Embassies

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for conducting New Zealand’s international relations which are chiefly orientated towards developed democratic nations and emerging economies in the Pacific. Multilateralism is a key pillar of New Zealand’s foreign policy and therefore New Zealand values its membership in international organisations such as the UN and the World Trade Organization. Working with such international bodies, New Zealand has played an active role in an array of multilateral fora on issues related to its interests such as trade liberalisation, arms control, and the environment.

There are over 70 representative missions in New Zealand based in the many foreign embassies and consulates located in the cities of Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. An example of a foreign diplomatic mission in New Zealand is the Australian High Commission in Wellington and the Australian Consulate-General in Auckland. These missions work to promote Australia by representing Australia’s interests to the New Zealand Government and businesses, and liaising on defense and security issues. They also provide a range of consular services to Australians in New Zealand.

New Zealand operates over 120 embassies, consulates and high commissions in more than 75 countries around the world. These help to facilitate New Zealand’s foreign relations and provide various consular services to New Zealand citizens overseas. New Zealand maintains strong bilateral relations with nations in the South Pacific promoting economic and political ties, regional defence and security, as well as providing disaster emergency assistance and economic assistance.

As a member of the United Nations New Zealand maintains permanent UN missions in Geneva, New York and Vienna. New Zealand also has a permanent mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva.