Release document.pdf

Item 1
From:
s9(2)(a): PM's Office
To:
Mark Talbot [DPMC]
Cc:
Kate de Boer [DPMC]
Subject:
Re: India FTA: PM statement read by Minister McClay and then posted in writing to social media
Date:
Sunday, 26 April 2026 11:15:35 pm
Looks brilliant to me. And yes we will plate it up for Tuesday on a fancy wee graphic. Great
stuff!
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From: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
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Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2026 9:51:44 PM
To:
s9(2)(a): PM's
Mark Talbot [DPMC] <[email address]>;Office
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s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: Kate de Boer [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Re: India FTA: PM statement read by Minister McClay and then posted in writing to
social media
Todd McClay's office is after the PMs statement to be read out. Where is it at?
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From: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2026 6:44:56 PM
To: Mark Talbot [DPMC] <[email address]>; s9(2)(a): PM's Office
s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: Kate de Boer [DPMC] <[email address]>
Official
Subject: Re: India FTA: PM statement read by Minister McClay and then posted in writing to
social media
the s9(2)(a): PM's
I’m ok with it but will leave the tweaks toOffice
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From: Mark Talbot [DPMC] <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2026 6:42:23 PM
To: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: Kate de Boer [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: India FTA: PM statement read by Minister McClay and then posted in writing to social
media
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Hi
, Hi s9(2)(a)
s9(2)(a)
,
MFAT have drafted (and I’ve tweaked) the below statement for the PM. Per below, the idea is

Minister McClay would read it out at the signing ceremony on Monday (New Delhi time) on behalf
of the Prime Minister. The Indians will do likewise with a statement from PM Modi. Are you
content for Minister McClay to read this out on behalf of the PM on Monday?
Assuming PM Modi puts his on social media (as he did with the India-EFTA FTA signing), then we
could replicate that by issuing a statement on social media on Monday night / Tuesday morning
(perhaps using the flash letterhead s9(2)(a) has).
Best wishes,
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Mark
---
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NZ-India FTA signature: statement from Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of
New Zealand
Today, we mark a historic milestone in the relationship between India and New Zealand: the
signing of our Free Trade Agreement.
It was only 13 months ago that I travelled to India to meet with Prime Minister Modi and launch
Information
Free Trade Agreement negotiations. India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing
economies, but our trade relationship has only begun to scratch the surface of its potential. Prime
Minister Modi and I could see that an FTA would be a massive opportunity for both our two
countries.
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Since my visit last March, Ministers Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay, and their officials, have
worked tirelessly to negotiate a deal. The outcome of that hard work is a deal that delivers for
India and for New Zealand. My congratulations to Minister Goyal, Minister McClay and all the
the
negotiators who made this possible.
For New Zealand, this FTA opens the door to one of the world’s most dynamic markets and
creates unprecedented opportunities to trade, invest, innovate and connect. This deal will help
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diversify New Zealand’s export markets, support the goal of doubling the value of our exports over
10 years, and put New Zealand exporters on a more level playing field with competitors already
enjoying preferential access in India.
For India, this deal means growth, innovation and new opportunities. It gives Indian exporters
tariff-free access to the New Zealand market from day one, and it gives Indian consumers
improved access to our high-quality exports. It creates new ways for India to partner with New
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Zealand on agricultural productivity and benefit from New Zealand’s world-leading agri-tech and
food-production expertise.
This agreement matters not just because of what it does economically, but because of what it
says strategically. At a time of global uncertainty, this FTA is a clear commitment by both sides to
stable, predictable, and rules-based trade.

