NZ Mint signs $60m deal with Chinese firm

New Zealand Mint has signed a $60 million deal with a Chines company, it was announced today. Photo / supplied

New Zealand Mint has signed a $60 million deal with a Chinese company.

A statement from the coin minter and bullion dealer said it signed the agreement with China Today International (CTI) yesterday.

"The deal will see New Zealand Mint work with CTI to produce ranges of silver collectible coins featuring international themes or topics suited to the Chinese market," the statement said.

China Today International chairman Ming Liu, who travelled to Auckland to sign the agreement, said the company was excited to have secured the exclusive distribution rights in China for New Zealand Mint, which was well respected and internationally recognised for innovation.

New Zealand Mint chief executive Simon Harding said the was easily the biggest in the company's history.

He said ninety per cent of New Zealand Mint's collectible coin markets were offshore - mainly USA, Canada and Europe.

"New Zealand Mint's global partnering with some of the world's premier brands, our expertise in design and flair for the development of attractive packaging has seen our business continue to go from strength to strength," Harding said.

"To get the opportunity to work with a strong and reputable distribution partner on this scale is a great opportunity to showcase New Zealand Mint and its product in China."

The first coins from this collaboration would it the market in late May.