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Trans-Tasman freedom of movement is a key element in our relationship with Australia. It underpins the government-to-government relationship and the economic and trade relationship that exists under CER.
These people-to-people links, and the strong familial ties and friendships that go along with them, have helped to shape a robust sense of trans-Tasman identity and values, and are one of the key factors driving the relationship to even greater degrees of cooperation in the future.
Australia and New Zealand share a history of working hard to facilitate the free movement of our citizens between both countries, and today are continuing work to reduce barriers to that movement and to maximise the benefits it brings for both countries.
Australia is also our largest source of foreign tourists, with close to one million short-term arrivals in the year to December 2008. Australia is New Zealand’s most popular tourist destination, with again almost one million short-term departures from New Zealand to Australia in the year to December 2008.
The Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement is a key arrangement, providing for relatively unrestricted travel between New Zealand and Australia, for citizens of the two countries.
The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA) facilitates the movement and working of skilled practitioners between New Zealand and Australia.
The Australia New Zealand Social Security Agreement specifies the benefits and pensions payable to New Zealanders living in Australia, and Australians living in New Zealand.
