“It will reduce barriers, give businesses greater certainty and unlock new opportunities across goods, services, investment, education and tourism – supporting Kiwi businesses to grow, create jobs and lift incomes.”
Luxon said the FTA will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India once fully implemented.
“It will unlock new opportunities to grow our goods and services exports into a market of 1.4 billion people and contribute to achieving the Government’s goal of building the future by doubling the value of exports by 2034.”
Luxon said the roadmap has a significant focus on maritime security, including a maritime co-operation arrangement between the New Zealand and Indian defence forces.
“New Zealand’s prosperity and security depend on a stable and secure Indo-Pacific,” Luxon said.
Modi, who is one of the world’s most high-profile leaders, arrived at Auckland Airport late last night before his action-packed day today.
He was this morning welcomed with a pōwhiri to Government House in Auckland. He was greeted by Luxon with the two prime ministers hugging and shaking hands, before walking up red-carpeted steps into a marquee.
The two then spoke publicly, before a formal bilateral meeting.
Luxon thanked Modi for his “truly historic visit” to New Zealand, which was taking place at a time when “we are living in a very complex world”.
Luxon said it was a significant milestone in the NZ-India relationship.
“Thank you for the relationship and what you’ve put into it … today’s focus is about more than just the FTA [Free Trade Agreement].
“I’m looking forward to meeting with you today … [it’s a] pleasure to see you, my friend.”
Luxon was forced to briefly stop his remarks after some members of the Indian media contingent said the translation headsets weren’t working.
“Is there a problem with the translator or the Prime Minister?” Luxon joked, prompting laughter around the table.
Modi began his response with a series of greetings, including “Kia ora”.
There was a “renewed energy … and renewed resolve” in the two countries’ relationship, Modi said.
He said today’s meeting would strengthen their bilateral efforts for peace, safety and stability in the world. New Zealand and India shared democratic values and were maritime countries, he said.
“It’s like we were made for each other.”
The FTA had been made in a very short time, Modi said.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the team.”
‘Historic event’
Luxon earlier told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast that Modi’s first visit would be a “historic event”.
The leader, who is staying at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland, drew around 80 people last night as he arrived.
Around midday, a live forum was planned to showcase six or seven business sectors “that are of interest to India”, followed by a celebration lunch.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is also expected to meet Modi in the late afternoon.
Modi’s visit will end with a “massive community event” which thousands of Kiwi Indians were expected to attend at Spark Arena.
One News reported the venue was set to be at capacity, which would be more than 13,000 people.
The Indian leader was then set to depart New Zealand late this evening.
Heightened security presence
Police operation commander Inspector Grae Anderson this week said additional support from specialist groups was being deployed, including public order teams from across the country.
“These specialist resources will be able to assist with supporter crowds or any other disruptions that may occur.”
Anderson said, given the stature of the visit, the public should expect some disruptions to parts of the city.
Global Risk Consulting Group managing director Chris Kumeroa said authorities kept public security plans broad, so people weren’t able to search for “vulnerabilities”.
The former NZSAS trooper said they could also use a “show of force” to demonstrate a physical security presence and manage risks.
‘Taking my guns to please Modi’
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki made incendiary social media comments last month, accusing Modi of targeting Indian Christians with threats and violence.
He later called for “Modi’s visit to be banned and for the India-NZ FTA to be torpedoed”.
“I think we should reciprocate in kind. Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims,” Tamaki said.
“And, while we’re at it, if they’re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat.”
Tamaki was served a “temporary firearms licence suspension notice” last month by police and had several hunting weapons confiscated.
The police operation at Tamaki’s home followed his reference on a podcast to using a shotgun to protect his family from immigrants.
Tamaki told the Herald he was speaking figuratively.
After the seizure by police, Tamaki claimed his guns were taken because the Government and police were “bending over backwards” before Modi’s visit.
In a Facebook post, Tamaki accused the police and the Government of “taking my guns to please Modi” after an official notice from the Firearms Safety Authority on his temporary gun suspension.