Country exposure · NZ
New Zealand
Australia Oceania · Wellington · parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
What New Zealand means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
$5.6B
U.S. imports, 2025
-0.6%
change in one year
$4.1B
U.S. exports, 2025
5M
Population
$260.2B
GDP
In your house
What you buy that New Zealand makes
America bought $5.6B in goods from New Zealand in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.
Meat products
meat at the counter
$1.8B31.8%
Dairy products and eggs
dairy and eggs
$478M8.6%
Wine, beer, and related products
wine and beer
$475M8.5%
Tobacco, waxes, etc.
$417M7.5%
Fruits, frozen juices
fruit and frozen juices
$253M4.5%
Fish and shellfish
fish, shrimp, shellfish
$225M4%
Lumber
lumber for homebuilding
$193M3.5%
Medicinal equipment
medical devices and equipment
$187M3.4%
U.s. goods returned, and reimports
$173M3.1%
Industrial machines, other
$121M2.2%
2026 so far (through April): $2.0B in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).
The other direction
What America sells to New Zealand
$4.1B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.
Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts
$927MMinimum value shipments
$332MAgric. industry-unmanufactured
$149MOther foods
$142MPassenger cars, new and used
$141Mnew and used cars
Electric apparatus
$140MMedicinal equipment
$134Mmedical devices and equipment
Pharmaceutical preparations
$119Mmedicines and pharmacy items
Telecommunications equipment
$110Mphones, routers, networking gear
Where you stand
U.S. tariff posture toward New Zealand
No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.
Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)
10%
The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.
Policy in motion
Tariff status: a moving target
No U.S. tariff action names New Zealand. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.
2026-04-06
Section 232 metals coverage expanded
In effectThe April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.
91 FR 18201 →2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge
In effectExecutive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).
91 FR 9437 →2025-11-13
Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs
In effectExecutive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.
90 FR 54091 →2025-06-04
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%
In effectThe June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.
90 FR 24199 →2025-04-05
Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect
In effectExecutive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.
Federal Register · 2025-06063 →2025-03-12
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries
In effectProclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.
90 FR 9817 →
Made for America
What New Zealand makes for America
New Zealand is a direct U.S. source of 12 essential goods Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.
food
10% of U.S.Beef and ground beef
$1.3B to the U.S.
food
2% of U.S.Beer, wine, and spirits
$483M to the U.S.
materials
1% of U.S.Lumber and wood products
$235M to the U.S.
grocery
1% of U.S.Fresh produce staples
$233M to the U.S.
food
1% of U.S.Seafood and fish
$214M to the U.S.
food
33% of U.S.Butter and dairy fats
$159M to the U.S.
food
2% of U.S.Condiments, sauces & dressings
$78M to the U.S.
home
2% of U.S.Pet food and supplies
$41M to the U.S.
food
2% of U.S.Processed meats and deli
$33M to the U.S.
health
1% of U.S.Blood products
$31M to the U.S.
agriculture
3% of U.S.Crop seeds
$20M to the U.S.
health
Surgical and sterile supplies
$19M to the U.S.
Go deeper
The supply chain view
New Zealand sits upstream of 18 essential American goods through 12 tracked inputs.
agricultural
36%Dairy Proteins for Infant Formula (Whey/Casein)
agricultural
32%Skim Milk Powder (SMP) / Whole Milk Powder (WMP)
agricultural
28%Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)
agricultural
28%Lactose (Edible Grade)
pharmaceutical
14%Swine Vaccines (PRRSV, PCV2, Mycoplasma)
agricultural
6%Whole Milk Powder
Reference
The country itself
Australia Oceania · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
Polynesians settled New Zealand between the late 1200s and the mid-1300s. They called the land Aotearoa, which legend holds is the name of the canoe that Kupe, the first Polynesian in New Zealand, used to sail to the country; the name Aotearoa is now in widespread use as the local Maori name for the country. By the 1500s, competition for land and resources led to intermittent fighting between different Maori tribes as large game became extinct. Dutch explorer Abel TASMAN was the first European to see the islands in 1642 but left after an encounter with local Maori. British sea captain James COOK arrived in 1769, followed by whalers, sealers, and traders. The UK only nominally claimed New Zealand and included it as part of New South Wales in Australia. Concerns about increasing lawlessness led the UK to appoint its first British Resident in New Zealand in 1832, although the position had few legal powers. In 1835, some Maori tribes from the North Island declared independence. Fearing an impending French settlement and takeover, the majority of Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the British in 1840. Land tenure issues stemming from the treaty are still being actively negotiated in New Zealand. The UK declared New Zealand a separate colony in 1841 and granted limited self-government in 1852. Different traditions of authority and land use led to a series of wars between Europeans and various Maori tribes from the 1840s to the 1870s. Along with disease, these conflicts halved the Maori population. In the 1890s, New Zealand initially expressed interest in joining independence talks with Australia but ultimately opted against it and changed its status to an independent dominion in 1907. New Zealand provided more than 100,000 troops during each World War, many of whom fought as part of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). New Zealand reaffirmed its independence in 1947 and signed the Australia, New Zealand, and US (ANZUS) Treaty in 1951. Beginning in 1984, New Zealand began to adopt nuclear-free policies, contributing to a dispute with the US over naval ship visits that led the US to suspend its defense obligations to New Zealand in 1986, but bilateral relations and military ties have been revitalized since the 2010s with new security agreements. A key challenge for Auckland that has emerged over the past decade is balancing concerns over China’s growing influence in the Pacific region with its role as New Zealand's largest export destination. New Zealand has close ties with Australia based to a large extent on the two nations’ common origins as British colonies and their shared military history.
