New Zealand will hold a General Election and referendum on the voting system on Saturday 26 November 2011.

Overseas voting begins on Wednesday 9 November and closes at 4.00pm(local time) on Friday 25 November. Over this period, eligible New Zealand voters overseas will be able to download their voting papers from the elections website www.elections.org.nz and return them via fax, by post, or at the Embassy Moscow (working days from 9.30am to 12.00 and 2.00 to 4.00pm).

Dear RWC 2011 fans

As you know, the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC 2011) is about to start in New Zealand, with Russia in the competition for the first time.  

For those wishing to follow the action, some useful links include:

Please click here to read Prime Minister John Key's speech to the Pacific Islands Forum 40th Anniversary.

It is with deep sadness that we advise of the death of the former Governor-General of New Zealand Sir Paul Reeves, ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, CF, QSO who died in Auckland on Sunday 14 August 2011 aged 78. 

Sir Paul was Governor-General from 1985 till 1990, and was the first Maori and the first cleric to fill that position. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, Lady Reeves, his three daughters, Sarah, Bridget and Jane, and six grandchildren.