The Netherlands

New Zealand's relationship with the Netherlands

New Zealand and the Netherlands share many linkages. Many Dutch people are aware that their compatriots were the first Europeans to sight New Zealand, in 1642, and that New Zealand was named after the southern Dutch province of Zeeland.

New Zealand, along with Australia and Canada, was a favourite destination for Dutch immigrants after WW2. These immigrants were mainly from agricultural backgrounds and settled across the length and breadth of New Zealand. These family linkages, combined with an ongoing strong Dutch interest in New Zealand culture and scenery were principal reasons why more than 26,000 tourists from the Netherlands visited New Zealand in the year to June 2008.

Trade between the Netherlands and New Zealand is moderate, but the Netherlands is the second largest European investor into New Zealand, reflecting its strong agricultural traditions and the presence in the Netherlands of some important multinationals (e.g. Shell, Unilever, and Rabobank). The Netherlands' strategic location within Europe, a population with strong language and entrepreneurial skills, quality infrastructure, and an open and outward looking economy combine to make it an attractive "Gateway to Europe" for New Zealand companies.top of page

Key facts

Geography/Demographics

Land Area    41,526 sq km
Population   16.5 million (2007)
Capital City  Amsterdam (The Hague is the seat of government)
Language     Dutch, Frisian

Political

Political system Constitutional Monarchy
National government  Centre Right - Centre Left coalition (from February 2007)
National legislature  Bi-cameral parliament 
Last election  November 2006
Next election due  May 2011
Head of State  Queen Beatrix (acceded to the throne in 1980) 
Head of Government  Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende (Christian Democratic Appeal [CDA])

Economic

GDP US$880.5 billion (2008 est.)
Real GDP growth 2.1% (2008 est.)
Exports US$532.1 billion (2008 est.)
Imports US$475.8 billion  (2008 est.)
Main exports Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs
Current account balance US$62.0 billion (2008 est.)
Inflation   2.2%
Unemployment 4.0%

New Zealand Trade

NZ Exports (FOB) NZ$509 million (year ended December 2008)
Main Exports sheep meat, apples, aluminium, seeds
NZ Imports (CIF) NZ$388 million (year ended December 2008)
Main Imports trucks/vans, medicaments, food preparations (and in 2007 a one off $168 million naval vessel).

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Visits

New Zealand Visits to the Netherlands

• Hon Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs, March 2009
• Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs, October 2007
• Hon Margaret Wilson, Speaker, October 2007
• Hon Chris Carter, Minister of Conservation, Ethnic Affairs and Housing, June 2007
• Hon Steve Maharey, Minister of Research, Science and Technology, March 2007
• Hon Annette King, Minister of Police, May 2006
• Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Defence, February 2006
• Hon Damien O'Connor, Minister of Corrections, January 2006
• Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, September 2004
• Rt Hon Helen Clark, Prime Minister, June 2004

The Netherlands Visits to New Zealand

• Maxime Verhagen, Foreign Minister, January 2009
• TRH the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, November 2006
• Wim Kok, Former Prime Minister, November 2003
• Monique de Vries, Transport State Secretary, January 1999
• Wim Kok, Prime Minister, November 1997
• Yvonne van Rooj, Trade Minister, March 1992
• Hans van den Broek, Foreign Minister, March 1992

Representation

• The New Zealand Embassy The Hague
• The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Wellington

 

Travel advice

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

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