NZ business leaders urge US to review tariffs
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
The New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF) has announced Felicity Roxburgh will take over as its new executive director.
She will take up the role on 7 July 2025.
Roxburgh comes to the role with close to 20 years' experience in international trade, foreign policy, and regional engagement, with a strong focus on the Indo-Pacific.
Most recently, she served as New Zealand's Consul-General in New Caledonia and has worked extensively with businesses operating across Asia and the Pacific.
Previously, she was director business at the Asia New Zealand Foundation, where she led efforts to strengthen New Zealand's business and people-to-people links across Asia.
Roxburgh has also held senior roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including postings in Hong Kong, New York, and the Pacific, where she was closely involved in geopolitical and trade negotiations.
NZIBF chair Philip Gregan says the organisation is "delighted" to welcome Roxburgh.
"She brings a combination of international insight, strategic thinking, and ability to bring people together around complex issues," Gregan says.
"This will add real value and fresh energy to our work," he adds.
As executive director, Roxburgh will lead NZIBF's engagement with its members on key trade and economic policy issues and represent the interests of internationally focused businesses in dialogue with government and global partners.
"I'm honoured to be joining the Forum at such a critical time for New Zealand's international trade agenda," says Roxburgh.
"The global trading environment is evolving rapidly, and it's vital that New Zealand businesses have a strong voice," she says.
"I look forward to working with NZIBF members to support open and free trade," she concludes.
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Undoubtedly the doyen of rural culture, always with a wry smile, our favourite ginger ninja, Te Radar, in conjunction with his wife Ruth Spencer, has recently released an enchanting, yet educational read centred around rural New Zealand in one hundred objects.
Farmers are being urged to keep on top of measures to control Cysticerus ovis - or sheep measles - following a spike in infection rates.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.

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