Kimberly Crewther, executive director of Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, says New Zealand can chase several trade deals at once despite a limited pool of negotiators, rejecting concern that its trade ambitions outstrip its resources.

“I think ambition is great, so I wouldn’t say no, we are too ambitious,” she says.

She says the country has run multiple negotiations before and can pursue Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nigeria together.

“We have a track record of being able to manage many at the same time.”

She says New Zealand should also upgrade the European Union free trade agreement to match terms Australia secured.

“The fact that they have given better terms, more tariff liberalisation on those products to Australia is a fairly good case to move forward with.”

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.