EU - New Zealand Domestic Advisory Group

The EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force on 1 May 2024. Article 24.6 of the Agreement provides for the establishment by each Party of a Domestic Advisory Group (DAG). The primary purpose of the EU DAG is to submit opinions and make recommendations on the implementation of the entire EU-New Zealand FTA - unlike most other existing DAGs, whose competency is limited to the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter of each FTA.  

Each DAG is composed of independent civil society representatives from diverse sectors – including non-governmental organisations, employers’ and workers’ associations, trade unions, and environmental groups – to ensure balanced stakeholder representation. Notably, the Agreement explicitly guarantees Māori representation in New Zealand’s DAG, reflecting a commitment to include indigenous voices in the advisory process. 

The EU DAG under the EU-New Zealand FTA comprises members of the European Economic and Social Committee and other European civil society organisations. This composition ensures a balanced representation of independent economic, social and environmental stakeholders on the EU side, including, among others, organisations representing employers, workers, and environmental interests.