Geography
- Location
- Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia
- Area
- 268,838 sq km
- Climate
- temperate with sharp regional contrasts
- Terrain
- predominately mountainous with large coastal plains
- Natural resources
- natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone
- Coastline
- 15,134 km
- Natural hazards
- earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity volcanism: significant volcanism on North Island; Ruapehu (2,797 m) has a history of large eruptions in the past century; Taranaki has the potential to produce dangerous avalanches and lahars; other historically active volcanoes include Okataina, Raoul Island, Tongariro, and White Island; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
People & society
- Population
- 5,161,211 (2024 est.)
- Nationality
- New Zealander(s)
- Ethnic groups
- European 64.1%, Maori 16.5%, Chinese 4.9%, Indian 4.7%, Samoan 3.9%, Tongan 1.8%, Cook Islands Maori 1.7%, English 1.5%, Filipino 1.5%, New Zealander 1%, other 13.7% (2018 est.)
- Languages
- English (de facto official) 95.4%, Maori (de jure official) 4%, Samoan 2.2%, Northern Chinese 2%, Hindi 1.5%, French 1.2%, Yue 1.1%, New Zealand Sign Language (de jure official) 0.5%, other or not stated 17.2% (2018 est.)
- Religions
- Christian 37.3% (Catholic 10.1%, Anglican 6.8%, Presbyterian and Congregational 5.2%, Pentecostal 1.8%, Methodist 1.6%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.2%, other 10.7%), Hindu 2.7%, Maori 1.3%, Muslim, 1.3%, Buddhist 1.1%, other religion 1.6% (includes Judaism, Spiritualism and New Age religions, Baha'i, Asian religions other than Buddhism), no religion 48.6%, objected to answering 6.7% (2018 est.)
- Median age
- 38.1 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 82.9 years (2024 est.)
Economy
- Economic overview
- high-income, globally integrated Pacific island economy; strong agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors; reliant on Chinese market for exports; recovery trajectory following deep post-pandemic recession; challenges of fiscal deficits, below-average productivity, cost of living, and drop in net migration
- Industries
- agriculture, forestry, fishing, logs and wood articles, manufacturing, mining, construction, financial services, real estate services, tourism
- Agricultural products
- milk, beef, kiwifruit, apples, grapes, lamb/mutton, potatoes, wheat, barley, chicken (2023)
- Exports - partners
- China 28%, USA 12%, Australia 12%, Japan 6%, S. Korea 3% (2023)
- Imports - partners
- China 20%, Australia 11%, USA 9%, S. Korea 7%, Japan 7% (2023)
Government
- Government type
- parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
- Capital
- Wellington
- Independence
- 26 September 1907 (from the UK)
- Constitution
- New Zealand has no single constitution document; the Constitution Act 1986, effective 1 January 1987, includes only part of the uncodified constitution; others include a collection of statutes or "acts of Parliament," the Treaty of Waitangi, Orders in Council, letters patent, court decisions, and unwritten conventions
- Executive branch
- King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Dame Cindy KIRO (since 21 October 2021)
- Legislative branch
- House of Representatives
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
Introduction
Background
Polynesians settled New Zealand between the late 1200s and the mid-1300s. They called the land Aotearoa, which legend holds is the name of the canoe that Kupe, the first Polynesian in New Zealand, used to sail to the country; the name Aotearoa is now in widespread use as the local Maori name for the country. By the 1500s, competition for land and resources led to intermittent fighting between different Maori tribes as large game became extinct. Dutch explorer Abel TASMAN was the first European to see the islands in 1642 but left after an encounter with local Maori. British sea captain James COOK arrived in 1769, followed by whalers, sealers, and traders. The UK only nominally claimed New Zealand and included it as part of New South Wales in Australia. Concerns about increasing lawlessness led the UK to appoint its first British Resident in New Zealand in 1832, although the position had few legal powers. In 1835, some Maori tribes from the North Island declared independence. Fearing an impending French settlement and takeover, the majority of Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the British in 1840. Land tenure issues stemming from the treaty are still being actively negotiated in New Zealand. The UK declared New Zealand a separate colony in 1841 and granted limited self-government in 1852. Different traditions of authority and land use led to a series of wars between Europeans and various Maori tribes from the 1840s to the 1870s. Along with disease, these conflicts halved the Maori population. In the 1890s, New Zealand initially expressed interest in joining independence talks with Australia but ultimately opted against it and changed its status to an independent dominion in 1907. New Zealand provided more than 100,000 troops during each World War, many of whom fought as part of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). New Zealand reaffirmed its independence in 1947 and signed the Australia, New Zealand, and US (ANZUS) Treaty in 1951. Beginning in 1984, New Zealand began to adopt nuclear-free policies, contributing to a dispute with the US over naval ship visits that led the US to suspend its defense obligations to New Zealand in 1986, but bilateral relations and military ties have been revitalized since the 2010s with new security agreements. A key challenge for Auckland that has emerged over the past decade is balancing concerns over China’s growing influence in the Pacific region with its role as New Zealand's largest export destination. New Zealand has close ties with Australia based to a large extent on the two nations’ common origins as British colonies and their shared military history.