Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT; ) 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.

The department traces its origins to the Department of External Affairs, established on 11 June 1943 when New Zealand assumed responsibility for its own diplomatic network independent of the United Kingdom. It was renamed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1969 and took its present title in 1988.

As of 2025, MFAT employs more than 1,700 staff and maintains 60 permanent diplomatic posts, embassies, high commission and consulates, in 53 countries, alongside a satellite office in Auckland. The ministry is headed by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, currently Bede Corry. The ministry's lead minister is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, currently Winston Peters.

MFAT’s mission is to safeguard New Zealand’s sovereignty, advance a stable, rules-based international order, deepen regional partnerships, particularly in the Pacific, and expand opportunities for New Zealand businesses abroad, while promoting human rights, sustainable development and effective global governance worldwide. Provided by Wikipedia