New Zealand imposes new Russia sanctions

New Zealand will impose new sanctions against Russia in response to atrocities committed against civilians, the government has announced.

A 35 per cent tariff on all imports from Russia will be imposed, and New Zealand will extend existing export prohibitions to industrial products closely connected to strategic Russian industries, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said.

The new sanctions were NZ's most significant economic response to the Russian invasion to date, she said.

"The images and reports emerging of atrocities committed against civilians in Bucha and other regions of Ukraine is abhorrent and reprehensible, and New Zealand continues to respond to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's mindless acts of aggression."

Trade Minister Damien O'Connor said New Zealand will ban the export of products such as ICT equipment and engines, "sending a clear message that New Zealand will not fund or support the Russia war machine".

The move follows other targeted sanctions on Putin, members of his government, Russian oligarchs, senior Russian military leaders and individuals.

It also follows a ban on Russian and Belarusian government and military aircraft and ships from entering New Zealand.