And the India-New Zealand story is about more than trade. New Zealand and India are building a
relationship that is bigger, deeper and more exciting every year – across trade, investment,
defence, sport, and innovation.
New Zealand’s vibrant Indian diaspora is central to the strong relationship between our two
countries. In Prime Minister Modi’s words, the diaspora is a “living bridge” between New Zealand
and India. The contribution of the Indian community to New Zealand is immense: in business, in
science, in education, in health, in the arts, in sport, and in communities right across the country.1982
While today is a big milestone, it is also just the beginning. We are excited about the next chapter
in India-New Zealand relations.
---
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Mark Talbot
s9(2)(a)
From: s9(2)(a): PM's Office

Information
Sent: Friday, 24 April 2026 11:13 am
To: Mark Talbot [DPMC] <[email address]>; s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: Kate de Boer [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Script for PM's pre-recorded message on NZ-India FTA [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Official
Sounds good. We will stand down.
the
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From: Mark Talbot [DPMC] <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2026 10:36:11 AM
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To: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: Kate de Boer [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: FW: Script for PM's pre-recorded message on NZ-India FTA [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Change of plan from the Indian side: Modi no longer doing a video, but a written statement
instead. See example attached.
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I’d suggest standing down on the 2pm filming and we will repurpose yesterday’s script as a
written statement (per the Modi example).
Cheers,

Mark Talbot
s9(2)(a)
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not
necessarily the official view or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not
the intended recipient you must not disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have
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Official
the
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Item 2
Out of scope
From: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 5:50 PM
To: Mark Talbot [DPMC] <[email address]>, s9(2)(a): PM's Office
s9(2)(a): PM's Office
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Cc: Kate de Boer [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Re: PM script for FTA signing message - April 2026.docx
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Thanks Mark.
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From: Mark Talbot [DPMC] <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 5:39:14 PM
To: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Information
Cc: Kate de Boer [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: PM script for FTA signing message - April 2026.docx
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Official
Hi s9(2)(a): PM's Office
the
As discussed via WhatsApp, MFAT’s draft script is attached. It’s 700 words. I think you could
delete the highlighted words which would bring it in at 500 words (or about 4mins at the PM’s
speaking pace). under
Cheers,
Mark
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not
necessarily the official view or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not
the intended recipient you must not disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have
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received this message in error, please destroy the email and notify the sender immediately.

Item 3
Out of scope
From: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 10:39 AM
To: s9(2)(a)
s9(2)(a): PM's Office
s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: Cameron Burrows <[email address]>, s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Subject: RE: PM FTA script for Lyttelton
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Actually 100 exactly.
s9(2)(a): PM's Office
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cretary | Office of Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister
Minister for National Security and Intelligence
Minister Responsible for Ministerial Services
s9(2)(a): PM's Office
M:
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
From:s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Information
Sent: Thursday, 23 April 2026 10:39 AM
To: s9(2)(a)
; s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: Cameron Burrows <[email address]>; s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Subject: RE: PM FTA script for Lyttelton
Apparently over 100 businesses and organisations have now signed the letter.
Official
s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Senior Press Secretary | Office of Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister the
Minister for National Security and Intelligence
Minister Responsible for Ministerial Services
M: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
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From: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Date: Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at 9:26 AM
s9(2)(a)
To: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
;
s9(2)(a)
Cc: Cameron Burrows <[email address]>; s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Subject: PM FTA script for Lyttelton
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Hello all
This is my Lyttelton draft based on the bare bones one sent by McClay office (in this thread). I envisage it having B-roll
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of PM footage on farms/orchards – or just footage of our exporters without the PM. Let’s make it slick and aspirational.
s9(2)
To be filmed Thursday in Lyttelton.(a)
if we do not already have someone going to Christchurch, can we arrange it?
Sorry for last minute notice. The filming slot is 4pm Thursday and both s9(2)(a): PM's Office will be there.
BEGINS
Great news, we’re about to sign a landmark Free Trade Agreement with India.
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Behind me is Port Lyttelton, one of New Zealand’s major export ports that is about to get a whole lot busier.
We are unlocking access to India’s 1.4 billion people and an economy set to become the third-largest in the world.
One in four jobs are tied to trade in New Zealand and so this presents a fantastic opportunity.
Official
Trade Minister Todd McClay is en route to New Delhi with around 20 of our exporters who are going with him to see this
historic deal signed.
the
Our Kiwi business community is so excited to make the most of this deal, almost 100 businesses have come out in a
wave of support to get it over the line and enter into force.
Their open letter for cross-party support highlights just how transformative they see this FTA as being.
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Here at Port Lyttleton and other ports around New Zealand, the goods New Zealand is so good at growing will leave for
their final destination.
Once in force, we’ll see many of our industries and sectors reap the benefits of India’s huge scale.
This is great news for everyone who exports - the kiwifruit growers in the Bay of Plenty, apples in Nelson, wine in
Central Otago, the fishers catching our incredible seafood all around our coast, and the farmers growing our prized red
meat and honey.
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That means they can take on more staff and spend more money in their communities around New Zealand.
We’re very proud to get the India New Zealand Free Trade Agreement over the line because this is a great deal for New
Zealand.
Exports underpin our economy and enabling these sectors compete on the world stage means supporting jobs, higher
wages and economic growth - and that means more money in Kiwis’ pockets.

