21 Jul 2026
3 months ago
648 views
New Zealand and the Philippines have formalized a Comprehensive Partnership to enhance cooperation across political, defense, trade, and people-to-people ties. This partnership, announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, marks 60 years of diplomatic relations and aims to support a stable, rules-based Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, both countries signed new agreements on education and geothermal energy, with further discussions planned during Peters’ visit to ASEAN-related events in Manila.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
796 views
Customs Minister Casey Costello warned that young New Zealanders are being exploited by criminal groups to courier drugs, facing severe legal consequences including lengthy prison sentences. Recent arrests highlight ongoing drug smuggling operations, with significant quantities of methamphetamine involved and both locals and foreign nationals apprehended at airports. The Minister urged young people and their families to resist such offers, emphasizing the risks of imprisonment at home and harsher penalties, including the death penalty, in some Southeast Asian countries.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1270 views
Minister Winston Peters will visit Viet Nam, Thailand, and China next week to strengthen New Zealand's key relationships in Southeast Asia and discuss regional challenges with senior leaders. He will also attend an event in Guangzhou marking New Zealand’s purchase of two interisland ferries, highlighting the strong trade ties with China. This visit underscores the Coalition Government’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation with both Southeast Asia and China.
03 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2358 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is traveling to Thailand and Indonesia to enhance New Zealand's economic relationships with these key Southeast Asian economies. The focus is on leveraging the region's economic growth potential, with discussions centered around doubling exports and strengthening trade ties. The Minister will engage with senior officials, promote high-value exports, and seek to expand cooperation in areas such as food security and trade agreements during his visit from 4 to 8 August.
12 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2742 views
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasizes the importance of relationships with Southeast Asia for security and prosperity. They are working intensively with Southeast Asia, aiming to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN by 2025. During his visit to Malaysia, Mr. Peters engaged in discussions on various security issues and held bilateral talks with ministerial counterparts from several countries.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2004 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Malaysia this week for regional engagement with Southeast Asian partners. “The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays a central role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and has been a steadfast partner of New Zealand,” Mr Peters says. “In our 50th anniversary of Dialogue Relations with ASEAN, we will highlight the value of the deep partnership between New Zealand and South East Asia, and will engage on the strategic issues impacting the stability of our region.