Employer Bulletin | 27 October 2026
Here's what is leading the news for employers this week:
New Zealand exporters can start using the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement from 20 October, with tariffs removed on more than half of New Zealand’s exports to India, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.
“We launched talks in March 2025 and, by working harder and faster, concluded them in just nine months. That’s a record for India on a comprehensive trade agreement, and it’s one of the highest quality deals they’ve signed. Today, just 19 months after we started, it’s in force and working for exporters,” Mr McClay says.
From today, almost 57% of New Zealand exports to India are tariff-free. That rises to 82% over time. In total, 95% of current exports will have tariffs removed or cut.
Key outcomes from today include tariffs entirely removed on sheep meat, wool and coal, and on 95 per cent of forestry and wood exports; and preferential quota access for apples, kiwifruit and milk albumins.
A second round of tariff cuts follows on 1 January 2027.
New Zealand Government [20 October 2026]
In today’s Bulletin:
Former employee must pay damages for ‘lost chance’ of contract
Casual employee’s regular work pattern identified them as a permanent employee
‘10% of what?’ - Commission clause proves vague
Dismissal uses doctor’s note but not fair process
Half-baked compliance proves costly
Six news updates of interest for employers including:
Consumers price index: September 2026 quarter
India FTA now open for business
Driving productivity with heavy vehicle changes
New Zealand and Brazil agree Trade and Investment Dialogue
Canada, NZ agree to boost trade and investment
Regulatory Standards Board makes first findings
Six Bills open for submission
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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