Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is the executive department of the Government of New Zealand charged with conducting the nation’s external relations, trade negotiations and international development programme. From its headquarters in Wellington, the ministry advises ministers on foreign and trade policy, negotiates free-trade and security agreements, manages New Zealand’s participation in multilateral institutions, and delivers consular and crisis-response services to citizens overseas. MFAT also administers the principal New Zealand aid agency, directing official development assistance and humanitarian response, principally in the Pacific region. Working closely with agencies such as New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the New Zealand Defence Force, MFAT represents the country in fora ranging from the United Nations and World Trade Organization to APEC and the Pacific Islands Forum.