboration with Australia in science and innovation is already extensive and constructive. This Agreement sets out a clear work programme that will provide a focus-point for our cooperation into the future.

“New Zealand’s role as foundation investors in the Australian Synchrotron is a prime example of that collaboration, and means we now have access to a facility which can assist in the development of everything from forensics, to surgical tools, to understanding environmental issues.”

Synchrotron users vary from universities and Crown Research Institutes, through to the private sector and high-tech start-ups.

“With this new agreement, we can further enhance our scientific links for the benefit of both Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Goldsmith says.

Key initial proposals in the work programme include mapping collaborative research opportunities, research infrastructure planning and investment, standards and measurement research and the exchange of experts, knowledge and expertise.

The Agreement also provides for a wide array of future initiatives such as common science priorities, working together in other international endeavours and the promotion of a trans-Tasman innovation ecosystem for talent and investment attraction.

More information on the Agreement and associated new initiatives can be found on the MBIE website, HERE.

|  A Beehive release  |  February 17, 2017  ||

The annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ talks have taken the cooperation between our two countries forward in a number of areas, Prime Minister Bill English says.

Mr English met with Prime Minister Turnbull in Queenstown today to discuss common approaches to bilateral and international issues, including trade and science and innovation.

Mr English also thanked Mr Turnbull for Australia’s offer of support for those fighting the fires on the Port Hills in Christchurch.

“Australia is our closest friend and ally.

“A friendship is never stronger than in times of need and New Zealand is very appreciative of the understanding Australians have shown those in Christchurch this week.” Mr English says.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed their joint commitment to promoting open markets and removing trade barriers.

“The annual meeting is an opportunity for a wide-ranging discussion and is a reflection of the closeness of trans-Tasman ties,” Mr English says.

“The trans-Tasman trade and economic relationship provides an excellent model for deeper economic integration and we continue to build on that foundation as we engage with other partners.

“We want to help our traders and our consumers take advantage of the opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.”

The Prime Ministers also confirmed that in light of the US decision not to ratify the TPP, Australia and New Zealand will work together as they engage with other TPP members on the way forward for the Agreement.

The Leaders’ meeting included the signing of an agreement that will better integrate Australia and New Zealand’s science, research and innovation agendas by enabling collaboration between researchers and innovative companies on both sides of the Tasman.

The ongoing work towards a Single Economic Market was also on today’s agenda with a strong commitment expressed from both sides to continue to find ways to make it easier to operate across the trans-Tasman market.

Mr English welcomed Prime Minister Turnbull’s announcement of greater flexibilities in the implementation of the pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders who are long-term residents in Australia. The pathway recognises the importance of the bilateral relationship and the strong people links between the two countries.

The Prime Ministers also discussed the current global security environment and reiterated their commitment to working together to respond to regional and international challenges.Related Documents

Joint Statement - Leaders Meeting 17 February 2017 (pdf 108.22 KB)

Emitters are now on their way to paying the full cost of their carbon emissions in New Zealand, says Climate Change Minister Paula Bennett.

“As part of our ongoing work programme to reduce domestic emissions we have started the three-year phase out of the one-for-two emissions trading scheme subsidy,” says Mrs Bennett.

“This subsidy allowed some businesses to pay one emissions unit for every two tonnes of pollution they emit. Last year the Government announced we are phasing the measure out over three years to give businesses time to plan and adjust.”

The initial 50 per cent unit cost increased to 67 per cent from 1 January, and will rise to 83 per cent from 1 January 2018. All sectors in the ETS will pay the full market price from 1 January 2019.

“It is vital for businesses that we have certainty in our long-term response to climate change. Following the second stage of the ETS review this year we will set a clear long-term direction on how the ETS will help meet our ambitious emissions reduction targets,” says Mrs Bennett.

“Meeting our Paris Agreement targets will require more than business as usual. Alongside the ETS review, we have established three expert groups to help get more trees into the ground, reduce agricultural emissions, and adapt to the environmental impact of climate change.

“We’re also investing $2 billion on public transport, setting targets to increase the number of electric vehicles year on year until 2021, investing $20 million a year in agricultural greenhouse gas research and providing $200 million for international climate-related support.”

Recommendations from the second stage of the ETS review are expected in mid-2017 when the review is scheduled to conclude.

|  A beehive release  |  February 14, 207  ||

Trade Minister Todd McClay will visit Mexico today to meet his counterpart, Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo and discuss the future of trade between our two countries.

“Mexico is already our largest trading partner in Latin America, and there is huge scope to further advance our economies, boosting trade and investment, and working together more closely in the Asia-Pacific region,” Mr McClay says.

This will be the Government’s first formal contact with Mexico since the United States withdrawal from the TPP agreement.

“It is timely that we sit down and discuss how to move our trading relationship forward. I expect our discussion to include next steps for TPP, bilateral trade opportunities and greater involvement with the Pacific Alliance,” Mr McClay says.

“New Zealand is a trading nation, trade liberalisation and fair access to markets are essential for the continued growth and stability of our economy. The Government will continue to push for better access for New Zealanders and our exporters in all parts of the world.”

On the trip, Mr McClay will also meet with New Zealand companies in Los Angeles who are successfully doing business in the US and creating jobs both in New Zealand and the US.

|  A Beehive release  |  February 14, 2017  ||

Prime Minister Bill English has announced Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will make an official visit to New Zealand this week.

Prime Minister Turnbull, Treasurer Scott Morrison and Industry Minister, Senator Arthur Sinodinos, arrive in Queenstown for the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ meeting on Friday 17 February.

New Zealand’s Finance Minister Steven Joyce and Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges will also join the meeting.

“I am looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Turnbull to Queenstown. His visit continues the tradition of holding trans-Tasman Leaders’ meetings early in the year,” Mr English says.

“This visit will be a good opportunity to discuss global economic trends and our shared interest in advancing the trade agenda in the Asia-Pacific.

“We will also review progress towards our trans-Tasman economic integration ambitions.

“We will continue discussions on the situation of New Zealanders in Australia, particularly following Prime Minister Turnbull’s welcome announcement in 2016 of a pathway to citizenship.”

During the visit, the two Prime Ministers will engage with business leaders from both countries and lay a wreath at the Arrowtown War Memorial.

|  A Beehive release  |  February 13, 2017  ||