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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.
Information paper on Australia
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
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
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 and Brisbane. 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.
Read our travel advisory for Australia [external link].
