New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade

New Zealand stands with the Solomon Islands as it assesses the damage following Tropical Cyclone Maila. Our High Commission in Honiara is working with the Solomon Islands Government to support the response, and a New Zealand Defence Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft is on its way to survey the hardest-hit areas. The P8-A will return to New Zealand ahead of the expected arrival of Tropical Cyclone Vaianu over the weekend.

As part of a recent visit to Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Chile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered a keynote speech in Brasilia about the strategic importance of Latin America. You can read the full speech on the Beehive website ➡️ mfat.govt.nz/es/countries-a…

New Zealand extends our condolences to the families and friends of the Indonesian peacekeepers killed while serving with UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. Any targeting of peacekeepers is unacceptable and a violation of international law. We support calls for a thorough investigation and holding those responsible to account. The UN system must be allowed to carry out the responsibilities entrusted it by the UN Security Council and Member States. 🇮🇩🇳🇿🇺🇳

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-…

Maritime security and freedom of navigation are critical to NZ’s interests — and crucial for global peace and stability. New Zealand supports efforts to call on all states to respect international law and to uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security. This is why New Zealand has joined this statement condemning Iran’s attacks on civilian vessels ⬇️ gov.uk/government/new…

Attacks on fuel tankers and energy infrastructure in the Middle East are leading directly to higher fuel prices for Kiwis. That’s why we have joined the United Kingdom and other countries in condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf. Iran has forced the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to ships carrying fuel and other critical goods to places like New Zealand. New Zealand has a longstanding record of working with like-minded partners to ensure open supply lines for global trade. Obviously, any future decision for New Zealand to support multilateral efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would need to be considered by Cabinet.

If you travel to or through the Middle East, you may not be able to leave if conflict escalates.  Flights can change at short notice. Roads and borders can close. Even if your final destination is not in the Middle East your travel plans could still be disrupted. That is why we are still advising New Zealanders who are in the region to leave now on a commercial flight while these remain available, if they can do so safely. At the moment we advise that New Zealanders do not travel (Level 4 of 4) to Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East and the current risk posed by military strikes and armed conflict. This includes stop overs at Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, or Hamad International Airport in Doha. Emirates and Etihad Airways continue to operate flights to New Zealand (including via Australia and other destinations). Qatar Airways is operating a number of special flights, including to Australian destinations. The most up to date and reliable flight information can be obtained from the airlines’ websites. Please check your flight’s status and your airline’s website for operational information, before travelling to the airport. Since this conflict began, we have worked closely with the airlines to support flight connectivity for New Zealanders. We are grateful to Emirates, Qatar and Etihad for their support in making more flight options available for Kiwis to get home. Please register on Safetravel.govt.nz and follow our social media for important updates and advice. If you are in need of urgent consular assistance, please call 0800 30 10 30 or +64 99 20 20 20

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.