05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1308 views
The New Zealand Government is actively preparing to assist citizens stranded in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict by pre-deploying consular staff and two Defence Force planes for potential evacuation operations. Due to closed airspace and limited flights, New Zealanders are advised to shelter in place or use safe opportunities to leave, while the government coordinates with consular partners and airlines. Around 3,000 New Zealanders are registered in the region, with a 24/7 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade response operation in place to provide urgent assistance.
04 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1291 views
New Zealand and Uruguay have reaffirmed their partnership as small, export-oriented democracies facing global challenges, emphasizing cooperation in trade, education, sport, science, and culture. Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighted mutual interests in promoting democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international system, as well as expanding business engagement, particularly in high value-added sectors like forestry and agribusiness technology. Discussions also covered major international issues and the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, with Peters continuing his diplomatic tour in Latin America and the Pacific.
03 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1225 views
New Zealand and Argentina have agreed to strengthen cooperation to boost economic efficiency, export growth, and job creation, with New Zealand aiming to increase its business presence in Argentina. Foreign Minister Winston Peters, on his first visit to Argentina since 2007, discussed mutual interests including global developments, strategic environments, and UN reform with Argentine leaders. The visit also highlighted growing ties in business, education, and trade, as Peters leads a delegation touring Latin America before continuing to Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, and French Polynesia.
03 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1184 views
New Zealand and Argentina have agreed to strengthen cooperation to boost economic efficiency, export growth, and job creation, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighting Argentina's recent economic reforms and opportunities for New Zealand businesses. During his visit—the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2007—Peters engaged in discussions on global issues such as Iran, strategic competition, and UN reform, while emphasizing shared commitments to open, rules-based trade. The visit included parliamentary engagements and is part of a broader Latin American tour, with upcoming stops in Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, and French Polynesia.
27 Feb 2026
7 months ago
1246 views
KiwiRail has shown significant improvement, achieving a $73.4 million operating surplus and a 7% increase in volumes due to focused commercial discipline and upgraded rolling stock. Investments in modern locomotives, better maintenance funded by legislative changes, and improved infrastructure have enhanced schedule reliability and reduced disruptions from natural events. Additionally, Interislander maintained 100% reliability during peak periods, demonstrating the success of KiwiRail’s strategic focus on reliability, cost control, and asset renewal.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1294 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a Parliamentary and business delegation to Latin America next week to strengthen New Zealand’s relationships with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, and to enhance commercial opportunities for New Zealand businesses. The delegation, including MPs from across Parliament, will meet senior government leaders and various contacts to promote New Zealand’s innovative products and services in the region. On the return journey, the group will also visit Rapa Nui and French Polynesia, emphasizing New Zealand’s commitment to the Pacific as a central part of its foreign policy.
25 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1216 views
New Zealand has imposed travel bans on 40 Iranian regime members involved in human rights abuses, including key ministers and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members, joining other countries in sanctioning Iran. Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemned the violent suppression of protests and Iran's destabilizing activities, emphasizing the country's violation of rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. These bans prevent the targeted individuals from entering or transiting New Zealand, reinforcing the nation's commitment to uphold international law and regional stability.
24 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1204 views
New Zealand will provide $8 million in new assistance to Ukraine, including $5 million for humanitarian aid and $3 million for energy resilience and reconstruction, raising its total aid to $45 million over four years. The government is also implementing its 34th round of sanctions against Russia, targeting oil price caps, shadow fleet vessels, and entities from Belarus, Iran, and North Korea that support Russia’s military efforts. These measures aim to curb Russia’s war capabilities and demonstrate New Zealand’s ongoing solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1186 views
Rail Minister Winston Peters welcomes the New Zealand Transport Agency’s decision to extend the Waikato-Auckland passenger rail service Te Huia by one year. The service, funded to refurbish carriages and build a depot, faced challenges due to Covid-19 but has since gained strong patronage and high customer satisfaction. The extension allows for a fair assessment of the service, which has become a key commuter and city connector.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1221 views
The New Zealand Government has allocated $80 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop and process domestic critical minerals, aiming to boost jobs, investment, and regional economic recovery. Critical minerals are vital for modern technologies and global supply chains, and New Zealand seeks to position itself as a reliable source while fostering advanced processing and international partnerships. The funding supports projects aligned with the Minerals Strategy, with applications accepted and successful initiatives to be announced after evaluation.
18 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1313 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced two new diplomatic appointments. Georgina Roberts has been appointed as High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. Aramiro Tai Rākena will serve as Ambassador to Brazil.
13 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1192 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on her first official visit to New Zealand, highlighting the Commonwealth's role in uniting countries around shared values. They discussed New Zealand's support for a Commonwealth focused on democracy, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as the Secretary-General’s reform agenda. Their talks also emphasized initiatives like the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration to benefit small states, particularly in the Pacific.
13 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1224 views
A senior Turkish delegation recently visited New Zealand, reinforcing the enduring friendship forged during the Gallipoli campaign over a century ago, as highlighted by Veterans Minister Chris Penk. The visit included meetings with officials, commemorative events, and recognition of the strong bond and mutual respect between Türkiye and New Zealand, rooted in shared sacrifice and ongoing collaboration. Both nations emphasize the importance of honoring history while working together to promote peace, understanding, and cultural exchange amid global instability.
03 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1257 views
New Zealand and Germany have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership, emphasizing shared concerns about global developments and common values such as democracy and human rights. Their collaboration spans defense support, trade, scientific research, tourism, and education, underpinned by a commitment to multilateral cooperation. Additionally, both countries reaffirmed their support for the Antarctic Treaty System to ensure the continent's protection for peace and science.
29 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1425 views
Auckland’s rail network has completed its five-year rebuild ahead of the City Rail Link (CRL) opening, marking the end of the most disruptive upgrade phase and enabling more frequent, reliable train services. Over 1,300 workers upgraded over 80 km of track, replaced key infrastructure, removed level crossings, and successfully tested the largest-ever simultaneous operation of 84 trains on the network. Future work will involve shorter, less disruptive closures focused on final testing and commissioning, promising a modern metro system that supports Auckland’s growth and reduces congestion.