Foreign relations of New Zealand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The foreign relations of New Zealand are oriented chiefly toward developed democratic nations and emerging Pacific Island economies. Until the late 20th century, New Zealand aligned itself strongly with the United Kingdom (as a former British colony) and had few bilateral relationships with other countries. From the later half of the 20th century, Australia has been New Zealand's most important cultural, economic and military partner. Today, the country participates in several multilateral political organisations, including Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Pacific Community, and the Pacific Islands Forum. New Zealand has been described as an emerging power;[1][2] however, such a claim needs to be considered in the context of its medium-sized economy and limited military capability. The country's major political parties have generally agreed on the broad outlines of foreign policy, and the government has been active in promoting free trade, nuclear disarmament, and arms control.
In summer 2013, New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully reported that:
- All New Zealand's important relationships are in good repair....With the United States there are hopes of a major breakthrough in terms of trade relations. Sino – New Zealand relations are also subdued, but trade is burgeoning. Japan's decision to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership is a welcome change and New Zealand continues to pursue a free trade agreement with South Korea. The government is pressing ahead with plans to strengthen relations in a number of other areas, including Russia, South Asia, Latin America, the Persian Gulf and especially the South Pacific. It is also alive to the potential benefits of closer ties with countries on the African continent.[3]
History
British Dominion
After World War One, New Zealand signed the Treaty of Versailles (1919) and joined the League of Nations. Wellington trusted Conservative Party governments in London, but not Labour. When the British Labour Party took power in 1924 and 1929, the New Zealand government felt threatened by Labour's foreign policy because of its reliance upon the League of Nations. The League was distrusted and Wellington did not expect to see the coming of a peaceful world order under League auspices. What had been the Empire's most loyal Dominion became a dissenter as it opposed efforts the first and second British Labour governments to trust the League's framework of arbitration and collective security agreements.[4]
The governments of the Reform and United Parties between 1912 and 1935 followed a "realistic" foreign policy. They made national security a high priority, were sceptical of international institutions such as the League, and showed no interest on the questions of self-determination, democracy, and human rights. However the opposition Labour Party was more idealistic and proposed a liberal internationalist outlook on international affairs. From 1935 the First Labour Government showed a limited degree of idealism in foreign policy, for example opposing the appeasement of Nazi Germany and Japan.[5]
Second World War
When World War II broke out in 1939, New Zealand whole-heartedly joined in the defence of Britain, with Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage declaring that "where Britain goes, we go; where Britain stands, we stand".[6] New Zealand soldiers served in North Africa, Italy and the Pacific, and airmen in England and the Pacific, throughout the war, even when New Zealand had concerns about invasion by the Japanese.
Since 1945
During World War II the New Zealand government created a Department of External Affairs (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) for the first time in 1943, taking control of foreign policy that had previously been run by the Dominions Office in London. In 1947 New Zealand ratified the 1931 Statute of Westminster with the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1947, which made New Zealand fully independent of Britain.
The Fall of Singapore during World War II made New Zealand realise that she could no longer rely on Britain to defend the British Empire. New Zealand troops supported the British in the successful battle against Communist insurrection in Malaysia and maintained an air-force fighter squadron in Singapore, and later on Cyprus, again supporting British forces. New Zealand diplomats sought an alliance with the United States of America, and in 1951 adhered to the ANZUS Treaty between New Zealand, Australia and the US. In return for America's guarantee of protection, New Zealand felt obliged to support America in its wars, and New Zealand committed forces to the Korean War (1950–1953) under United Nations Command auspices and to the Vietnam War. By the 1970s, many New Zealanders began to feel uncomfortable with their country's support for the US, particularly in Vietnam and regarding the visits of nuclear-powered and armed United States Armed Forces warships. The Third Labour government (1972–1975) pulled New Zealand troops out of the Vietnam War and protested against French nuclear testing in the Pacific, at one stage sending a warship to act as disapproving witness to the tests.
Britain's entry into the European Economic Community in 1973 forced New Zealand into a more independent role.[7] The British move restricted New Zealand's trade access to its biggest market, and it sought new trading partners in Asia, America and the Middle East. Australia and New Zealand signed the free-trade Closer Economic Relations agreement in 1983. The election of the Fourth Labour Government in 1984 marked a new period of independent foreign policy. Nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed ships were banned from New Zealand waters, effectively removing New Zealand from the ANZUS pact. Immigration laws were liberalised, leading to a massive increase in immigration from Asia. The Fourth National Government (1990–1999) liberalised trade by removing most tariffs and import restrictions.
In 2008, Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters announced what he called "a seismic change for New Zealand's foreign service", designed to remedy the country's "struggling to maintain an adequate presence on the international stage". Peters said that the Ministry would receive additional funding and increase the number of New Zealand diplomats serving abroad by 50%.[8]
Participation in international organisations
New Zealand participates in the United Nations (UN); the World Trade Organization (WTO); World Bank; the International Monetary Fund (IMF); the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); the International Energy Agency; the Asian Development Bank; the Pacific Islands Forum; the Secretariat of the Pacific Community; the Colombo Plan; Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); and the International Whaling Commission. New Zealand also actively participates as a member of the Commonwealth. Despite the 1985 rupture in the ANZUS military alliance, New Zealand has maintained good working relations with the United States and Australia on a broad array of international issues.
