The Netherlands and New Zealand share many linkages. Many Dutch people are aware that their compatriots were the first Europeans to sight New Zealand, in 1642, and that New Zealand was named after the southern Dutch province of Zeeland. In 2003, celebrations were held to commemorate the 400th birthday of Abel Tasman. New Zealand, along with Australia and Canada, was a favourite destination for Dutch immigrants after WW2. At present more than 130,000 people of Dutch descent are living in New Zealand. These immigrants were mainly from agricultural backgrounds and settled across the length and breadth of New Zealand. Approximately 50,000 of them are still Dutch. These family linkages, combined with an ongoing strong Dutch interest in New Zealand culture and scenery were principle reasons why nearly 27,000 people from the Netherlands visited New Zealand in 2003. A working holiday scheme that benefits young people from New Zealand and the Netherlands has been in place since 1998.
For more information about the history of the Dutch in New Zealand please visit: http://www.teara.govt.nz/NewZealanders/NewZealandPeoples/Dutch/en
New Zealand and the Netherlands share similar viewpoints on many international issues and often cooperate closely in multilateral forums. The fact that in many international meetings the Netherlands delegation is seated immediately alongside New Zealand also helps!
Visits
New Zealand Ministerial visits to the Netherlands
- Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade, September 2004
- Rt Hon Helen Clark, Prime Minister, June 2004
- Hon Marian Hobbs, Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control, April 2003
- Hon Jim Sutton, Minister for Trade Negotiations, May 2001
- Hon Steve Maharey, Minister of Social Services and Employment, June 2000
- Hon Matt Robson, Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control, March 2000
- Hon Roger Sowry, Minister of Social Welfare, November 1997
- Hon Murray McCully, Minister of Tourism, November 1997
- Rt Hon Don McKinnon, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade, April 1997
- Rt Hon Don McKinnon, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Early 1996
- Rt Hon Jim Bolger, Prime Minister, January 1995
- Rt Hon David Lange, Prime Minister, 1986
The Netherlands visits to New Zealand
- Monique de Vries, Transport State Secretary, January 1999
- Wim Kok, Prime Minister, November 1997
- Yvonne van Rooj, Trade Minister, March 1992
- Hans van den Broek, Foreign Minister, March 1992
- Queen Beatrix, March 1992
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