France

Our relationship with France

France and New Zealand enjoy deep and enduring cultural and historical links, shared values, consistent two-way trade, and a common interest in the stability and prosperity of the Pacific region. Diplomatic relations were officially recognised in 1957. We cooperate closely together on climate change, trade and economic issues, and in the Pacific.

Defence and security

New Zealand and France have a Status of Forces Agreement in May 2014. This supports our strong ongoing defence cooperation in the Pacific and ongoing cooperation as part of the France-Australia-New Zealand (FRANZ) Pacific humanitarian relief arrangement.

Trade and investment

France is our third-largest largest individual trading partner within the EU, with imports from France dominating two-way trade. It also provides a significant source of investment into New Zealand with around half of this in manufacturing (particularly in the wine industry). French companies have set up or bought into operations in New Zealand and New Zealand companies are doing the same in France, focusing on technology (banking and healthcare software, telecommunications) and high-end food and beverages.

The Auckland-based French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce(external link) (FNZCCI) was created in 1985, as the French New Zealand Business Council, from the desire to foster stronger and sound business relationships between France and/or French Pacific Islands and New Zealand. 

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, France 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 France is available on the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

People and culture

We remember one of New Zealand's greatest writers, who lived her final years in France, with the Katherine Mansfield Literary Fellowship in Menton. 
The Education Cooperation Agreement signed in September 2013 strengthens education ties with France and the French Pacific by promoting student and teacher exchanges, and language learning.

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

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

Aid and sustainability

New Zealand and France jointly fund collaborative projects in biotechnology and nanotechnology, under the Dumont d'Urville Programme established in 2005.

Follow Us

Facebook | Ambassade de Nouvelle-Zelande en France – Paris(external link)

Instagram | nzembparis | New Zealand Embassy Paris(external link)