In the past, New Zealand's geographic isolation and its agricultural economy's general prosperity minimised public interest in international affairs. However, growing global trade and other international economic events have made New Zealanders increasingly aware of their country's dependence on unstable overseas markets.[9] New Zealand governments strongly advocate free trade, especially in agricultural products, and the country belongs to the Cairns group of nations in the WTO.
New Zealand's economic involvement with Asia has become increasingly important. New Zealand is a "dialogue partner" with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a member of the East Asia Summit and an active participant in APEC.
As a charter member of the Colombo Plan, New Zealand has provided Asian countries with technical assistance and capital. It also contributes through the Asian Development Bank and through UN programs and is a member of the UN Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific.
Summary of international organisation participation
ABEDA, ANZUS (U.S. suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, Commonwealth, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NSG, OECD, OPCW, PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO[10]
United Nations
New Zealand was a founding member of the United Nations in 1945, and was in the first set of rotating non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.[11]
Commonwealth of Nations
New Zealand is a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Trade
McGraw argues that, "Probably the greatest foreign policy achievement of [Helen] Clark's [1999–2008] term was the conclusion of a free trade agreement with China."[12] Clark's government also set up a free-trade deal with Australia and the ten nations of ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations).
New Zealand has existing free trade agreements with Australia, Brunei, Chile, the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom;[13] new free trade agreements are under negotiation with ASEAN, and Malaysia.[14][15] New Zealand is involved in the WTO's Doha Development Agenda and was disappointed by the failure of the most recent talks in July 2006.
During 2017 to 2020, the Labour-NZ First coalition government committed to initiate a Closer Commonwealth Economic Relations (CCER) agreement with the UK, Australia, Canada and other countries and to work towards a Free Trade Agreement with the Russia-Belarus-Kazakhstan Customs Union.[16] A free trade agreement with the European Union was signed in July 2023[17] and went live in May 2024.[18] Trade deals with the Gulf Cooperation Council were signed in 2024.[19]
New Zealand's main export is food, primarily dairy products, meat, fruit and fish; about 95% of the country's agricultural produce is exported.[20] Other major exports are wood, and mechanical and electrical equipment. About 46% of exports are non-agricultural,[20] but the largest industry is still the food industry. Tourism is also an extremely important component of international trade: transport and travel form around 20% of the country's export trade.[21] New Zealand does not have large quantities of mineral resources, though it does produce some coal, oil, aluminium and natural gas.[21]
New Zealand's largest source of imports is China, followed by (in order) Australia, the United States, Japan, and Singapore. The largest destinations for exports are, in order, Australia, China, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. Trade figures for 2011 with New Zealand's biggest trade partners are as follows:[22]
| Country | Imports | Exports | Country | Imports | Exports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Australia | 7,377 | 10,858 |  Saudi Arabia | 918 | 691 |
 China | 7,439 | 5,887 |  Singapore | 2,163 | 812 |
 Germany | 1,993 | 775 |  South Korea | 1,453 | 1,674 |
 Japan | 2,921 | 3,439 |  Thailand | 1,330 | 731 |
 Malaysia | 1,478 | 874 |  United Kingdom | 1,267 | 1,544 |
 Qatar | 1,041 | 2 |  United States | 5,025 | 3,997 |
 Russia | 1,204 | 280 | Total (world) | 46,857 | 47,710 |
Military
The New Zealand Defence Force is small compared to many other countries and it lacks air combat capability.[23] Its overseas duties consist mostly of peacekeeping, especially in the Pacific, with wider regional security falling to Australia. In the 21st century, peacekeeping detachments have been deployed to East Timor, the Solomon Islands, and Tonga. Engineering and support forces have also been involved in the Iraq War.
In February 2021 the MFAT confirmed granting export permits for military equipment to be sold to the Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia in the years 2016 and 2018, respectively. Documents obtained under the Official Information Act showed detailed transactions of the military export. The revelation was followed by a previous revelation of the business unit of Air New Zealand aiding the Royal Saudi Navy on a contractual basis, breaching its obligations towards human rights.[24] The case of Air New Zealand's business unit The Gas Turbines aiding Royal Saudi navy was commissioned in early April 2021 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to be reviewed by a former executive of Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The contractual arrangement between the two was criticised following the Arab nation's role in the Yemen war. It was reported that the UN had expressed concerns regarding any military exports made to Saudi could possibly be used in the Yemeni conflict, despite which the MFAT sanctioned exports to the country, inviting scrutiny over New Zealand's relations with Saudi Arabia.[25][26]
Foreign aid
New Zealand's official aid programme is managed by the New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID), a semi-autonomous body within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In 2007, New Zealand was the sixth lowest foreign aid donor in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), based on proportion of gross national income (GNI) spent on overseas development assistance. New Zealand's contribution was 0.27% of GNI.[27] Much this went to the Pacific region. However, the country is occasionally more generous in responding to major crises, for example donating around $100 million to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami relief efforts, the committed $1 million to the 2010 Haiti earthquake relief efforts, and later the government donated $2 million to the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. Following the April and May 2015 Nepal earthquake, the New Zealand Government sent an initial $1 million in humanitarian aid, and has mobilised 45 urban search and rescue technicians. New Zealand troops and aircraft are also often sent to disaster areas in the Asia-Pacific region.
