New Zealand foreign policy

When Ukraine’s president speaks, New Zealand can expect to be asked to do more to support the country’s defense against Russia’s invasion.

New Zealand’s independent foreign policy is back. That’s a key underlying message from Jacinda Ardern’s trip this week to Southeast Asia.

Despite New Zealand's once-ambitious plans, the relationship has stagnated, if not declined outright, over the past five years.

The Russia-Ukraine War was a major dividing line at the U.N. General Assembly, and Ardern largely spoke with those of a similar mindset.

Throughout a recent speech, New Zealand’s prime minister was mild with her criticism of China and optimistic about the health and future of the bilateral relationship.

Wellington’s deeply ingrained tradition of foreign policy independence and robust economic ties to China serve as a considerable constraint on major policy change.

As the recent U.S.-New Zealand joint statement makes clear, the values aspect in New Zealand’s diplomacy remains a priority in its Pacific diplomacy. 

Prioritizing the NATO meeting over the Commonwealth highlights the changes underway in New Zealand's foreign policy.

When it comes to geopolitical strategy, New Zealand and South Korea are becoming closer by the day.

The New Zealand prime minister’s speech to this week’s U.S. Business Summit in Auckland signals a closer alignment with the West – and skepticism toward China.

The law was motivated by a desire to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine but will have long-term implications for New Zealand’s policy toward China as well.