New Zealand and Finland share similar views on many international issues including security, disarmament and the environment. As two small, independent democracies, we are natural partners and often share similar perspectives and priorities, particularly in the United Nations and the OECD. Finland is a member of a number of initiatives that New Zealand has instigated, including the Small Advanced Economies Initiative, the Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform group, and the Global Research Alliance.
A new dimension was added to our relationship with Finland when they joined the EU in 1995.
New Zealand and Finland have a Working Holiday Scheme in force, which is very popular with young Finns who are able to spend up to a year in New Zealand. This is a welcome strand to our relationship, allowing our young people to create enduring connections. We also have a double taxation agreement with Finland.
| Total trade in goods | $171 million | |
| Exports in Finland | $16 million | Top exports: sheep meat, venison and wine |
| Imports from Finland | $155 million | Top imports: machinery, pork, paper and paperboard |
| GDP | US$253 billion |
New Zealanders aged between 18 and 30 can apply for a 12-month working holiday visa for Finland.
For more information, read the Embassy of Finland website. (external link)
Rt Hon Trevor Mallard, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, visited Berlin and Munich for a two day bilateral visit on 14-15 January 2019.
A new memorial honouring the role of New Zealand Māori and other service people in the First World War will be unveiled in the Passchendaele Memorial Park, next to the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, Zonnebeke on Anzac Day, 25 April 2019.
The EU and New Zealand reaffirmed their commitment to deepen their partnership in the coming years, and explored opportunities for further collaboration in various fields.
Latest update for New Zealand exporters on Europe and UK trade issues.