I recently enjoyed spending time at vibrant and energetic Diwali events in both Auckland and Wellington. It was an opportunity to reflect on the fantastic contribution our Indian communities make here in New Zealand, and how this country is a much richer place because of the energy and values they bring.

I also have a deep admiration for all that Diwali embodies – light triumphing over darkness, good over evil, and wisdom over ignorance. These themes resonate not only within the Indian community but throughout New Zealand, reminding us of the importance of hope, unity, and the strength that comes from standing together in challenging times.

I want to belatedly wish you and your loved ones a very happy Diwali. I hope that this year’s festival adds to increasing peace, joy, and prosperity for all.

Now if it isn’t already clear, one of the primary objectives of our Government is to grow New Zealand’s economy.
New Zealand won’t become a wealthier nation by simply taxing people more, as the Labour Party continues to suggest.
It is only through economic growth that we can sustainably prosper and continue to invest more in the public services that Kiwis expect, like better education and healthcare services.

That is why, since coming to power nearly a year ago, our Government has been so quick to lift the intensity of our relationships with our partners overseas and explore how we can continue to develop our trading relationships to advantage Kiwi businesses and exporters.
With that in mind, I’m pleased to share a positive update on two milestone agreements that we have been able to secure in the Middle East.

Last week, our Government announced the signing of a free trade agreement with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is collectively the ninth largest economy in the world. This follows the considerable free trade agreement New Zealand signed with the United Arab Emirates in September.

Our agreement with the GCC delivers duty-free access for 99 per cent of New Zealand’s exports for ten years – a fantastic result given that trade between New Zealand and the GCC is worth more than $3 billion annually.

I want to acknowledge our Trade Minister, Todd McClay, who has done an exceptionally good job at driving the conclusion of these agreements with our overseas partners. Securing a trade agreement with the GCC has been a long-standing ambition for successive governments for almost two decades, and I’m pleased that we have managed to deliver this achievement, along with the UAE agreement and many other wins for New Zealand.

Our Government has been relentless in our efforts to boost our relationships across the board, particularly in Asia. Last month I attended the East Asia Summit in Vientiane where I held bilateral talks with the leaders of India, Cambodia, the Philippines, Viet Nam, and Thailand.
I had a lengthy and warm bilateral with Prime Minister Modi, who invited me to visit India in the new year. I am looking forward to meeting with him again soon and discussing how we might continue to grow the relationship between our countries.
Lifting New Zealand’s trade relationships continues to be an important part of our plan to grow the economy, lift incomes and create more jobs for Kiwis, and I am proud of the progress we’ve already made.

Hon Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister of NewZealand,
National Party MP for Botany, Auckland.