Global IssuesInternational OrganisationsAfricaAsia NorthAsia South and SoutheastAustraliaCERSEMDefenceEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastNorth AmericaPacific
MFAT is not responsible for content on other websites. MFAT does not endorse any commercial organisations.
National Newspapers (Weekend and Daily)
Major State Newspapers (Daily)
National Directories
State and Territorial Government Directories
Start writing the country or territory name in the box. Typing more letters narrows the search. Click "go" or hit "Enter" to go to the information paper on the country or territory.
(We don't have information papers on all countries and territories.)
Although we have tried to use plain English content on the site, you may come across specialist terms and acronyms. Find out what they mean in our glossary of terms.
If you come across a term that isn't included in the Glossary please send us an email.
The New Zealand-Australia relationship is a uniquely close one, underpinned by geography, shared history, values, and institutions. Migration, trade, and other people-to-people linkages have helped shape a strong trans-Tasman sense of identity.
At a political level, the relationship that New Zealand has with Australia (and vice versa) is better developed and more extensive than with any other country. The Prime Ministers hold formal talks annually; Foreign Ministers meet twice yearly; and the Finance, Trade and Defence Ministers meet annually. Across a range of portfolios, New Zealand Ministers (and their senior officials) frequently participate in Australian Federal/State Ministerial Council meetings.
Australia and New Zealand work closely on a wide range of foreign policy and trade issues. This is particularly so in the South Pacific, East Asia and in multilateral organisations, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation. There is ongoing consultation and coordination both between capitals and diplomatic posts overseas.
The Australian soldier at the western end of Sydney’s ANZAC Bridge has had a lonely vigil for the past eight years, but now he has a comrade in arms – a New Zealand soldier to stand sentry on the bridge with him.
The new sculpture was unveiled on 27 April 2008 by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma, with veterans from both countries present. It shows a proud Kiwi turning towards his ANZAC partner on the other side of the bridge.
Both soldiers were sculpted by acclaimed artist Alan Somerville and each took about nine months to create. The bronze statues are the same height – about 4.2 metres – although Somerville likes to joke that the New Zealand soldier is “two inches taller because of his lemon squeezer hat”. The plinth for each soldier is also the same although the plaque is a little different for the Kiwi ANZAC. It reads “We Will Remember Them” in both English and Maori. The New Zealand soldier was commissioned in 2007, as a joint initiative between the New Zealand and New South Wales governments.
“Through commemorative projects like this sculpture of the Kiwi soldier, New Zealand can project its unique national identity and acknowledge the sacrifices of our people alongside others,” Helen Clark says. “These twin soldiers in the heart of Australia’s largest city remind us of our close relationship and of the proud traditions we share. They are fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by ANZAC servicemen and women over more than 100 years.”
Other resources
The Australia- New Zealand Closer Economic Relationship Free Trade Agreement (ANZCERTA), commonly known as CER, has been described by the World Trade Organisation as the world's most comprehensive, effective and mutually compatible free trade agreement. Read the background to CER and related areas. more
CER has proved to be a remarkable success, but both governments have agered that the trade and economic relationship should continue in a dynamic way, adapting to the changing requirements of business in an increasingly inter-dependent world. In this light, the New Zealand and Australian Governments have committed to explore a long-term vision for a seamless trans-Tasman business environment – a Single Economic Market.more
Since 2004, Ministers, senior business representatives, academics and public sector and other community leaders from Australia and New Zealand have met annually at the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum. The 2008 Leadership Forum was held on June 13 and 14 in Wellington. more
Australia is New Zealand’s closest and most important security partner. The two countries have a long tradition of cooperation in defence, including in major conflicts and peace-keeping operations around the world. more
New Zealand and Australian Defence Ministers met most recently in Sydney in March 2007. Article by Hon Phil Goff [beehive.govt.nz]
A long history of arrangements, collectively known as the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, allow Australians and New Zealanders to visit, reside, and work in each other's countries without restriction. The New Zealand High Commission in Canberra provides comprehensive information for New Zealanders on travelling to and living in Australia more
New Zealand has a High Commission in Canberra. We also have Consulate-General offices in Sydney and Melbourne. The New Zealand Immigrations service, Passport office, Police, Customs, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Tourism New Zealand all have a presence in the Sydney office. A Consulate-General is to be established in Brisbane in the second half of 2008.
Read our travel advisory for Australia [external link].
