Who we are

We engage with countries, and with regional, international, and multilateral bodies, to influence outcomes that align with New Zealand’s values and protect our enduring national interests.

Our work contributes to New Zealanders’ security and prosperity in the following ways:

A safe, secure and just future

New Zealanders’ safety — whether in New Zealand, offshore, or online — can be threatened by international factors, ranging from conflict to cyberattacks. A safe and secure world — underpinned by respect for international rules and norms, and human rights — provides the foundation for our security, prosperity, and sustainable development.

The Ministry provides consular assistance to New Zealanders overseas; responds to global emergencies; and represents New Zealand, regionally and internationally, on issues that impact New Zealand’s security. The Ministry’s work also contributes to global action for peace and stability, with a focus on the Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions.

A prosperous and resilient future

International trade and investment are essential for New Zealanders to prosper and succeed. One in four jobs in our country depends on exports. The Ministry acts to remove or reduce barriers to trade and investment, secure and defend access to overseas markets, and help exporters. The Ministry also supports, and advocates for, inclusive and sustainable development.

A sustainable future

The well-being of New Zealanders depends on the international community working together to address shared challenges (such as climate change), and to defend and promote international rules that conserve and manage shared natural resources sustainably. The Ministry works with other agencies to ensure that New Zealand’s voice is heard on international sustainability issues. We have specific interests in protecting Antarctica and in promoting the sustainable management of natural resources in the Pacific. A strong focus for New Zealand is on working collaboratively with Pacific partners to support their climate resilience.

Our contribution

The Ministry is the Government’s principal agent for pursuing New Zealand’s international interests and representing our country offshore. We build connections with, and influence, other countries to advance New Zealand’s interests, project our values, and secure outcomes that matter to us. We progress the Government’s international priorities and advise the Government on how regional and global events could impact New Zealand.

We lead New Zealand’s diplomatic network, which represents the Government and progresses our interests around the world.

The Ministry provides the Government with specialist advice on foreign, trade, and development cooperation policy. We are the Government’s primary adviser on international legal issues and are responsible for delivering New Zealand's International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme.

We engage with Māori partners and seek to reflect our Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities in our work. We also connect with the public, and our other stakeholders, to support mutual understanding and collaboration.

Our values

The Ministry’s values of impact, kotahitanga, courage, and manaakitanga guide how we interact with our people within our organisation, and our domestic and international stakeholders.

Diversity and inclusion

MFAT values diverse thinking, people and skills. We recognise that diversity allows us to be more innovative in the way we think and act, enhancing the quality of our advice and services.

That's why we’ve developed a Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to ensure we have a workforce that is responsive to the needs of New Zealanders.

We have a comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy and work programme. Click on our diversity and inclusion page to see some of the things we are doing.