Discover analyses on trade-related issues authored by students, including contributions from current and recent Master of International Trade candidates.
Student notes should be between 1,200 and 2,500 words and must follow the New Zealand Law Style Guide (NZLSG) for university work (see NZLSG, Appendix 7). Submissions should provide clear, concise, and original insights into trade-related issues. Notes should be submitted in an editable format such as .docx , .odt , .md, or .txt . There are no deadlines at this stage, and we accept notes on a rolling basis.
2026
The topic for this year is “Trade, Resilience and Digital Innovation in the Indo-Pacific”.
The Indo-Pacific is a key region for new approaches to trade policy, shaped by recent supply chain disruptions and a stronger focus on resilience and risk management. For New Zealand, this matters directly: our economic wellbeing depends on reliable digital connectivity and clear rules for digital services and integrated goods.
This theme invites student notes on how these developments interact with international economic law and regional rule-making (including the WTO, CPTPP, RCEP, IPEF and related initiatives). We welcome multidisciplinary perspectives linking law, economics, politics, and technology governance, especially where trade commitments intersect with domestic regulation and public policy.
2025
The topic for this year is "Shaping Sustainable Trade Practices in the Indo-Pacific: Opportunities and Challenges".
New Zealand has taken a leading role in advancing the integration of sustainability into global trade through initiatives like the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade, and Sustainability (ACCTS). This sets a global precedent putting the Indo-Pacific region at the forefront of efforts to integrate sustainability into trade practices.
This year’s topic explores how regional trade policies and agreements can promote environmental protection, combat climate change, and ensure economic resilience in international trade including digital trade and sustainable supply chains.
