Germany

Our relationship with Germany

Germany and New Zealand enjoy a warm and friendly relationship underpinned by common interests and values, making us natural like-minded values partners in international affairs, trade and commerce, science, and cultural exchange. 

Both countries have fostered these links through numerous high-level visits and opportunities to meet in the margins of other multilateral meetings. Our two parliaments enjoy warm relations, and the German Bundestag has opened its International Parliamentary Scholarship Programme(external link) to New Zealand applicants.  

Germany’s pivotal role in the European Union and increasing global influence mean that its influence over decisions affecting New Zealand's interests, including our trade and economic objectives, is significant and growing.

Trade and investment

Germany is New Zealand’s largest EU trading partner, and one of our largest globally. Goods trade is skewed in Germany’s favour due to the prominence of high-value machinery and vehicle imports, whereas our services trade is more balanced.

The German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce(external link) (GNZCC) is an important partner in promoting bilateral trade relations between Germany and New Zealand. The GNZCC, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has offices in Auckland and Wellington with a nationwide membership of approximately 300 companies.

In July 2023, New Zealand and the EU signed a high-quality, comprehensive, and progressive Free Trade Agreement which entered into force in May 2024. As a European Union member state, Germany is party to the EU-NZ FTA. The FTA contains world-leading commitments on sustainable and inclusive trade.

The latest information about New Zealand's trade profile with Germany is available on the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

People and culture

There are strong cultural links between New Zealand and Germany, with Berlin a favoured destination for New Zealand artists. In 2015, a major exhibition of the works (Māori portraits) of Gottfried Lindauer was displayed at the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin, attracting a near record 150,000 visitors. 

Between 2020 and 2023 a series of repatriation ceremonies were held for Māori and Moriori ancestors Toi moko (Māori mummified tattooed heads), and taonga Māori which had previously been held by German museums. This was the culmination of years of close cultural cooperation to bring home these sacred ancestors and objects.

Information for young German citizens interested in living and working in New Zealand can be found on Immigration New Zealand’s Germany Working Holiday Visa(external link) website. 

Young New Zealand citizens looking to work/study in Germany can find more information on the German Embassy Wellington(external link) website.

Aid and sustainability

Germany has long been one of New Zealand’s most important partners in the area of science and innovation, with 2017 marking the 40th anniversary of the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement(external link). Examples of successful initiatives include projects involving bioengineering, green hydrogen, soft tissue robotics and space science.

Follow Us

Facebook | New Zealand Embassy – Berlin, Germany(external link)

X | @NZinBerlin | Craig Hawke(external link)

Instagram | nzinberlin | New Zealand in Germany(external link)