Our relationship with Finland

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.

Trade

2014 statistics

Total trade in goods 

$173 million

 

Exports to Finland

 $24 million 

Top exports: sheep meat, venison and wine

Imports from Finland

$160 million

 Top imports: paper and paperboard and pork

GDP

US$271 billion

  
GDP per capita US$49,497 (NZ GDP per capita is US$43,837)
GDP growth  -0.1%  

Working Holiday Scheme

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)

Embassies

Recent official visits

New Zealand to Finland
      • July 2015: Minister of Revenue and Associate Minister for Trade and Foreign Affairs Todd McClay visited
      • 2011: Governor General Anand Satyanand visited
      • 2009: Education Minister of Education Anne Tolley visited 
      • 2007: Education Minister of Education Steve Maharey visited
      • 2006: Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters visited
 Finland to New Zealand
    • 2013: Trade and European Affairs Minister Alexander Stubb visited 
    • 2009: Social Affairs Minister Liisa Hyssälä visited  
    • 2008: The Agricultural Subcommittee of the Finance Committee of the Finnish Parliament visited 
    • 2007: President Tarja Halonen visited 

News & Events

2017 New Zealand General Election

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The General Election will be held on 23 September 2017. Voters who are overseas can vote from 6 September to 23 September.

Statement on Situation in Chechnya

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Russia

Equal Rights Coalition members urgently call on Russian authorities to investigate reports of arbitrary detention, torture and killing of gay men by security services in Chechnya.

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