New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade

New Zealand and Samoa share an enduring friendship, spanning generations and underlined in the 1962 Treaty of Friendship. Monday’s joint New Zealand-Samoa cabinet meeting provided an opportunity for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Minister for Pacific People Dr. Shane Reti, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Tim van de Molen MP, Jenny Salesa MP, and Teanau Tuiono MP to meet Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and his cabinet - and to hear firsthand about Samoa's key priority to combat transnational organised crime and new areas for cooperation. 🇳🇿🤝🇼🇸 #PacificMission2026 #Samoa

On Monday, the Prime Minister-led Pacific Mission delegation received a formal welcome and Ava ceremony outside the Samoa Government Building. As part of the ceremony, PM Luxon was bestowed a matai, or chiefly, title from the village of Apia. The title — Tuisinavemaulumoto'otua — recognises the special relationship New Zealand holds with the people of Apia. PM Luxon is the sixth New Zealand Prime Minister to receive a matai title while in office.

The latest edition of the weekly global trade and economic update for New Zealand businesses has been published. 🌎 Read the full report here ➡️ mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-…

New Zealand condemns yesterday’s ballistic missile launches by North Korea. The launch of ballistic missiles is a clear breach of UN Security Council Resolutions. We call on North Korea to cease all missile tests and engage in meaningful dialogue toward regional peace and stability.

Applications for tertiary Manaaki Scholarships are now open. Please ensure you only apply through our official channel. 🔗 Official website: nzscholarships.govt.nz The Manaaki Scholarships never charge fees at any stage of our selection process — including application or during the selection stages. All legitimate communication will come only from: - The official application portal - Education New Zealand - The New Zealand Government (including embassies and high commissions) If you encounter websites, individuals, or organisations asking for payment or offering to “guarantee” selection, they are not genuine. Stay safe and apply through trusted sources only. Applications close on 31 March 2026. @educationnz

The Minister visited @MFATNZ’s Emergency Coordination Centre in Wellington this morning to thank those working on New Zealand’s response to the crisis in the Middle East - both here and in the region. “The events in the Middle East are fast-moving, dangerous, and complex,” the Minister said. “We are particularly grateful for the sacrifices that MFAT staff and other government officials are making to serve NZ during these challenging times.”

We are aware that there are still seats available on Emirates Airways flights EK448, EK412, EK406 departing today, Wednesday 11 March from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. There are further options for onward travel to New Zealand with Qantas and Air New Zealand. If you are looking to depart, we urge you to book this with emirates.com or contact your travel agent. All airlines and airports continue to stress that passengers should not proceed to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their specific flight is operating. New Zealanders in need of urgent consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.

Qatar: Departure flight from DOH-MEL Wednesday 11 March 📷 We are aware that there are still seats available on Qatar Airways QR988 departing 1140am Wednesday Local time from DOH to MEL. There are further options for onward travel to New Zealand with Qantas and Air New Zealand. If you are looking to depart, we urge you to book this with qatarairways.com or contact your travel agent. All airlines and airports continue to stress that passengers should not proceed to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their specific flight is operating. New Zealanders in need of urgent consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.

The situation in the Middle East is adding new risks for the global economy. Energy disruptions could add market volatility in New Zealand. Read more ➡️ mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-…

Iran border crossings 🛂 Airspace closures in Iran mean departure is not possible via plane. If you plan on exiting Iran via land borders, bear in mind there are significant safety risks associated with road movements and overland travel. For up-to-date information on border crossings out of Iran, read our Middle East Security Situation news article on SafeTravel under the 'Iran' section: safetravel.govt.nz/news/middle-ea…

United Arab Emirates: Flight Departure Options ✈️ Emirates has confirmed that the following flights remain operating Tuesday 10 March and Wednesday 11 March: - Flight EK448 from Dubai to Auckland - Flight EK412 from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney These flights are available to be booked directly with Emirates online at emirates.com If you had previously booked through a travel agent, you will need to contact them to rebook this flight. Airline call volumes are very high, so expect delays. Please stay on the line until answered and use official channels like chat or call centres, not social media. There are also options for New Zealanders to fly via Australia, from where you would be able to connect onto a Qantas or Air New Zealand flight: - Flight EK414 from Dubai to Sydney - Flight EK406 from Dubai to Melbourne - Flight EK420 from Dubai to Perth If your travel document has expired, we may be able to help you travel back to New Zealand. Note this assistance is only available for flights directly to New Zealand, and on a case-by-case basis. Contact us on +64 99 20 20 20 if you require assistance. We would like to reiterate that all airlines and airports continue to stress that passengers should not proceed to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their specific flight is operating. New Zealanders in need of consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20. Find more information at mfat.govt.nz/middle-east

