In the past, apprenticeships were often seen as something for people who didn't get good enough grades to go to university. Times have changed, reports Danielle Wright

President Barack Obama told governors Monday that he remains "cautiously optimistic" that Congress will approve a sweeping trade deal with 11 Pacific Rim nations this year.

Excess supply in industry augurs tough six months.

Ports of Auckland posted a 9.5 percent increase in first-half profit as the country's third-biggest port slashed its maintenance bill.

NZ Trade and Enterprise has released a new set of guidelines for doing business with post-sanctions Iran.

Challenge is to extract more 'domestic value added', write Denis McNamara and John Ballingall.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade argues the project has taken them closer to a free trade deal.

Port of Tauranga, New Zealand's biggest port company, reported a 9 per cent drop in first-half profit as export log volumes fell.

What will be the likely impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement on our "100% Pure" brand, central to tourism and a significant driver of economic growth? I

For this lukewarm opponent of regional trade agreements, the TPP is a so-so deal with small net gains, writes Jim Rose.

Magali Silva says small countries need to enter mega-regional agreements to thrive, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

New Zealand's efforts to secure a free trade agreement with Europe are ramping up, with Trade Minister Todd McClay flying out this weekend for meetings.

Another British law change has just made it harder for Kiwis to live and work in the United Kingdom.

The opposition to the TPP was ugly. Worse than that, it backfired, writes Heather du Plessis-Allan.

United States Trade Representative Mike Froman has rolled out a welcome mat to newbie ambassador to the US, Tim Groser.

Signed and sealed but not yet delivered, the TPP will now be put through the wringer in member countries for ratification.

The National Government will today ignore widespread opposition from ordinary New Zealanders when it signs the secretly negotiated deal, writes Jane Kelsey.

All motorway access points are now open after protesters blockaded central city off-ramps earlier this afternoon in Auckland.

Police have dismissed suggestions they were heavy-handed in dealing with TPP protesters.

The Trans Pacific Partnership has been officially signed at a ceremony in Auckland today.

For the primary sector the TPP confers boundless opportunities not only for agriculture but for future generations of New Zealanders and their prosperity, writes William Rolleston.

We are a small export nation and trade is our lifeblood. Every region in New Zealand relies on trade, writes Todd McClay

It would be a big step for powerhouse to accede to TPP agreement, with intellectual protection a thorny issue.

Kiwis should feel immensely proud of being part of the TPP, Prime Minister John Key said ahead of today's historic signing in Auckland by 12 countries.

If this was such a bad deal, how is it possible that a dozen countries all got sucked in and put their name to the sort of trouble the placard wavers are proclaiming?

Looking back, it is hard to recall a greater diplomatic achievement than the comprehensive trade and investment agreement that will be signed by representatives of 12 countries in Auckland today.

Music sensation Stan Walker has spoken out against supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).