Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender paid a state visit to New Zealand from 5 to 8 November.

In New Zealand, the Federal President held political talks also with the recently elected Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of bilateral scientific and technical cooperation, the Federal President met scientists and found out about selected research projects.

The visit to New Zealand was also to focus on the country’s viewpoint on and contribution to the future international order and to solving global issues. Other focal points included the security policy problems in the region as well as an exchange of views on experience with migration and integration. The Federal President paid tribute to the very close and friendly relations between Germany and New Zealand which are especially evident at the level of the citizens (Work and Travel). These aspects also featured during the state visit to Australia from 3 to 5 November.

From 1 to 3 November, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender paid a state visit to Singapore.

It was 16 years since a German Head of State visited Australia and New Zealand. The last to do so was Federal President Johannes Rau in 2001.

Overview of the programme:

Sunday, 5 November 2017

• In the evening
  Arrival in Wellington, New Zealand
• Mount Victoria
  Welcome by Mr Justin Lester, Mayor of Wellington City
• Foxglove restaurant
  Dinner hosted by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to New Zealand

Monday, 6 November 2017

• Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
  Wreath-laying ceremony
• Government House
  Maori welcome ceremony (Pōwhiri) and welcome with military honours by Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor-General of New Zealand, and Sir David Gascoigne, followed by talks
• Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand
  Tour of the exhibition and opportunity to meet German participants in the working-holiday programme and New Zealanders learning German
• Residence of the German Ambassador
  Discussion on The changing face of New Zealand: Migration, Refugees and Integration
• Parliament House
  Talks with Ms Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, followed by a joint press conference
• Talks with Mr Bill English, Leader of the Opposition
• Te Wharewaka Function Centre
  Presentation of research projects on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of bilateral scientific and technical cooperation
• Government House
  State banquet hosted by the Governor-General and Sir David Gascoigne

Tuesday, 7 November 2017

• Zealandia urban ecosanctuary
  Guided walk through Zealandia
• At noon
  Arrival in Auckland
• PwC Tower
  Lunch with business people hosted by the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Inc.
• Talks with young representatives of New Zealand civil society
• In the afternoon
  Flight back to Berlin

Wednesday, 8 November 2017

• Morning
  Arrival in Berlin