Stephen stepped down from the role of Executive Director of the NZ China Council at the end of 2019. Here is his departing comment on the relationship, published in the NZ Herald on 20 December 2019. No one can predict exactly what’s ahead for New Zealand’s...
Trade in 2019: somewhere over the rainbow
The sky is definitely not blue for the global trading system. Are these the worst of times? Perhaps. Can they get better – who knows? In his annual report to the AGM of the NZ International Business Forum, Chair Malcolm Bailey writes: “Around the world New...
NZ/China – is our next big earner in front of us?
As published in the NZ Herald on 3 April 2019. Next month, hard on the heels of the Prime Minister, Trade Minister David Parker sets off for China for the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. He’ll join leaders from a large number of other countries keen to...
What is the new normal in New Zealand’s relationship with China?
On 26 February 2019 The Spinoff published Stephen's article outlining recent developments in the relationship with China. Read what he had to say here.
Back to the Future? New Zealand, the European Union and Britain
On 19 February Stephen spoke to the Hawke's Bay Branch of the NZ Institute of International Affairs about New Zealand's trade relationships with the European Union and Britain. Here is what he had to say: ADDRESS TO THE HAWKE’S BAY BRANCH OF THE NZ INSTITUTE OF...
Trade in 2018 – still looking for that star !
Just as well the magi didn’t face tariffs at the border ! Here's Stephen's end of year round up! 2018 will not go down in history as a good year for trade. While international businesses struggled on, they did so against a backdrop of rising protectionism and...
Watch Stephen discuss the implications of the US/China trade war
Stephen and Liam Dann, NZ Herald, discuss the fall-out from the first shots fired in Trump's trade war:
Making trade work better – remarks to London JustShare event
On 30 May 2018 Stephen spoke to an event organised by JustShare at St Mary-le-Bow church in the City of London. The theme was how trade can be made to work better for people including women, indigenous people and sectors like small business. Here is what he had to...
PM’s Europe visit – Stephen comments on Radio NZ website
Radio NZ asked Stephen to comment on PM Jacinda Ardern's visit to London - read what he said here. Earlier Stephen commented on the PM's stops in Paris and Berlin - see here. Finally Radio NZ asked Stephen to comment on Foreign Minister Winston Peters' proposal for a...