Read or download the MFAT Annual Report 2018-19.

In 2018-19, New Zealand adopted a Human Rights Action Plan. It sets out our priorities for international advocacy on human rights issues for the next five years.

The rulebook for the landmark Paris Agreement on Climate Change was agreed at COP24 in December 2018. New Zealand diplomat Jo Tyndall played a prominent role in reaching this milestone.

The impact of the 15 March terrorist attack was felt around the world and required a wide-ranging response from the Ministry as part of the whole-of-government national security system response.

This year saw the successful conclusion to negotiations on the Singapore Enhanced Partnership.

New Zealand is a trading nation that benefits from international trade rules and access to offshore markets, and now more than ever we have heard a strong message that New Zealanders want to have their say on our country’s trade negotiations.

Resolving barriers to trade is an important part of the Ministry’s Economic Diplomacy Programme, which seeks to use the Ministry’s diplomatic network to help New Zealand exporters succeed in overseas markets.

New Zealand has always had a strong focus on the Pacific as we are a Pacific country, connected to the region by culture, history and politics.