A New Zealand company has reportedly been linked with transportation of North Korean weapons to the Middle East. As previously reported, on December 12th a Russian made Il-76 aircraft, carrying weaponry from North Korea, was seized by Thai authorities in a Bangkok airport. The plane was allegedly chartered by a mysterious New Zealand registered company, SP Trading Limited. The destination and buyers are still unknown, and the crew members maintain that they have no knowledge of the weaponry on board. Details emerged that ... Read More

On December 16-17th, Murray McCully, New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, to discuss bilateral and international issues. It was noted by the ministers that 2009 marked the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and New Zealand. In a sign of a continued productive relationship it was agreed by both parties to expand potential trade, economic, scientific, cultural and educational opportunities between the nations. In an ... Read More

In a speech made by Gerry Brownlee, New Zealand Energy Minister, on November 18th, it has been made clear that the New Zealand Government is actively setting its sights on the petroleum and gas industry to help fix its budget deficits. Gerry Brownlee made comment about oil being New Zealand's third largest export in 2008, netting NZ$2.8 billion. He also said that the industry is experiencing heavy expansion with exploration projects being carried out in numerous possible fields across New Zealand. If conservative ... Read More