NZ MPs approve China free trade deal
Updated
New Zealand's historic free trade agreement with China has passed its last parliamentary hurdle.
The deal, China's first with a developed economy, was passed by New Zealand MPs with a vote of 104 to 17.
Trade Minister Phil Goff says the free trade agreement will bring major benefits for New Zealand exporters.
The deal still has to be approved formally by New Zealand's Governor-General, and it is likely to come into effect in October.
China is New Zealand's fourth largest trading partner, with trade between the two countries already worth more than $1.5 billion-a-year.