Nuclear free policy
In the 1970s and 1980s, anti-nuclear sentiment increased across New Zealand fuelling concerns about French nuclear testing in the Pacific at Moruroa atoll. The third Labour Government under Norman Kirk, co-sponsored by Australia, took France before the International Court of Justice in 1972,[28] requesting that the French cease atmospheric nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia in the southern Pacific Ocean. In 1972, as an act of defiance and protest the Kirk government sent two of its navy frigates, HMNZS Canterbury and Otago into the Moruroa test zone area.[29] Peace yachts attempting to disrupt the French tests had been sailing in coordinated protests into the Mururoa exclusion zones between 1972 and 1991.[30] Concerns about Nuclear proliferation and the presence of nuclear warheads or reactors on United States Navy ships visiting New Zealand ports continued to escalate. After it was elected in 1984, the Labour Party government of David Lange indicated its opposition to visits by such ships. In February 1985, New Zealand turned away the USS Buchanan[31] and in response the United States announced that it was suspending its treaty obligations to New Zealand unless port access was restored. In 1987 the Labour government strengthened its stance by declaring New Zealand a nuclear-free zone (New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987), effectively legally removing New Zealand from the nuclear deterrent scenario and banning the entry of nuclear powered warships into its ports.[32][33] Warships that did not fall into this category were not blocked, but the US took the view that any subsequent visit by a warship to New Zealand could not be carried out without violating the US' security policy of "neither confirming nor denying" nuclear capability of its ships.[34]
In 1987, New Zealand passed legislation making the country a nuclear free zone, namely the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act; in the same year the US retaliated with the Broomfield Act, designating New Zealand as a "friend" rather than an "ally".[35]
In recent years, some voices have suggested removing the anti-nuclear legislation, especially the ACT New Zealand political party; and up until February 2006 the National Party was in favour of holding a referendum on the issue. However, public opinion remains strongly in favour of the country's status as a nuclear free zone. In May 2006, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Christopher Hill, described the disagreement between the US and New Zealand as "a relic" but also signalled that the US wanted a closer defence relationship with New Zealand and praised New Zealand's involvement in Afghanistan and reconstruction in Iraq. "Rather than trying to change each other's minds on the nuclear issue, which is a bit of a relic, I think we should focus on things we can make work," he told the Australian Financial Review.[36] Pressure from the United States on New Zealand's foreign policy increased in 2006, with U.S. trade officials linking the repeal of the ban of American nuclear ships from New Zealand's ports to a potential free trade agreement between the two countries.[37]
Relations between France and New Zealand were strained for two short periods in the 1980s and 1990s over the French nuclear tests at Moruroa and the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in Waitematā harbour, Auckland. The latter was widely regarded as an act of state terrorism against New Zealand's sovereignty and was ordered by then French President François Mitterrand, although he denied any involvement at the time.[38] These events worked to strengthen New Zealand's resolve to retain its anti-nuclear policy. Relations between the two countries are now cordial, with strong trade and many new bilateral links.[39]
In 2017, New Zealand signed the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Foreign Affairs Minister Gerry Brownlee said the treaty is "consistent with New Zealand's long-standing commitment to international nuclear disarmament efforts".[40]
Relations by region
Latin America
New Zealand has well-established links to a number of Latin American countries, particularly in the economic sphere. New Zealand has Embassies in Mexico City, Santiago, Brasília and Buenos Aires – the first of which (Santiago) opened in 1972. The New Zealand Government's Latin America Strategy, published in May 2010, estimates New Zealand's annual exports to the region at NZ$1 billion, and New Zealand investments in the region (in areas such as agri-technology, energy, fisheries, and specialised manufacturing) at around NZ$1.3 billion. The Strategy argues that there is considerable scope to expand New Zealand's investment and services trade in the region. Focusing on six countries (Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Peru), the Strategy posits that New Zealand should be seeking to: promote a better understanding of the region among New Zealand businesses to help identify prospects for increased investment, trade and joint ventures; lower barriers to business between New Zealand and Latin America; promote New Zealand tourism in the region; improve airlinks between New Zealand and the region; deepen education and research and science links. There are significant flows of tourists and students from Latin America to New Zealand. For example, in the year to June 2010, around 30,000 Latin Americans visited New Zealand. In addition, New Zealand has popular Working Holiday Schemes Archived 10 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine with Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Mexico and Uruguay.
Pacific relations
Much of New Zealand's foreign policy is focused on the Pacific region, particularly Polynesia and Melanesia.[41] Bilateral economic assistance resources have been focused on projects in the South Pacific island states, especially on Bougainville. The country's long association with Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa), reflected in a treaty of friendship signed in 1962, and its close association with Tonga have resulted in a flow of immigrants and visitors under work permit schemes from both countries. Recently New Zealand forces participated in peacekeeping efforts in the Pacific region in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Tonga, see Military history of New Zealand.
In 1947, New Zealand joined Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States to form the South Pacific Commission, a regional body to promote the welfare of the Pacific region. New Zealand has been a leader in the organisation. In 1971, New Zealand joined the other independent and self-governing states of the South Pacific to establish the South Pacific Forum (now known as the Pacific Islands Forum), which meets annually at the "heads of government" level.