United Arab Emirates: Flight Departure Options Update ✈️ We remain in close contact with airlines about flights to New Zealand. Emirates has advised that the following flights are operating today Monday 9 March, and Tuesday 10 March 2026: - Flight EK448 from Dubai to Auckland - Flight EK412 from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney These flights are available to be booked directly with Emirates online at emirates.com If you had previously booked through a travel agent, you will need to contact them to rebook this flight. Airline call volumes are very high, so expect delays. Please stay on the line until answered and use official channels like chat or call centres, not social media. There are also options for New Zealanders to fly via Australia, from where you would be able to connect onto a Qantas or Air New Zealand flight: - Flight EK414 from Dubai to Sydney - Flight EK406 from Dubai to Melbourne - Flight EK420 from Dubai to Perth - Flight EY450 from Abu Dhabi to Sydney If your travel document has expired, we may be able to help you travel back to New Zealand. Note this assistance is only available for flights directly to New Zealand, and on a case-by-case basis. Contact us on +64 99 20 20 20 if you require assistance. We would like to reiterate that all airlines and airports continue to stress that passengers should not proceed to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their specific flight is operating. New Zealanders in need of consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.

IMPORTANT Qatar: Update on departure flight DOH-PER🛫 We are aware that there are still seats available on Qatar Airways QR900 departing 0830am TODAY Local time from DOH to PER. There are further options for onward travel to New Zealand with Qantas and Air New Zealand. If you are looking to depart, we urge you to book this with qatarairways.com or contact your travel agent. Airline call volumes are very high, so expect delays. Please stay on the line until answered and use official channels like chat or call centres, not social media. All airlines and airports continue to stress that passengers should not proceed to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their specific flight is operating. New Zealanders in need of urgent consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.

Middle East Travel Options updates: Qatar 📷: We have been advised that there may be seats available on a transfer arranged by the Danish Government for transport from Doha to Riyadh (King Khalid International Airport). The transfer option is available through Experience Qatar, a private Qatari bus company. The price is approximately EUR 140 per passenger (same price for adults and children). Departures are on Sunday 8 March at 08:00 and Monday 9 March at 08:00 from Al Qassar Park and Ride. If you are interested in this option, you would be required to organise onward travel from Riyadh after disembarking the bus, in addition to accommodation as required. Tickets are available through this link: experience.qa/cross-border-t… Please note that a Saudi e-visa will be required to take up this offer. You can obtain one here: visa.visitsaudi.com United Arab Emirates 📷: While there have been flight disruptions across the UAE, some flights have now resumed. We understand there are available seats on flights to New Zealand, Australia and to other destinations in Asia and Europe. Flights are operating from airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. For example, the next direct Emirates flight from Dubai to Auckland is currently planned for Monday 9 March. Please note that these flights are dependent on the changing security situation and can be delayed or cancelled, including at short notice. We strongly encourage New Zealanders in the UAE who wish to leave to explore these flight options directly on airline websites or with travel agents. You may also want to consider transiting a third destination, for example Australia, on your way back to New Zealand in order to depart the UAE more quickly. If you plan on transiting a third destination, ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel. In addition to commercial flight options, overland routes to Oman and Saudi Arabia also remain open, and onwards commercial flights are available from both countries. Travellers should only consider overland options if they assess it as safe to do so. Please be aware that there have been reports of congestion on these routes and at the border crossings. You should verify the status of any border crossing before you travel, and keep in mind that the situation may change without warning. Travellers should ensure they build in enough time to make onwards travel connections even in the event of border or travel delays. We recommend you should have a backup plan for accommodation in the event you do not make your onwards flight, or it is delayed or cancelled. Make sure you have access to food, water and essential medicines. New Zealanders in need of consular assistance can call our 24/7 consular line on +64 99 20 20 20.

