Switzerland has good, but not particularly intensive, relations with New Zealand. The volume of trade between the two countries is negligible.
Bilateral political contacts are rare, but the two countries have established close relations at the multilateral level, for example within the United Nations framework, as well as on issues such as human rights, peace and the environment.
Neither in New Zealand nor in Switzerland exists a joint chamber of commerce. An economic report in German language with insight into the development of New Zealand in terms of latest figures, analysis and prospective opportunities and information written in context to the economical and bilateral relations with Switzerland can be found on the website of Switzerland Global Enterprise under the following link:
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO / information on countries
Scholars and artists from New Zealand can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
A trainee agreement enables young people from New Zealand to spend a limited period of time in Switzerland in order to acquire additional professional experience and to hone their language skills.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Young professionals (trainees)
Education or training in Switzerland? (PDF, 2 Pages, 129.3 kB)
In 2021, there were over 7,000 Swiss nationals living in New Zealand. In addition, New Zealand is a popular destination for tourists from Switzerland. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 20,000 Swiss citizens visited the country each year.
The first Swiss to visit New Zealand was probably the Bernese John Webber. He accompanied James Cook's third expedition as a painter and illustrator between 1776 and 1779. In the 1860s, the first Swiss nationals emigrated to New Zealand to try their luck as gold prospectors.
Switzerland opened its first representation, a Consulate, 1912 in Auckland. In 1937 the Consulate moved to Wellington, and in 1959 it was upgraded to a Consulate General. Diplomatic relations with New Zealand were established in 1962, and Switzerland opened an Embassy in Wellington in 1963.
The Ambassador of New Zealand accredited to Switzerland resides in Berlin. New Zealand has a mission and a consulate general in Geneva.
New Zealand, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Last update 30.03.2023
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