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in New Zealand. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in New Zealand. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[64] (4) 462-6000; United States Embassy Wellington, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand; AucklandACS@state.gov; https://nz.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
64
Local Emergency Phone
111
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate with sharp regional contrasts
Currency (Code)
New Zealand dollars (NZD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I
Major Languages
English, Maori, Samoan, Northern Chinese, Hindi, French, Yue
Major Religions
Christian 37.3%, Hindu 2.7%, Maori 1.3%, Muslim, 1.3%, Buddhist 1.1%, other religion 1.6%, no religion 48.6%
Time Difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April; note: New Zealand has two time zones: New Zealand standard time (UTC+12) and Chatham Islands time (45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time; UTC+12:45)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound; Bay of Islands; Queenstown; Lake Taupo & Tongariro National Park; Lake Matheson; Lake Pukaki; Mount Cook National Park; Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers
Major Sports
Rugby, cricket, netball, basketball, soccer, sailing
Cultural Practices
An extended index and middle finger together expresses disdain and frustration.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is uncommon in restaurants unless the service was excellent. Some restaurants provide a tip jar on the counter. Tipping is uncommon in taxis, but you may round up the fare. It is not customary to tip at hotels.
Souvenirs
Abalone, paua shell, and greenstone jewelry; stone and wood Maori tribal masks, statues, baskets, and weapons; sheepskin rugs, merino wool blankets, chamois cloths, other wool/lanolin items; Rimu timber clocks, Kiwi art, wine, honey
Traditional Cuisine
Pavlova — a meringue-like dessert with a crisp Cornstarch-based outer crust and a soft and moist core; whipped cream and fruits, such as kiwi or passion fruit, are used as garnishes
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Geography
Location
Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia
Geographic coordinates
41 00 S, 174 00 E
Map references
Oceania
Area - total
268,838 sq km
Area - land
264,537 sq km
Area - water
4,301 sq km
Area - note
note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands
Area - comparative
almost twice the size of North Carolina; about the size of Colorado
Land boundaries - total
0 km
Coastline
15,134 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - contiguous zone
24 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Maritime claims - continental shelf
200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
temperate with sharp regional contrasts
Terrain
predominately mountainous with large coastal plains
Elevation - highest point
Aoraki/Mount Cook 3,724 m; note - the mountain's height was 3,764 m until 14 December 1991 when it lost about 10 m in an avalanche of rock and ice; erosion of the ice cap since then has brought the height down another 30 m
Elevation - lowest point
Pacific Ocean 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
388 m
Natural resources
natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone
Land use - agricultural land
36.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 34.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
38.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
24.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
7,000 sq km (2014)
Major lakes (area sq km) - fresh water lake(s)
Lake Taupo - 610 sq km
Population distribution
over three quarters of New Zealanders, including the Maori, live on the North Island, primarily in urban areas
Natural hazards
earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity volcanism: significant volcanism on North Island; Ruapehu (2,797 m) has a history of large eruptions in the past century; Taranaki has the potential to produce dangerous avalanches and lahars; other historically active volcanoes include Okataina, Raoul Island, Tongariro, and White Island; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
Geography - note
note 1: consists of two main islands and a number of smaller islands; South Island, the larger main island, is the 12th-largest island in the world and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps; North Island is the 14th-largest island in the world and is not as mountainous, but it is marked by volcanism note 2: New Zealand lies along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes note 3: almost 90% of the population lives in cities and over three-quarters on North Island; Wellington is the southernmost national capital in the world
People and Society
Population - total
5,161,211 (2024 est.)
