KEY POINTS:
When New Zealand and Australia formed the trans-tasman bond of Closer Economic Relations - or CER for short - back in 1983, the agreement had its doubters.
I mean, could we really get on well with our neighbours across the ditch, was the question that casual observers asked
at the time.
After all, there had been the furore over the infamous underarm cricket delivery by Trevor Chappell; and then Prime Minister Rob Muldoon can't have made many friends across the Tasman with his quip that the migration of kiwis to Australia improves the IQ of both countries.
However, CER, New Zealand's first bi-lateral trade agreement, seems to have passed the test of time. After all, it's been said many times that the peoples of the two nations aren't that unlike each other, when it all comes down to it.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of CER, and to celebrate the milestone, a bevvy of political and business leaders past and present will come together at a function in Auckland later this month.
The gala dinner, hosted by executive networking organization Trans-Tasman Business Circle, will also feature the TelstraClear Trans-Tasman Business Awards.
The award presentation will be a key part of the evening's agenda. Past winners include Fonterra and SkyCity.
"It will be a wonderful opportunity to not only celebrate our past, but also acknowledge success in today's business world," says Alison Parker Harrison, Chief Executive New Zealand, Trans-Tasman Business Circle.
"This is a great chance to reflect on the achievements of CER with Australia and we are excited that some of the key people involved in the architecture of CER are joining us on the night."
Included in that list is the Hon Hugh Templeton - Senior Minister for Trade and Industry with responsibility for CER under Robert Muldoon's National Government. Other dignitaries include business and current political leaders.
CER replaced the New Zealand Australia Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which had been in force since 1966. A backgrounder on CER is available in this Ministry of Foreign Affairs FAQ.
"CER has benefited the size of the New Zealand domestic market significantly, while giving Australia access to another domestic market about the size of Queensland," says the Hon Hugh Templeton. "This illustrates just how important the agreement has been to both economies. It's a trade agreement both countries can celebrate."
So most analysts would concur that CER has been significantly beneficial to both countries, as our exports there have basically doubled since the early 80s.
However, it would be nice if those Australians were a bit more relaxed about accepting our apples!
* Steve Boughey is the Editor of the Business section of nzherald.co.nz
