Richard Prebble

2 days ago | nzherald.co.nz | Richard Prebble

Richard Prebble writes from Rio, with a stunning sunrise over Copacabana Beach. Photo / marchello74Opinion by Richard PrebbleLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTSBrazil’s crime and traffic are significant, with a murder rate over 10 times New Zealand’s. New Zealand’s exports to Brazil exceed $100 million, but trade is challenging due to governance differences. Brazil is a huge country of over 214 million with a prosperous middle class.

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Richard Prebble

The only person of influence he spoke to last week was Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission (EC). She is reported as saying that she was “keen to look at how the CPTPP and EU could work together to strengthen global free trade”. She was being diplomatic. The EC is not going to agree to swap selling cars to the United States for importing New Zealand butter.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Richard Prebble

Trade Minister Todd McClay says that exporters believe our relatively lower tariffs create “opportunities”. Photo / Andrew WarnerOpinionTHREE KEY FACTSUnited States President Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs, raising fears of an international trade war. New Zealand has been hit with a 10% tariff on exports to the US. Sharemarkets globally have fallen sharply in response to tariffs and concerns of a global recession.

3 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Richard Prebble

All parties except Te Pati Māori support the bill enabling a four-year parliamentary term. Photo / Mark MitchellOpinion by Richard PrebbleLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTSAll parties except Te Pati Māori support the bill enabling a four-year parliamentary term. The bill allows a four-year term if the Opposition chairs parliamentary committees, raising concerns. A recent poll shows 40% support for a four-year term, with 30% opposed and 30% unsure.

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Richard Prebble

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has seen his popularity in the polls fall. Photo / Mark MitchellOpinion by Richard PrebbleLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTSPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has promised to reach a free trade agreement with India in his first term in governmentOther prime ministers have failed to do this despite visiting IndiaLuxon’s polling has continued to fall Are there two Christopher Luxons? In New Zealand, the Luxon from the corporate world who is still learning politics.