On 26 May 2006, New Zealand deployed forty-two troops, with a second contingent of 120 troops leaving Christchurch on 27 May, to Townsville, Queensland, before being sent to participate in the 2006 East Timorese crisis. Clark said the forces would be deployed where needed by the Australian command.[42]
Diplomatic relations
List of countries which New Zealand maintains diplomatic relations with:
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| # | Country | Date |
| 1 | United Kingdom |
June 1905[43] |
| 2 |  Canada |
11 September 1939[44] |
| 3 |  United States |
16 February 1942[45] |
| 4 | Australia |
27 February 1943[46] |
| 5 | Russia |
13 April 1944[47] |
| 6 |  France |
13 July 1945[48] |
| 7 |  Chile |
27 December 1945[49] |
| 8 |  Netherlands |
19 June 1947[50] |
| 9 |  Denmark |
12 September 1947[51] |
| 10 |  Belgium |
27 November 1947[52] |
| 11 |  Sweden |
9 July 1949[53] |
| 12 |  Finland |
22 July 1950[54] |
| 13 |  Italy |
22 August 1950[55] |
| 14 |  Israel |
17 January 1951[56] |
| 15 |  Philippines |
18 January 1951[57] |
| 16 |  Pakistan |
18 April 1951[58] |
| 17 |  Serbia |
September 1951[59] |
| 18 |  India |
7 April 1952[60] |
| 19 | Japan |
28 April 1952[61] |
| 20 | Germany |
10 November 1953[62] |
| 21 |  Greece |
22 September 1955[63] |
| 22 |  Sri Lanka |
14 December 1955[64] |
| 23 | Thailand |
26 March 1956[65] |
| 24 |  Austria |
23 October 1956[66] |
| 25 |  Malaysia |
25 September 1957[67] |
| 26 |  Indonesia |
28 June 1958[68] |
| 27 |  Myanmar |
15 November 1958[69] |
| 28 |  Cambodia |
18 February 1959[70] |
| 29 |  Czech Republic |
5 September 1959[71] |
| 30 |  Nepal |
26 May 1961[72] |
| 31 |  Samoa |
1 January 1962[73] |
| 32 | South Korea |
26 March 1962[74] |
| 33 |  Uruguay |
27 September 1962[75] |
| 34 |  Switzerland |
4 December 1962[76] |
| 35 |  Laos |
7 February 1963[77] |
| 36 |  Brazil |
13 October 1964[78] |
| 37 | Singapore |
22 November 1965[79] |
| 38 |  Ireland |
19 January 1966[80] |
| 39 |  Mauritius |
28 April 1968[81] |
| 40 |  Spain |
28 March 1969[82] |
| 41 |  Argentina |
10 July 1969[83] |
| 42 |  Norway |
10 October 1969[84] |
| 43 |  Romania |
13 October 1969[85] |
| 44 |  Egypt |
13 February 1970[86] |
| 45 |  Tonga |
4 June 1970[87] |
| 46 |  Fiji |
10 October 1970[88] |
| 47 |  Luxembourg |
3 December 1970[89] |
| 48 |  Bangladesh |
4 July 1972[90] |
| 49 |  Peru |
1 August 1972[91] |
| 50 | China |
22 December 1972[92] |
| 51 |  Poland |
1 March 1973[93] |
| — |  Holy See |
20 June 1973[94] |
| 52 |  Mexico |
19 July 1973[95] |
| 53 |  Malta |
23 November 1973[96] |
| 54 |  Iran |
14 December 1973[97] |
| 55 |  Albania |
1973[98] |
| 56 |  Hungary |
30 March 1974[99] |
| 57 |  Nauru |
24 July 1974[100] |
| 58 |  Jamaica |
27 August 1974[101] |
| 59 |  Barbados |
28 August 1974[102] |
| 60 |  Guyana |
1 September 1974[103] |
| 61 |  Trinidad and Tobago |
9 October 1974[87] |
| 62 |  Maldives |
10 October 1974[104] |
| 63 |  Mongolia |
8 April 1975[105] |
| 64 |  Vietnam |
19 June 1975[106] |
| 65 |  Papua New Guinea |
16 September 1975[107] |
| 66 |  Iraq |
6 November 1975[108] |
| 67 |  Portugal |
22 June 1976[109] |
| 68 | Saudi Arabia |
22 December 1976[110] |
| 69 |  Colombia |
1 May 1978[111] |
| 70 |  Cyprus |
9 May 1978[112] |
| 71 |  Solomon Islands |
7 July 1978[113] |
| 72 |  Ecuador |
25 September 1978[114] |
| 73 |  Tuvalu |
1 October 1978[87] |
| 74 |  Turkey |
12 December 1978[115] |
| 75 |  Lesotho |
1978[116] |
| 76 |  Kiribati |
29 April 1980[117] |
| 77 |  Vanuatu |
30 July 1980[118] |
| 78 |  Lebanon |
25 November 1980[119] |
| 79 |  Venezuela |
4 December 1980[120] |
| 80 |  Tanzania |
7 December 1981[87] |
| 81 |  Nigeria |
16 April 1982[121] |
| 82 |  Kenya |
9 June 1982[122] |
| 83 |  Mali |
6 March 1983[123] |
| 84 |  Libya |
4 May 1983[124] |
| 85 |  Brunei |
5 May 1984[125] |
| 86 |  Bahrain |
23 July 1984[126] |
| 87 |  Bulgaria |
9 October 1984[127] |
| 88 | Qatar |
10 November 1984[128] |
| 89 |  Zimbabwe |
15 February 1985[129] |
| 90 |  Zambia |
2 April 1985[130] |
| 91 |  United Arab Emirates |
20 May 1985[131] |
| 92 |  Oman |
6 September 1985[132] |
| 93 |  Algeria |
29 October 1985[133] |
| 94 |  Kuwait |
1985[122] |
| 95 |  Botswana |
1987[134] |
| 96 |  Jordan |
25 October 1987[135] |
| 97 |  Honduras |
February 1988[136] |
| 98 |  Marshall Islands |
17 June 1988[137] |
| 99 |  Federated States of Micronesia |
30 June 1988[138] |
| 100 |  Costa Rica |
5 July 1988[139] |
| 101 |  Nicaragua |
30 August 1988[140] |
| 102 |  Iceland |
21 October 1988[141] |
| 103 |  Mozambique |
6 June 1990[142] |
| 104 |  Namibia |
23 January 1991[143] |
| 105 |  Latvia |
19 December 1991[144] |
| 106 |  Estonia |
6 January 1992[145] |
| 107 |  Lithuania |
10 January 1992[146] |
| 108 |  Croatia |
25 February 1992[147] |
| 109 |  Ukraine |
3 March 1992[148] |
| 110 |  Georgia |
11 March 1992[149] |
| 111 |  Uzbekistan |
11 March 1992[150] |
| 112 |  Slovenia |
20 March 1992[151] |
| 113 |  Belarus |
9 April 1992[152] |
| 114 |  Kazakhstan |
12 May 1992[153] |
| 115 |  Armenia |
6 June 1992[154] |