ENDS
From: s9(2)(a)
Sent: Tuesday, 21 April 2026 7:55 PM
To: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: s9(2)(a)
Subject: PM vid script
Hello, v high level vid script for the PM – please feel free to tinker
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Great news, we’ve just signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement with India.
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We are unlocking access to 1.4 billion people and an economy set to become the third-largest in the world.
One in four jobs are tied to trade in New Zealand and so this presents a fantastic opportunity.
Our Kiwi business community is excited to get stuck in and make the most of this deal – and it’s great to see it has the
backing of some 100 businesses wanting to see it enter into force.
Their open letter for cross-party support highlights just how transformative they see this FTA as being.
Once in force we’ll see many of our industries and sectors benefit, including kiwifruit, honey, apples, red meat, seafood,
wine and more.
Exports underpin the New Zealand economy and enabling these sectors compete on the world stage means supporting
jobs, higher wages and economic growth - and that means more money in Kiwis’ pockets.
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s9(2)(a)
Press Secretary | Office of Hon Todd McClay
MP for Rotorua
Minister of Agriculture
Minister of Forestry
Official
Minister for Trade and Investment
Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs
the
P: s9(2)(a)
Email: s9(2)(a)
Website: www.Beehive.govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
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Item 4
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From: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Date: Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at 1:44 PM
To: s9(2)(a)
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Subject: For circulation bedfore approvals meeting
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Hi team,
Here is a crack at that FTA script for Todd and the PM tonight. Can you include this in
what you circulate just before approvals?
PM
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Three years ago today, National said we’d make a free trade agreement with India a high
priority. Well, we’ve delivered on that promise. And this weekend, Todd will sign it.
This is about opening the door to 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing
economies in the world.
Official
One in four jobs are tied to trade so for a country like New Zealand, this is huge.
the
TM
I’m heading to India tomorrow, with a big group of Kiwi exporters to get this deal signed.
This agreement makes it easier for our businesses to sell more of what we produce to
the world.
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Kiwifruit from the Bay of Plenty. Wine from Central Otago. Seafood, meat, honey - right
across the country.
This deal means more of it can reach customers in India.
And when that happens, its New Zealand businesses that grow.
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That means more jobs, higher wages and more opportunities for every Kiwi.
And we’ve already seen huge support from the business community because they know
how big this opportunity is.
PM conclusion
Exports drive our economy.

