Damien O'Connor says securing a free trade deal with the UK was no easy feat.  

The Trade Minister's signed the agreement in London with his British counterpart. 

The United Kingdom's agreed to phase out all tariffs on New Zealand exports, saving Kiwi exporters about $37 million a year.  

It also includes new duty-free quota access for beef, sheep meat, butter, and cheese products - with all quotas removed after five to 15 years. 

O'Connor told Mike Hosking our shared history helps. 

“We are a trusted partner and I think they welcomed the opportunity, but it’s been hard, they didn’t just lay down and we had to negotiate our way through this.” 

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