| 116 |  Azerbaijan |
29 June 1992[155] |
| 117 |  Kyrgyzstan |
7 September 1992[156] |
| 118 |  Turkmenistan |
8 September 1992[157] |
| 119 |  Moldova |
11 September 1992[158] |
| 120 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina |
17 November 1992[159] |
| 121 |  Seychelles |
1992[160] |
| 122 |  Slovakia |
1 January 1993[161] |
| 123 |  Paraguay |
17 February 1993[162] |
| 124 |  Panama |
22 March 1993[163] |
| 125 |  North Macedonia |
8 April 1993[164] |
| — |  Niue |
2 August 1993[100] |
| — |  Cook Islands |
1993[165] |
| 126 |  South Africa |
19 January 1994[166] |
| 127 |  Palau |
2 December 1994[167] |
| 128 |  Morocco |
1994[168] |
| 129 |  Andorra |
3 August 1995[169] |
| 130 |  Guatemala |
27 October 1998[170] |
| 131 |  Bolivia |
29 October 1998[171] |
| 132 |  Cuba |
17 February 1999[172] |
| 133 |  Ghana |
23 June 1999[173] |
| 134 |  Eritrea |
2 December 1999[173] |
| 135 |  Eswatini |
2000[113] |
| 136 |  North Korea |
26 March 2001[174] |
| 137 |  El Salvador |
12 November 2001[175] |
| 138 |  Timor-Leste |
20 May 2002[176] |
| 139 |  Afghanistan |
7 May 2003[177] |
| 140 |  Montenegro |
17 July 2006[178] |
| 141 |  Uganda |
1 November 2006[179] |
| 142 |  Syria |
5 December 2006[179] |
| 143 |  Sierra Leone |
5 March 2009[180] |
| — |  Kosovo |
9 November 2009[181] |
| 144 |  Ethiopia |
6 December 2011[182] |
| 145 |  Rwanda |
17 April 2012[180] |
| 146 |  Senegal |
17 April 2012[180] |
| 147 |  Tunisia |
11 July 2012[183] |
| 148 |  Malawi |
20 March 2013[184] |
| 149 |  Tajikistan |
5 April 2013[185] |
| 150 |  Saint Lucia |
17 May 2013[186] |
| 151 |  Benin |
27 June 2013[187] |
| 152 |  Saint Kitts and Nevis |
20 September 2013[188] |
| 153 |  Grenada |
September 2013[189] |
| 154 |  Angola |
4 October 2013[190] |
| 155 |  San Marino |
20 October 2013[191] |
| 156 |  Liechtenstein |
30 October 2013[192] |
| 157 |  Suriname |
25 March 2014[193] |
| 158 |  Dominica |
26 March 2014[194] |
| 159 |  Burundi |
16 May 2014[195] |
| 160 |  Dominican Republic |
26 June 2014[196] |
| 161 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
14 August 2014[197] |
| 162 |  Liberia |
26 August 2014[198] |
| 163 |  Haiti |
4 September 2014[199] |
| 164 |  Antigua and Barbuda |
6 October 2014[200] |
| 165 |  Mauritania |
2 September 2015[201] |
| 166 |  Monaco |
22 October 2015[202] |
| 167 |  Guinea |
20 April 2016[203] |
| 168 |  Djibouti |
1 October 2016[204] |
| 169 |  Central African Republic |
27 October 2016[205] |
| 170 |  Burkina Faso |
19 April 2017[203] |
| 171 |  Yemen |
2 May 2018[206] |
| 172 |  Belize |
18 March 2019[207] |
| 173 |  Bahamas |
27 June 2019[208] |
| 174 |  Madagascar |
17 September 2025[209] |
| 175 |  Cameroon |
Unknown |
| 176 |  Ivory Coast |
Unknown |
| 177 |  Niger |
Unknown |
Bilateral relations
Africa
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 1 November 1969 | See Egypt–New Zealand relations
|
| Mali |
6 March 1983 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 March 1983 when first Mali Ambassador to New Zealand (resident in Peking), Mr. Boubacar Toure presented his credentials to the Governor-General[123] |
| Nigeria | 16 April 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 April 1982 when the first Nigerian High Commissioner in Canberra, Mr. Edward Sanu presented his credentials to Governal General of New Zealand[121]
|
| South Africa | 19 January 1994 | See New Zealand–South Africa relations |
| Zambia | 2 April 1985 |
|
Americas
| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 10 July 1969 | See Argentina–New Zealand relations
|
| Barbados | 28 August 1974 |
|
| Belize |
| |
| Brazil | 1964 | See Brazil–New Zealand relations |
| Canada | 11 September 1939 | See Canada–New Zealand relations
New Zealand and Canada have a close and longstanding relationship that has been fostered by the two countries' similar history and culture, extremely close ties to the Commonwealth of Nations and extensive links to people in either country. New Zealand and Canada have a common Head of State, King Charles III. Canada has said that New Zealand is a valuable international partner despite the thousands of miles separating the two countries. Both share a like-minded view of the world on a variety of issues. New Zealand and Canada have close links whether it be through business or trade relations, the United Nations, the Commonwealth or mutual treaty agreements, New Zealand-Canada relations are extremely important to both countries. |
| Chile | 1948 | See Chile–New Zealand relations |
| Colombia | 1 May 1978 | See Colombia–New Zealand relations |
| Dominica | 26 March 2014 |
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| Grenada |
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| Mexico | 19 July 1973 | See Mexico–New Zealand relations
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| Peru | 1 August 1972 | See New Zealand–Peru relations
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| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 14 August 2014 |
