World / Economics US keeps de minimis suspension, orders duties on postal parcels from 24 February Executive order locks in end of the US$800 duty-free threshold and instructs postal carriers to collect a temporary surcharge-based duty, a change that will be felt by exporters and online retailers shipping to American customers.
World / Economics US lifts emergency tariffs from 2025 orders, but de minimis clampdown and import surcharge remain The White House has ended a suite of IEEPA-based ad valorem duties, while leaving national emergencies, a separate temporary import surcharge, and the suspension of duty-free de minimis intact.
Government / World Government signs IEA minerals declaration, points to NZ role in secure supply chains Watts and Jones back Paris plan on critical minerals as ministers talk up local potential; details on projects and stockpiles still to come.
World / Economics Trump invokes Defense Production Act to prioritise US supply of phosphorus and glyphosate The order hands the Agriculture Secretary broad allocation powers over two inputs tied to defence manufacturing and farm production, with possible flow-on effects for global markets.
Government / World Peters names new heads of mission for Papua New Guinea and Brazil Georgina Roberts will serve as High Commissioner in Port Moresby, while Aramiro Tai Rākena takes up the post of Ambassador to Brasília.
New Zealand / World Kiwis outpace global averages on cutting food waste and cooking from scratch, IKEA survey finds First-time local inclusion in IKEA’s global study shows stronger habits in meal planning, home‑grown cooking and food storage than most of the world.
Government / World Peters backs Commonwealth reform as Secretary-General Botchwey makes first official visit The Foreign Minister met Shirley Botchwey in Auckland, highlighting accountability, core democratic principles and Pacific priorities including the Apia Ocean Declaration.
World / Government Turkish Gallipoli officials visit underscores Anzac ties, with focus on ongoing cooperation Senior Turkish delegation meets ministers, pays respects at Pukeahu, and signals continued work around Anzac commemorations and cultural links.
Economics / World New deal with Singapore replaces paper export health certificates with real-time digital exchange The arrangement will let border agencies swap health certificates for food and primary products electronically, a move the Government says will cut clearance times and costs.
World / Economics White House orders military to secure long-term coal power for bases The order directs the Department of War and Energy to sign long-term deals with coal plants, casting baseload power as a national security necessity.
Government / World Collins heads to Munich for security talks with UK and NATO leaders The Defence Minister will attend the Munich Security Conference, speak on Indo‑Pacific–Euro‑Atlantic links, and hold bilateral meetings with key partners including the UK and NATO.
Economics / World US scraps 25% tariff on Indian imports after oil pledge and defence pact The White House is lifting the duty from 7 February EST after India pledged to stop buying Russian oil, shift to US energy supplies and expand defence cooperation, with a warning the tariff could return if commitments lapse.
