Countries
Embassies/Consulates
RegionsNew Zealand and Sweden have a tradition of friendly and cooperative relations. Our countries share similar outlooks on global issues, including trade, agricultural reform, disarmament, human rights, and the environment.
Contacts between New Zealand and Sweden have existed since the early stages of European settlement in New Zealand, with significant numbers of Swedes settling in the North Island along with other Scandinavians.
Sweden is a champion of sustainable growth and a founding member of the Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform, a group of non-G20 countries initiated by New Zealand in 2010 to support the G20 (and subsequently APEC) commitment to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
Sweden is also one of the original members of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, established by New Zealand in 2009. This alliance focuses on research, development and extension of technologies and practices that will help deliver ways to grow more food without increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
A Working Holiday Scheme between Sweden and New Zealand has been in place since 2001, enabling Swedish and New Zealand nationals aged between 18 and 30 to work for up to a year in the other country. Unlimited places are available under this scheme to young citizens of Sweden.
|
Total trade in goods |
$358 million |
|
|
Exports to Sweden |
$62 million |
Top exports: sheep meat, wine, apples and seafood |
|
Imports from Sweden |
$296 million |
Top imports: farming machinery, motor vehicles, electrical machinery and pharmaceutical products |
|
GDP |
US$477 billion |
|
| GDP per capita | US $46,769 | (NZ GDP per capita is US$43,837) |
| GDP growth | 2.4% |
New Zealanders aged between 18 and 30 can apply for a 12-month working holiday visa for Sweden.
Read more about how to apply (external link).
The New Zealand National Commemoration for the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele will take place on 12 October 2017.
The General Election will be held on 23 September 2017. Voters who are overseas can vote from 6 September to 23 September.
Statement as delivered by Carolyn Schwalger, Deputy Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, 8 November 2016
Delivered by Carolyn Schwalger, Deputy Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations , 29 February 2016.