Visit of New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs to Chile

New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Murray McCully visited Chile 10 – 11 August.

During his meeting with Chilean Foreign Minister Alfredo Moredo, Minister McCully announced an additional NZ$1 million contribution to the earthquake reconstruction effort, dedicated to rebuilding schools damaged by the earthquake of 27 February.
 

The Ministers also signed an arrangement to enhance the operation of the existing Working Holiday Scheme between Chile and New Zealand,:

• extending the eligible age group from 18 – 30 to 18 - 35 years for both Chileans and New Zealanders;
• enabling Chileans to spend up to six months working for one employer in New Zealand (currently three months);
• enabling Chileans to spend up to six months studying in New Zealand (up from three months).

For Chileans wishing to visit New Zealand these enhancements will be effective for the application round beginning October 2011.

The Ministers issued a joint statement, highlighting the strong and dynamic partnership between New Zealand and Chile and expressing their commitment to further strengthening the relationship.