We have sent SafeTravel registrants in the UAE and Qatar an update on flight availability 📢 Emirates has officially lifted its flight suspension and is now operating a reduced schedule until further notice, with tickets open for booking. EK448 from Dubai to Auckland arrived safely on Saturday 7 March 2026 with New Zealand citizens on board. Etihad has resumed limited commercial flights to 25 destinations from Friday 6 March ✈️ Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has announced the partial re-opening of air space and some resumption of air services out of Doha 🇶🇦 These services will operate through ‘designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity’. QCAA has announced that this will take place with the full support of Qatar’s Armed Forces. We strongly encourage New Zealanders in the Middle East to talk to their airline and travel agent about securing their place on commercial flights if you wish to leave. New Zealanders in need of urgent consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.

📢 SafeTravel registrants in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE will have now received information on how to express interest in possible departure assistance. If you urgently need help, please follow the guidance in our message. For others in the Middle East, the Government continues to explore all options to support Kiwis in the region. We will provide updates for Kiwis in other countries as soon as they become available. New Zealanders in the Middle East need to: • ensure they are registered on safetravel.govt.nz and their details remain accurate, including passport information • make sure their travel documents are up to date to and in their possession. New Zealanders in affected areas should follow the advice of local authorities, including any 'shelter in place' advisories. If you require urgent consular assistance, please contact the New Zealand 24/7 Consular Emergency Line on +64 99 20 20 20.

Commercial flight availability out of the region continues to change rapidly, all travellers should monitor availability with their airline and travel agent directly. Important: As of 12pm 6 March, NZT, we are aware of some scheduled flights departing from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Auckland International Airport (AKL) and Christchurch International Airport (CHC) today, 6 March (UAE time). This is a scheduled service restoration, not one-off flights. 06 March 2026 | EK448 DXB to AKL: EK448 service operating on 06 March from DXB to AKL has a scheduled departure of 10:05AM (UAE time). 06 March 2026 | EK412 DXB - SYD - CHC: EK412 service operating on 06 March from DXB to Sydney International Airport (SYD) then onward to CHC has a scheduled departure of 10:15AM (UAE time). New Zealanders in the United Arab Emirates also have the option of transiting via Australia on their way home. All airlines and airports continue to stress that passengers should not proceed to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their specific flight is operating.

Keep your SafeTravel registration up to date to keep receiving our updates. Your registration must be “Active” to receive messages from SafeTravel. To keep your registration Active, set your departure date to a future date. You can always correct this date when you return to New Zealand. If your registered departure date has passed, you will no longer show in our system as being in that destination and will not receive emails we send to people with an Active registration. Please also keep your contact and passport details up to date, too. safetravel.govt.nz/login

The New Zealand Government has announced it will send further consular surge teams to the Middle East and will pre-deploy two @NZDefenceForce (NZDF) planes so that they can be ready, when conditions allow, to assist with any civilian evacuation options. It will take some days for arrangements to be put in place, and we cannot guarantee we will be able to provide assisted departures in all locations. NZDF aircraft will not be providing direct flights to New Zealand. Flights would be to a location in the wider region where you will need to arrange your onward travel. See our Middle East news update: safetravel.govt.nz/news/middle-ea…

Dubai International Airport: DXB-AKL FLIGHT UPDATE AS AT 1530 GST, 4 March: We understand that the Emirates DXB–AKL flight (EK448) scheduled for tomorrow, 5 March, has now been cancelled. Please contact Emirates or your travel agent to rebook, or to explore alternative routing options. We remain in close contact with airlines about flights to New Zealand.

Dubai International Airport: DXB-AKL FLIGHT AVAILABLE We remain in close contact with airlines about flights to New Zealand. Emirates has advised us that the flight EK 448 from Dubai to Auckland tomorrow is scheduled to fly. Please contact Emirates or your travel agent directly if you are already booked on this flight. If your travel document has expired, we may be able to help you travel back to New Zealand. Note this assistance is only available for flights directly to New Zealand, and on a case-by-case basis. Contact us on +64 99 20 20 20 if you require assistance. New Zealanders in the United Arab Emirates also have the option of transiting via Australia on their way home. We would like to reiterate that all airlines and airports continue to stress that passengers should not proceed to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their specific flight is operating. This reinforces the need to stay in regular contact with your airline and travel agent to monitor your flight status. New Zealanders in need of consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.