The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade acts in the world to make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous
Promoting free and open trade
New Zealand's prosperity depends on trade. We work hard to expand opportunities for our businesses abroad, to the benefit of all New Zealanders.
We are the government’s lead advisor and negotiator on trade policy. We’re helping to make sure trade delivers for all New Zealanders through the Government’s Trade For All agenda.
NZ-China free trade agreement upgrade
We have upgraded our original free trade agreement with China to modernise it, further reduce barriers for exporters, and boost trade.
Prosperity and stability in the Pacific and beyond
The New Zealand Aid Programme is New Zealand’s official support for developing countries, with a particular focus on development partnerships in the Pacific.
We lead New Zealand's response to humanitarian emergencies, with the aim of relieving suffering and saving lives.
Find out about New Zealand Aid Programme priorities and policies, how we work with others and how we measure what we do.
Smart solutions to global environmental challenges
New Zealand works with other countries to create sensible international rules and frameworks that address complex environmental threats, particularly to the atmosphere and oceans.
We lead New Zealand’s international climate change negotiations. New Zealand works with other countries on the global response to this challenge.
We play an active role in negotiations to improve the conservation and sustainable use of the world’s natural resources.
Working towards a secure and just world
New Zealand takes an active role in peace, human rights and security initiatives, advocating for rules that curb armed conflict, halt the spread of dangerous weaponry and promote universal rights and freedoms.
We represent New Zealand at the United Nations, which is at the core of the rules-based international system that we support. New Zealand works to make the UN a better organisation.
New Zealand has a strong history of protecting and promoting human rights, both at home and internationally. We represent New Zealand at the key UN bodies responsible for human rights in Geneva and New York.
Ministers' media releases and speeches
Contact MFAT
MFAT is based in Wellington, New Zealand. We have an office in Auckland and diplomatic representatives in 50 countries around the world.