And when we make it easier for New Zealand businesses to compete on the world
stage, we support jobs, lift wages… and put more money in Kiwis’ pockets as a result.
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Item 5
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From: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Date: Monday, 20 April 2026 at 11:41 AM
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To: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
, PMO-Press <PMO-
[email address]>
Cc: s9(2)(k)
Subject: India FTA
s9(2)(a): PM's Office
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These are the finals from when it was agreed in December
CML remarks for stand-up
CML press release
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TM press release
Supporting material from MFAT:
the
Backpocket talking points/Q&A
FTA benefits A3
Media explainer
One-page summary
Tariff outcome timeline
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INDIA FTA STAND-UP – 22 DEC 2025
Item 6 1
Deal Announced
Good evening and thank you everyone for coming out in Christmas week.
A few minutes ago, I spoke with Prime Minister Modi, and I am very
pleased to announce that New Zealand has now concluded a Free Trade
Agreement with India.
This is a landmark deal with the world’s largest country and the world’s
fastest-growing big economy that will create new opportunities for jobs,
exports and growth for all New Zealanders.
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This deal delivers on National’s campaign commitment made in April
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2023 to secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our first term. Today
is promise made – promise kept.
Formal negotiations for this Agreement launched only 9 months ago
during my visit to India. But from Day One this Government has worked
incredibly hard to prioritise and invest in our relationship with India. The
engagement has been intensive.
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Todd McClay has visited India 7 times since the election. The Foreign
Minister has visited India twice.  Official
Earlier this year, I led New Zealand’s largest-ever trade mission to India
and have met with Prime Minister Modi, and Ministers Jaishankar and
the
Goyal several times. In return, we have welcomed high-level ministerial
delegations and a visit by India’s President.
The result is a high-quality trade agreement with a trusted partner that will
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deliver deep and lasting benefits for New Zealand.
Importance of Trade
This Government is fixing the basics and building the future – and a key
part of that plan is driving economic growth.
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A growing economy means more opportunities right here at home. It
means jobs, it means higher wages, it means we can deliver more roads,
schools and hospitals, and have better, more responsive public services.

2
Trade is the engine room of our economy. The more we sell overseas,
the better Kiwi exporters can support more jobs and higher wages. One in
four New Zealand jobs are linked to trade and exporting firms pay their
workers higher incomes than non-exporting firms.
That’s why my Government set an ambitious goal to double exports in 10
years. And that’s why we’re hustling on the world stage, forging new
international partnerships – because the better our exporters do, the
better New Zealand’s economy does.
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I never, ever want New Zealand exporters to be worse off than our
competitors, yet that is the current reality in India today.
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Let me give you an example. Before Australia’s FTA with India in 2022,
New Zealand supplied almost 90% of India’s lamb imports. Today, New
Zealand’s share has collapsed to around 8%, while Australia now
supplies over 90%. This is a direct result of New Zealand sheep farmers
facing a 33% tariff, while Australian lamb enters duty-free.
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Similarly, Australia has now drawn equal with New Zealand in other
sectors too. The bottom line is their trade has grown as ours has fallen. I
will not have New Zealand exporters left behind and disadvantaged.
Importance of India
Official
So, that brings us to India. And if there is one word to describe this Free
Trade Agreement with India, it is
the  - opportunity.
This deal tears down the barriers to selling New Zealand exports to 1.4
billion Indian consumers.
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This historic agreement removes or reduces tariffs on 95% of New
Zealand’s exports to India – amongst the highest of any Indian FTA. It
puts New Zealand exporters on an equal or better footing to our
competitors across a range of sectors and opens the door to India’s
rapidly expanding middle class.
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That means more Kiwi jobs, higher wages, and more opportunity for New
Zealanders to get ahead.

