Italian Republic

Bilateral relationship

The development of New Zealand’s current relationship with Italy dates from the period of the Second World War, during which New Zealand soldiers participated in the liberation of Italy. This involvement has not been forgotten in either country and New Zealand’s role is remembered in many Italian towns and villages. In May 2004, Prime Minister Helen Clark represented New Zealand at the 60th commemoration of the battle of Monte Cassino. The Defence Attaché in London is accredited to Italy.

Italy uses Christchurch as a base and the two countries cooperate (under a bilateral agreement) in Antarctic research and exploration, as well as at meetings of the parties to the Antarctic Treaty. A film co-production agreement was signed in 1997, and a Social Security Agreement was concluded in 1998, although this is yet to be ratified by the Italian Parliament. A bilateral air services agreement was signed during the New Zealand Prime Minister’s visit in September 2001. Multilaterally, we enjoy good contact with the Italians and often there is a meeting of minds on major international issues.

Prime Minister Helen Clark undertook a short visit to Italy in November 2006, where she met with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

top of page

 

Key facts

Geography/Demographics

Land Area - 301,336 sq km
Population - 58.1 m (2007)
Capital City  - Rome

Political

Political system - Parliamentary democracy Bicameral legislature: Senate 315 seats Chamber of Deputies 630 seats
National government - Centre Right Coalition - Popolo della Liberta
Last election – April 2008 (next election due by April 2013)
Head of State - President Giorgio Napolitano (elected May 2006; next election due by May 2013)
Head of Government - Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

Economic (2009 est)

GDP - US$2,139 billion
Real GDP growth - -4.9%
Exports - US$406.5 billion
Imports - US$394.2 billion
Main exports - Machanical and electrical machinery, textiles, clothing and leather, transport equipment, chemicals, food and beverages
Inflation 1.0%

New Zealand Trade (year to June 2009)

NZ Exports (FOB) - NZ$481 million
Main Exports - Leather of bovine, wool, sheep meat, fruit, hides, dairy and beef
NZ Imports (CIF) - NZ$897 million
Main Imports - Cars and tractors, pharmaceuticals, heaters and driers, taps and valves.top of page

Visits

New Zealand Ministerial Visits to Italy

• Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, May 2007
• Rt Hon Helen Clark, Prime Minister November 2006
• Hon Ruth Dyson, Minister for ACC June 2005
• Hon David Benson Pope, Minister of Fisheries March 2005
• Rt Hon Helen Clark, Prime Minister May 2004
• Hon Jim Sutton, Minister of Agriculture November 2003
• Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade September 2003
• Hon Chris Carter, Minister of Conservation June 2003
• Hon Jim Sutton, Minister of Agriculture May 2002
• Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade May 2002
• Rt Hon Helen Clark, Prime Minister September 2001
• Hon Margaret Wilson, Attorney General, Minister of Labour June 2001

Italian Ministerial Visits to New Zealand

• Hon Stefania Craxi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs July 2009
• Hon Adolfo Urso, Deputy Minister in Charge of International Trade April 2009
• Sen Franco Danieli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs November 2006
• Hon Margherita Boniver, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs November 2002
• Hon Lamberto Dini, Minister of Foreign Affairs February 2001
• Hon Francesco Cossiga, President October 1988

top of page

Representation

New Zealand Embassy Rome, Italy

Italian Embassy Wellington

Travel advice

The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Italy [external link].

top of page