I. Diplomatic relations

Since 1999 there has been a Greek Embassy in Wellington, also accredited to six island states in the Pacific. As part of an effort to redeploy resources in Europe, New Zealand closed its Embassy in Athens in 1991, since when it has been represented in Greece through its Embassy in Rome which is accredited accordingly. It does still retain an Honorary Consulate General in Athens, however. There is also an Honorary Greek Consulate in Auckland.

II. Treaty Framework

The only bilateral agreement currently in force concerns social security that was signed on 1 April 1994. Signature is pending on a Working Holiday Scheme Agreement between Greece and New Zealand.

III. Political relations

The crux of relations between the two countries was the Battle of Crete, which saw the beginning of the strong bonds of friendship between the two peoples. It is no coincidence that the eminent New Zealand historian Michael King, describing the process by which his compatriots developed their sense of national identity, writes in his widely distributed book the History of New Zealand: ... of all the New Zealand battles in World War II none engraved itself more deeply on the national consciousness than that for Crete.

On the level of political cooperation the two countries have a like-minded approach to international crises and current issues of international interest. There is particularly close cooperation in offering mutual support within international organizations, such as the Human Rights Commission, the Universal Postal Union, etc. New Zealand also supported Greeces candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council.

The prevailing climate in political relations between Greece and New Zealand was demonstrated in 2002 by the visit of the President of the Hellenic Republic to Wellington, which confirmed the excellent state of relations between the two countries.

The Foreign Minister, Mr. Phil Goff, also visited Athens to participate in the regular consultations between the EU and New Zealand during the Greek Presidency in 2003. While in Greece he added his signature to the Proclamation of the Olympic Truce.  The General Governor of New Zealand, Ms Cartwright, paid an official visit in Athens (2-7 June 2006).

In respect of the Cyprus issue, New Zealand supports the Annan plan for solving the problem, whilst regarding the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia it recognizes Skopje under the name accepted in recent years by the United Nations. 

IV. Economic and trade relations

Bilateral economic relations between Greece and New Zealand are at a low level. Just as in the case of Australia, the geographical distance between the two countries and the ensuing high transport costs, the production of basically similar products (agricultural produce and food products in general), as well as the necessary marketing that exports require are some of the reasons for the reluctance on the part of Greek entrepreneurs to take up business activities in this corner of the world. The Greek Community of New Zealand is not particularly significant; it is estimated at 4,500).             

V. Cultural relations

Greece and her history, particularly the classical legacy, exert a powerful attraction on ordinary New Zealanders as well as the intellectual community. In the run-up to the Athens Olympics a number of successful cultural events were organized, with a substantial contribution from the Greek community. These events were well-attended and widely covered in the media. The question of the return of the Parthenon Sculptures has also been kept alive in the public mind by a number of interesting cultural events.

V. Greek community

There is a community of about 4,500 people of Greek descent in New Zealand (first, second and third generation). They play a prominent role in trade, the arts and sciences and whilst resisting assimilation have become an integral part of New Zealand society.

V. Embassy details

 

Last modified: November 2008