Employer Bulletin | 11 May 2026
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Here's what is leading the news for employers this week:
New Zealand and Singapore have today signed a major agreement to protect the movement of essential goods such as fuel and food.
The signing of the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES), witnessed by Prime Ministers Christopher Luxon and Lawrence Wong, guarantees neither country will impose export restrictions on an agreed list of goods – including fuel, foodstuffs, construction materials and other essential supplies – and formalises practical cooperation on supply chain resilience.
“With a third of New Zealand’s fuel refined in Singapore, this Agreement keeps fuel flowing to New Zealand,” Mr Luxon says.
“As the best food producer in the world, New Zealand has what the world wants. With this Agreement we are leveraging that.”
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, who signed the AOTES, says it aims to reduce the risk of supply‑chain disruption.
“It is built on cooperation forged during the COVID‑19 pandemic and recognises that reliable access to essential goods is most critical during times of crisis.”
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If you have any questions, about this case or other employment relation matters, call the Advice Line team on 0800 800 362.
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