The Government’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, while a start, disappointingly delivers little for our dairy sector.

“It’s disappointing that dairy, our biggest export, has been largely left out of this deal,” Labour’s trade spokesperson Damien O’Connor said.

“While we acknowledge this is a start point, the priority must be securing meaningful access for our dairy sector in any deal with India. 

“The UK took three and half years to negotiate its FTA with India. These agreements cannot be rushed and it was naïve of Christopher Luxon to treat this as an election promise.

“Trade agreements should be about getting the best outcome for New Zealanders, not chasing political wins. Rushing negotiations to save face risks leaving our exporters worse off. 

“Labour Governments have spent years strengthening relations with India and have always kept dairy at the centre of those negotiations. We cannot afford to drop the ball on our biggest export.

“Labour will finalise its position as a caucus in the new year,” Damien O’Connor said.