About the High Commission building

New Zealand House

New Zealand House is situated in central London on the west corner of Haymarket and Pall Mall.

The New Zealand Government secured the Haymarket site for the New Zealand High Commission in 1948.

Built by Holland Hannen and Cubitts in 1959, the design differed from the other diplomatic buildings of the Commonwealth realms in that it was a modern skyscraper.

Designed by Sir Robert Matthew it remains one of the tallest buildings in this part of London.

In 1972 Maori wood carver Inia Te Wiata's pillar Te Pouihi was completed and sited in the reception, towering high up into the floors above.

New Zealand House today is the base for New Zealand government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Defence Force, Department of Internal Affairs, Immigration New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. There are up to 30 members of staff working for the New Zealand government in New Zealand House today.