New Zealand and Italy

New Zealand enjoys a warm relationship with Italy. Links and awareness, on both sides, have been strengthened in recent times through publicity surrounding New Zealand’s role in liberating Italy in the Second World War.

The New Zealand Embassy in Rome was established in 1966 but the government to government relationship commenced around 1948 when Italy established a consulate in NZ. There is now an Italian Embassy based in Wellington.

Italy is a major European trading partner and there is a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Consulate-General office in Milan.

New Zealand’s defence relationship with Italy is handled from London.

New Zealand and Italy often share similar views on major international issues. A number of agreements exist between the New Zealand and Italian governments including on:

• Bilateral visa waivers for visits of up to 90 days
• A working holiday scheme for young citizens between 18-30 wanting to visit/work in New Zealand or Italy
• Antarctic cooperation
• Air services
• Culture
• Double taxation
• Co-production of films
• Social security (not yet ratified by Italy)

New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships are available to international students, including from Italy to study in New Zealand. For information, see www.newzealandeducated.com/scholarships. There are also a number of private education agreements between New Zealand and Italian universities.

Italian statistics note there are 270 NZers permanently resident in Italy, and 363 on permits to stay (ISTAT 2005/06). About 3300 Italians or New Zealanders of Italian origin are resident in New Zealand (Census 2001).

Tourism is a further link between the two countries. Approximately 9000 Italians and 7,500 New Zealanders visit each other’s country every year. Italy has a particularly good image in New Zealand and this is fully reciprocated. The hosting of the America’s Cup in Auckland and the filming of the Lord of the Rings in New Zealand has given a particular boost to New Zealand’s profile in Italy. Maori Culture, the All Blacks and New Zealand’s “clean and green” are other key Italian perceptions of New Zealand.

Also see the Italy information paper on the MFAT website.