New Zealand profile

(Last updated: 11 Dec 2009)

Current business situation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to New Zealand. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Capital city: Wellington

Surface area: 271,000 sq km

Population: 4.3 million

Official language(s): English

Head of State: H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor-General HE The Hon Sir Anand Satyanand

Head of Government: Prime Minister Hon John Key

Australian exports to New Zealand: A$8,546 million

Australian imports from New Zealand: A$7,050 million

New Zealand's principal export destinations: Australia, USA, Japan

New Zealand's principal import sources: Australia, China, USA

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)

Economic climate

For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet)

The NZ economy is a mixed economy based on free market principles. It has a large agricultural sector, as well as sizeable manufacturing and service industries.

Political climate

New Zealand is an independent state within the Commonwealth, with a parliamentary democracy political system. Unlike Australia, there is no upper house. There are two main parties, the Labour Party and the National Party and a number of smaller parties. Voting is on a proportional representation system. The present government is a coalition of National, ACT and the Maori Party.

New Zealand enjoys very close ties with Australia both politically and economically. It has a modern welfare system, and is politically and economically stable.

Trade relations and statistics

New Zealand has free trade agreements with Australia, Canada and Singapore and is negotiating with Hong Kong, Chile and Thailand.

Preferential duties are offered to Pacific nations (under SPARTECA), to less developed countries such as Romania and Philippines and least developed countries (in the third world) such as Zambia and Rwanda.

Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.

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