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| United States | 16 February 1942 | See New Zealand–United States relations
 Historically, New Zealand has fought shoulder to shoulder with the United States, especially in both world wars and in the Korean and Vietnam wars. During the Second World War, around 400,000 US troops were stationed in New Zealand prior to departing for battles like Guadalcanal. New Zealand is a major non-NATO ally of the United States and has been since 1997. Despite the political contention over ANZUS, New Zealand forces have since cooperated with U.S. forces in the 1991 Gulf War and in the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. New Zealand forces did not participate in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but a contingent of New Zealand army engineers assisted with reconstruction work in Iraq after the war; they were based in Basra. New Zealand also participates in the ECHELON programme. In 2010, the United States and New Zealand began a new strategic partnership by signing the Wellington Declaration.[233] According to the Prime Minister the Declaration was not a return to an ANZUS style security treaty,[234] despite reports of increased military co-operation since 2007.[235]
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| Uruguay |
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Asia
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijan | 29 June 1992 | See Azerbaijan—New Zealand relations
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| Bangladesh | See Bangladesh–New Zealand relations
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| Brunei | 1984-05-05 | See Brunei–New Zealand relations
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| China | 22 December 1972 | See China–New Zealand relations
 China and New Zealand have an excellent relationship which continues to improve. The bilateral relationship has grown to become one of New Zealand's most important. A free trade agreement between China and New Zealand was signed on 7 April 2008 by Premier of the People's Republic of China Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark in Beijing. It is the first free trade agreement that China has signed with any developed country. Historically, New Zealand contact with China started very early in its history with the first records of ethnic Chinese in New Zealand were immigrants from Guangdong province (Canton), who arrived during the 1860s gold rush era, with missionary, trade, extensive immigration and other links continuing during China's Republican era (1912–1949). The establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) brought these links to a halt. |
| India | See India–New Zealand relations
India and New Zealand have been strong in some degrees though potentially slightly shaky in others. New Zealand and India are in the midst of considering a free trade deal, where in October 2009 new Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told New Zealand Prime Minister John Key that he was willing to seriously consider a free trade deal.[238] Whilst there is the potential for a free trade agreement between India and New Zealand to be beneficial for both nations, the idea has not been seriously considered with India having strong subsidies on its agricultural sector, one of New Zealand's biggest export markets.[238] New Zealand and India relations have been slightly shaky in October 2010 with the comments of Paul Henry, a New Zealand talk-show host, making fun of Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit on live New Zealand television. The Indian foreign office summoned the New Zealand High Commissioner Rupert Holborow, where the Commissioner set the record straight by making clear that: "[Paul Henry's comments] reflect the views of only one media commentator (who has already been censored for other racist and unacceptable comments), and certainly not the New Zealand Government or people".[239] India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh confirmed a continued intention to pursue a free trade agreement with the New Zealand Prime Minister John Key in late 2010, saying that: "Like China there is a recognition that they have a strong demand for food... so there is something in it for both parties if we can complete a deal".[238] John Key confirmed that India and New Zealand have continued to work "scoping out" the possibility of a free trade agreement but said with caution that in any case "these things take time".[238] | |
| Indonesia | 28 June 1958 | See Indonesia–New Zealand relations
Having common interests as democracies and neighbours in the Asia Pacific region, New Zealand and Indonesia are viewed as natural partners. Both countries are members of APEC.The diplomatic and economic ties have grown stronger ever since. Indonesia's commodity exports to New Zealand consist mainly of energy products and minerals as well as lumber and agriculture, while New Zealand's commodity exports to Indonesia mainly consists of dairy products and meats, such as beef, milk, and cheese.
