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New Zealand ’s relationship with Ireland is a friendly one. Links of kinship and similarity of outlook have contributed to this. New Zealand is however a direct competitor in the marketing of agricultural products and, in the European Union context, this can occasionally give rise to some friction in the relationship.
The substantial flow of Irish immigrants to New Zealand in the period after 1840 and the strong connection between Ireland and the Roman Catholic Church in New Zealand have left a web of close family connections. Many prominent New Zealanders have been able to trace Irish ancestry: around 18% of New Zealanders claim Irish descent.
The present day relationship with Ireland is characterised by a familiarity and warmth in official contacts, but it is the wider relationship with the European Union which sets the framework for much of the bilateral contact.
In 1993 New Zealand and Ireland concluded a social security agreement and in 1995, a Working Holiday Scheme came into force. The quota for the working holiday scheme is currently 2,800, up substantially from past years: an indication of increasing mutual interest between the two countries.
Land Area 70,280 sq km
Population 4.5 million (2008)
Capital City Dublin
Official Languages Irish, English
Political system Parliamentary democracy
National
government
led by Taoiseach Brian Cowen (who succeeded Bertie Ahern on May 7 2008). The government is comprised of Fianna Fail and the Green Party, supported by three independent Teachta Dála (TD’s)
National legislature Oireachtas - consisting of the Dáil Éireann (the House of Representatives) and Seanad Éireann (the Senate)
Last election Presidential: scheduled for October 2004, Mary McAleese reappointed, no other candidate qualified to contest) Parliamentary: May 2007
Next election due Presidential: 2011, Parliamentary: 2012
Head of State President Mary McAleese, since Nov 1997
GDP $US282bn (2008)
Real GDP growth 2.3% (2008)
Exports US$119.6 billion (2008)
Main exports machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; live animals, animal products
Imports US$80.9 billion (2008)
Main imports Data processing equipment, other machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, clothing
Current account balance US $-12.3billion (2008)
Inflation -6.6% (year ended October 2009)
NZ Exports (FOB) NZ$56.4 million (year ended October 2009)
Main Exports Wine, sheepmeat, dishwashing machines, medicaments, apples
NZ Imports (CIF) NZ$262.2 million (year ended October 2009)
Main Imports Medicaments, food preparations, orthopaedic appliances, derricks, cranes etc,
The New Zealand High Commissioner in London is accredited to Ireland.
The current New Zealand Honorary Consul in Dublin is Alan McCarthy.
The Embassy of Ireland in Australia is accredited to New Zealand.
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Ireland [external link].