3
Today is only the beginning. And as Prime Minister Modi and I have said
these are two countries who should have an even deeper and broader
relationship and friendship.
McClay Handover
Before I hand over to Trade Minister Todd McClay, to go through the
details of this game-changing Agreement, I would like to thank Todd and
Minister Goyal for their outstanding collaboration in getting this deal over
the line. Both New Zealand and India will be better off for it.
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Todd – over to you.
>>TODD McCLAY REMARKS<<
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Thank you, Todd. And I want to thank you again on behalf of all Kiwis for
the incredible amount of work you have put in to pull this off.
I also want to thank Vangelis (vang·geh·luhs) Vitalis and our incredible
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team of very skilled and experienced trade negotiators for all their efforts.
They have been relentless and exceptional, negotiating at all times of the
day. They all deserve a very relaxing summer break and a chance to
recharge with their loved ones.  Official
And finally, can I acknowledge the many Kiwi companies and
organisations that have supported
the   and encouraged Todd and I over the
last year to get this deal done too. This is genuinely a win for all New
Zealanders.
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And with that, Todd and I are happy to take your questions.
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Item 7
Out of scope
From: Caitlin Hicks [DPMC] <[email address]>
Date: Monday, 10 March 2025 at 2:31 PM
To: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
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Cc:
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s9(2)(a): PM's Office
, Mark Talbot [DPMC]
<[email address]>
Subject: RE: India media/comms part 2
Hey s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Here’s part 2 of your India media/comms package. I’ve attached the full and final comms
pack from MFAT, in which you’ll find:
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111 Key messages (you have these already)
111 Four PRs (announcement; post-Modi meeting; in Mumbai; wheels-up)
111 Draft socials content, including detailed plans and scripts
111 Media points for sensitive issues
111 Q&As for three media interviews in India
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111 Placeholder for the op-ed did the PM provide any feedback over the weekend?
Deadline for providing the draft to the publisher is tomorrow AM NZT.
the
Let me know if you want or need anything else. Especially before PostCab today.
Cheers
Caitlin
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From: Caitlin Hicks [DPMC]
Sent: Friday, 7 March 2025 9:27 am
To: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
; Mark Talbot [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: RE: India media/comms part 1
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Hey s9(2)(a) overnight we had some updates on the draft op ed.
MFAT have revised the attached version, and confirmed it’ll be published in the Hindustan
Times after the Raisina speech. The Hindustan Times is one of India’s traditional
prestigious English-language dailies. When they give the draft to the paper, they’ll remove

the highlighted sections until that info is confirmed. The only changes since you last saw
this are to cut down the length.
The Times has asked for this by COB Monday NZT – would it be possible to get this cleared
by then?
And FYI, NZTE are planning to publish the attached news story on their website after the PM
announces the trip (likely Tuesday). It talks about the mission, but doesn’t quote the PM.
Let me know if any issues.
Thanks
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Caitlin
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From: Caitlin Hicks [DPMC]
Sent: Thursday, 6 March 2025 3:22 pm
To: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
; Mark Talbot [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: RE: India media/comms part 1
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Hey s9(2)(a): PM's
Office
As discussed, attached are the key messages for NZ media that you can pull from for
PostCab and media interviews over the weekend.
Official
In the final comms pack (ETA tomorrow), there’ll be similar key messages pitched for an
Indian audience. Those’ll be helpful for media interviews in India.
the
We’re putting a big package of India documents in the weekend bag. Let us know if you
want us to include the draft PR and these messages, or if you’re providing them separately.
Cheers
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Caitlin
From: Caitlin Hicks [DPMC]
Sent: Wednesday, 5 March 2025 2:39 pm
To: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
Cc: s9(2)(a): PM's Office
; Mark Talbot [DPMC] <[email address]>
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Subject: India media/comms part 1
Hi s9(2)(a):
PM's Office

This is the first of several media/comms updates on India.
Attached is a draft op ed for the Prime Minister, to be published in one of the prestige
English-language national dailies after he delivers his Raisina address. Priority is the Times
of India, but it could also be the Hindustan Times or the Indian Express. MFAT are working
to confirm which. Deadline for finalising this is early next week.
Also attached is a PR to announce the trip on Monday. FYI: The Hindu are already
reporting that PM Luxon will be the chief guest at Raisina, though Raisina will hold their
official announcement until our PR is issued.
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Let me know what you think of these.
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On Friday, we’ll give you a full comms pack that includes:
Key media messages (which you can draw from for PostCab)
3 more PRs (one post-Modi meeting, one in Delhi, one in Mumbai)
Q&As for media interviews in India
Social media
Next week we’ll pass on any PRs from businesses on the trip, so you can clear quotes from
the PM. He’s receiving his remarks/major speeches/toasts etc separately.
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If there’s anything else you want on India comms, let us know!
Thanks,
Caitlin
Official
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not
the
necessarily the official view or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not
the intended recipient you must not disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have
received this message in error, please destroy the email and notify the sender immediately.
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