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| Iran | 14 December 1973 | See Iran–New Zealand relations
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| Israel | See Israel–New Zealand relations
New Zealand has a long history of support for Israel beginning with the Partition Plan in 1947. New Zealand was at the very forefront of countries to recognise the State of Israel in the United Nations resolution of 1948.[240] Relations were temporarily suspended around 2004 when two Israeli citizens were convicted of passport fraud, but these were restored soon after. It was suspected but never proved that they were working for Mossad.[241] New Zealand joined with other countries in boycotting a UN Racism conference in defence of Israel due to fears of antisemitism in the conference.[242]
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| Japan | 28 April 1952 | See Japan–New Zealand relations
 Japan and New Zealand have had generally cordial relations since the post-World War II period, with Japan being a major trading partner with New Zealand. These relations have held together despite policy disputes over whaling and the International Whaling Commission. New Zealand was one of the four founding participants of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, established in 1987 by the Japanese Government.[243] The NZ International Business Forum, established in 2006 by major export-focused companies in New Zealand, has as one of its key goals negotiations for a free trade agreement with Japan. In March 2011, New Zealand sent an urban search and rescue team, which had spent time the previous three weeks searching buildings following the Canterbury earthquake, and 15 tonnes of rescue equipment to assist Japan following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster.[244] New Zealand Parliament sends condolences to the people of Japan, and the government donated $2 million to the Japanese Red Cross Society to support relief efforts.[245][246]
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| Malaysia | 25 September 1957 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 September 1957[247]
See Malaysia–New Zealand relations
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| Myanmar | 15 November 1958 |
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| North Korea | See New Zealand–North Korea relations
Although diplomatic relations were established between New Zealand and North Korea in 2001, a 2007 trip by New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters to Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea was the first visit by a New Zealand foreign minister to that country.[251] The trip was about establishing economic and political deals with economically crippled North Korea on the basis that it start dismantling its nuclear weapons facilities.[252] United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice congratulated Peters on his effort in negotiating with a potential nuclear threat and welcomed Peters' actions on the matter.[251]
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| Pakistan | See New Zealand–Pakistan relations
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| Philippines | See New Zealand–Philippines relations
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| Singapore | 22 November 1965 | See New Zealand–Singapore relations
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| South Korea | 26 March 1962 | See New Zealand-South Korea relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 March 1962[253] |
 Taiwan | See New Zealand–Taiwan relations
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| Thailand | 26 March 1956 | See New Zealand–Thailand relations
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| Turkey | See New Zealand–Turkey relations
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| United Arab Emirates | 20 May 1985 |
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| Vietnam | 19 June 1975 | See New Zealand–Vietnam relations
New Zealand opened its embassy in Hanoi in 1995, while Vietnam established an embassy in Wellington in 2003.
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Europe
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Albania |
The relationship between Albania and New Zealand is closely linked to Kosovo and New Zealand, due to Kosovo's population being predominately ethnic Albanian. Albania's Ambassador to New Zealand is resident in Beijing, China whilst New Zealand's Ambassador to Albania is resident in Rome, Italy. In 2014, Albania opened its first consulate in Auckland to serve Albanians and New Zealanders of Albanian origin in the country. Dr. Tane Taylor, a New Zealand Māori lived in Tirana, Albania for 20 years, serves as the Honorary Consul and representative to New Zealand.[261] | |
| Croatia | 25 February 1992 |
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| Denmark | See Denmark–New Zealand relations
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| Estonia | 6 January 1992[263] | See Estonia–New Zealand relations
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| France | See France–New Zealand relations
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| Germany | 10 November 1953 | See Germany–New Zealand relations |
| Greece | See Greece–New Zealand relations
Stemming from World War II, New Zealand forces fought alongside the Greeks in continental Greece and Crete since then, Greece has claimed a special relationship with New Zealand. An under-equipped force made-up of largely New Zealand, Australian, British and Greek troops fought to protect the island from invasion. The Battle of Crete is commemorated every year in both Crete and New Zealand. Prime Minister Helen Clark led a large party from New Zealand to Crete in May 2001 to attend the 60th anniversary of the battle. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Phil Goff, attended anniversary celebrations in May 2003 and Hon Annette King in May 2006. The war was followed by a modest wave of Greek emigration to New Zealand. In the 2006 Census 2,547 people primarily identified themselves as being Greek. A bilateral Social Security Agreement came into force on 1 April 1994. New Zealand operated an embassy in Greece until 1991, and has been represented via the Italian Embassy in Rome ever since. Greece operated an embassy in Wellington from 1999 until 2015,[264] when it closed down amidst the Greek government-debt crisis.
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| Holy See |
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| Hungary |
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| Ireland | See Ireland–New Zealand relations
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| Kosovo | 2010 | See Kosovo–New Zealand relations
New Zealand recognised Kosovo's independence in November 2009.[269] Both countries established diplomatic relations in 2010, with Kosovo's first Ambassador to Wellington being Dr. Muhamet Haliti. In 2014 the Kosovo Embassy in Australia became fully integrated to represent Kosovo in New Zealand, with Sabri Kicmari becoming the first Kosovo Ambassador to visit New Zealand, Niue and the Cook Islands.[270] New Zealand is represented in Kosovo by its embassy in Rome, Italy. During the breakup of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo war, New Zealand sympathised with Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority. It began advocating for peace and support in the international arena, namely the United Nations, and sent a contingent as part of the international peace keeping force between 2000 and 2006. New Zealand abstained from the vote to send Kosovo's independence to the International Court of Justice, its judge at the ICJ voted in support of Kosovo, it has voted for Kosovo to join UNESCO and continues to support Kosovo's endeavours to join international organisations.[271] New Zealand is home to 3,500 Kosovo-born New Zealanders, predominately Albanians but also a small number of Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats. Kosovo is home to small expat community of New Zealanders, namely Kosovo Albanians who have returned to Kosovo post-independence.
