The Finance Minister is defending the climate change component of New Zealand's free trade agreement with the European Union.

The free trade agreement will see tariffs eventually removed on 97 percent of our exports to the EU, including kiwifruit, Mānuka honey, fish, onions and wine.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson says the EU wanted climate change provisions in the agreement, and this will be good for New Zealand's reputation.

"This is something that not only I think we have to deal with, but it actually will be good for New Zealand."

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