The DAG’s core role will be to provide advice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the implementation of this Agreement. The DAG will also advise on implementation of the labour and environment chapters in the New Zealand–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement.
This is the first time New Zealand will have a formal advisory group for specific trade agreements.
For the DAG, we are seeking balanced representation from Māori; business and employers' organisations; trade unions; and independent non-government organisations active on sustainable development, human rights, and economic, social, and environmental matters.
It is expected that DAG member organisations will reflect the views, interests, and experience of the people they represent.
The group will discuss progress made on implementation of these free trade agreements and deliver its advice to the Ministry.
DAG members’ priorities and perspectives will also inform negotiations on future improvements and upgrades to the NZ-EU FTA.
Organisations represented on the DAG have an opportunity to shape how this group works. For some, participating in the DAG may also be an opportunity learn more about how they can engage with government on trade issues and free trade agreements.
New Zealand DAG members will have opportunities to engage with their EU Domestic Advisory Group counterparts.
The DAG will meet in person once a year, and virtually several times a year.
Further down the track, New Zealand and the European Union will establish a Civil Society Forum which will be open to DAG members and civil society organisations to attend.
Eligibility
To be a member of the New Zealand DAG, an organisation must
- have expertise related to and/or knowledge of the benefits and impacts of the NZ-EU FTA including for Māori, business, workers, the environment, sustainability, and communities across New Zealand
- represent Māori interests, and/or
- be non-government, represent civil society or business.
Please submit expressions of interest by completing this form [DOCX, 37 KB] and emailing to the DAG secretariat Michelle.Quirke@mfat.govt.nz by 5pm Thursday 19 December.
We are aiming to confirm membership of the DAG in late January and hold the first meeting of the Group in February.
Please contact the DAG secretariat at Michelle.Quirke@mfat.govt.nz if you have questions.
For more information on the NZ-EU FTA go to www.mfat.govt.nz/nzeufta