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| Lithuania | 10 January 1992 | See Lithuania–New Zealand relations |
| Netherlands | See Netherlands–New Zealand relations
Historically there has been a strong link between New Zealand and the Netherlands. The first European sightings of New Zealand was by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642[274] and New Zealand was named after the Dutch province of Zeeland. Relations however did not start well when Māori killed several of the Abel Tasman's crew after he sent out a shore party. Tasman mapped a section of the North Island and left and there was no further contact between the Netherlands and New Zealand for more than a hundred years. Once New Zealand was established as a state in 1840 relations have been good. The relationship was enhanced significantly with migration of large numbers of Dutch people to New Zealand after World War II. As a result of negotiations between the Dutch and New Zealand Governments a migration agreement was signed in October 1950. This resulted in thousands of Dutch immigrants coming to New Zealand in subsequent years. Peaking between 1951 and 1954.[275] As of 2006, it is estimated that well over 100,000 New Zealanders have some Dutch connection.[276] The 2006 census shows that 28,641 people identified their ethnic group as Dutch.[277] New Zealand and the Netherlands share very similar social attitudes and values and have a substantial history of working together on issues of international importance. They often cooperate closely in multilateral forums. In many international meetings the Netherlands delegation is seated immediately alongside New Zealand.[278]
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| North Macedonia | 8 April 1993 |
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| Norway | 10 October 1969 | See New Zealand–Norway relations
Reidar Sveaas, director of P&O Maritime Ltd. and honorary consul to Auckland said in 2000 that excellent opportunities existed for New Zealand to trade with the world's second largest oil-producing country, Norway.[281] New Zealand joined 11 other countries in 2006 in delivering a formal diplomatic protest to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry in Oslo over Norway's plans to increase its whaling activities.[282] In 2004 Helen Clark, became the first New Zealand prime minister to ever visit Norway. She said that both countries see eye-to-eye on almost everything but the commercial harvesting of whales.[283]
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| Poland | 1 March 1973 | See New Zealand–Poland relations |
| Russia | 13 April 1944 | See New Zealand–Russia relations
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| Serbia | 29 December 1970 |
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| Spain | 28 March 1969 | See New Zealand–Spain relations |
| Sweden | See New Zealand–Sweden relations | |
| Ukraine | 3 March 1992 |
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| United Kingdom | March 1939 | See New Zealand–United Kingdom relations
New Zealand established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom in March 1939. Both countries are Commonwealth Realms.
The UK governed New Zealand from 1840 until 1947, when New Zealand achieved full independence. Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, CPTPP, Five Eyes, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, OECD, the UKUSA Agreement, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have Free Trade Agreement, and a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement.[292] Despite The King as the head of state of New Zealand and one of two official national anthems being God Save the King, the relationship has been variable over time. Up to the 1960s, New Zealand also had extremely close economic relations with the United Kingdom, especially considering the distance at which trade took place. As an example, in 1955, Britain took 65.3 percent of New Zealand's exports, and only during the following decades did this dominant position begin to decline as the United Kingdom oriented itself more towards the European Union, with the share of exports going to Britain having fallen to only 6.2 percent in 2000.[293] Historically, some industries, such as dairying, a major economic factor in the former colony, had even more dominant trade links, with 80–100% of all cheese and butter exports going to Britain from around 1890 to 1940.[294] This strong bond also supported the mutual feelings for each other in other areas. |
Oceania
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | See Australia–New Zealand relations
New Zealand's relations with Australia are very close; the Closer Economic Relations agreement gives each country access to the other's markets, and the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement allows New Zealanders and Australians automatic residency in each other's countries. As a result of the latter agreement, there is substantial migration between the two countries but especially from New Zealand to Australia, with over 500,000 New Zealanders living in Australia and 65,000 Australians living in New Zealand.[295] The Australian Constitution allows for New Zealand to become part of Australia, and although the idea is sometimes floated it has little support in Australia and less in New Zealand. In 2009 there were plans to effectively create domestic flights between New Zealand and Australia,[296] but these have since been put on hold with the change in the Australian government.[297] | |
| Cook Islands | 1993[298] | See Cook Islands–New Zealand relations
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| Fiji | See Fiji–New Zealand relations
Since the 2006 Military Coup in Fiji relationships between the country have turned icy. In 2007 New Zealand's High Commissioner for Fiji Michael Green was expelled from Fiji by Military leader Frank Banimarama. Angry at this action the New Zealand government increased trade sanctions against the country while both major political parties saying the expulsion was outrageous and unacceptable.
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| Kiribati | See Kiribati–New Zealand relations
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| Niue | 2 August 1993[303] | See New Zealand–Niue relations |
| Papua New Guinea | 1975 | See New Zealand–Papua New Guinea relations
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| Samoa | 1 January 1962 | See New Zealand–Samoa relations |
| Solomon Islands | 7 July 1978[307] | See New Zealand–Solomon Islands relations |
| Tonga | 1970 | See New Zealand–Tonga relations
On 7 March 2018, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that New Zealand will give NZ$10 million to Tonga to help with rebuilding after the country was struck by Cyclone Gita.[310] |
| Tuvalu | See New Zealand–Tuvalu relations
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| Vanuatu |
Following the 2024 Port Vila earthquake, New Zealand dispatched New Zealand Defence Force, Urban Search and Rescue and MFAT personnel, equipment and supplies to assist with post-disaster rescue and relief efforts.[311][312] |
See also
- New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- List of ambassadors and high commissioners to and from New Zealand
- List of diplomatic missions in New Zealand
- List of diplomatic missions of New Zealand
- Foreign relations of Niue
- Foreign relations of the Cook Islands
- Global Peace Index
- Contents of the United States diplomatic cables leak (New Zealand)