Population - male
2,584,607
Population - female
2,576,604
Nationality - noun
New Zealander(s)
Nationality - adjective
New Zealand
Ethnic groups
European 64.1%, Maori 16.5%, Chinese 4.9%, Indian 4.7%, Samoan 3.9%, Tongan 1.8%, Cook Islands Maori 1.7%, English 1.5%, Filipino 1.5%, New Zealander 1%, other 13.7% (2018 est.)
Ethnic groups - note
note: based on the 2018 census of the usually resident population; percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic group
Languages
English (de facto official) 95.4%, Maori (de jure official) 4%, Samoan 2.2%, Northern Chinese 2%, Hindi 1.5%, French 1.2%, Yue 1.1%, New Zealand Sign Language (de jure official) 0.5%, other or not stated 17.2% (2018 est.)
Languages - note
note: shares sum to 124.1% due to multiple responses on the 2018 census
Religions
Christian 37.3% (Catholic 10.1%, Anglican 6.8%, Presbyterian and Congregational 5.2%, Pentecostal 1.8%, Methodist 1.6%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.2%, other 10.7%), Hindu 2.7%, Maori 1.3%, Muslim, 1.3%, Buddhist 1.1%, other religion 1.6% (includes Judaism, Spiritualism and New Age religions, Baha'i, Asian religions other than Buddhism), no religion 48.6%, objected to answering 6.7% (2018 est.)
Religions - note
note: based on the 2018 census of the usually resident population; percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one religion
Age structure - 0-14 years
19% (male 503,120/female 475,490)
Age structure - 15-64 years
64.2% (male 1,674,407/female 1,638,276)
Age structure - 65 years and over
16.9% (2024 est.) (male 407,080/female 462,838)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
55.8 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
29.5 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
26.3 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
3.8 (2024 est.)
Median age - total
38.1 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
37.2 years
Median age - female
38.6 years
Population growth rate
0.83% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
12.4 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.93 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
2.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
over three quarters of New Zealanders, including the Maori, live on the North Island, primarily in urban areas
Urbanization - urban population
87% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.673 million Auckland, 422,000 WELLINGTON (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.06 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.02 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.88 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
27.8 years
Maternal mortality ratio
7 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
3.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
3.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
3.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
82.9 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
81.2 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
84.8 years
Total fertility rate
1.84 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.9 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
10% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
19.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.61 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
2.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
30.8% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
9.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
3.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
2.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
1.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
1.26 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
10% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
11.2% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
8.9% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
57.7% (2018 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
5.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
12.7% national budget (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
19 years (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
19 years (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
20 years (2023 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
none
Country name - conventional short form
New Zealand
Country name - former
Nieuw Zeeland
Country name - abbreviation
NZ
Country name - etymology
the name is an anglicized form of the Dutch name Nieuw Zeeland, or "New Sea Land," which was first used in 1643 in honor of the Dutch province of Zeeland
Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital - name
Wellington
Capital - geographic coordinates
41 18 S, 174 47 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - daylight saving time
+1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April
Capital - time zone note
New Zealand has two time zones: New Zealand standard time (UTC+12) and Chatham Islands time (45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time; UTC+12:45)
Capital - etymology
named in 1840 after Arthur WELLESLEY, the first Duke of Wellington, who was famous for his victory at Waterloo in 1815 and was a benefactor of the New Zealand Company that settled North Island
Administrative divisions
16 regions and 1 territory*; Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Chatham Islands*, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman, Waikato, Wellington, West Coast
Dependent areas
Tokelau (1)
Legal system
common law system, based on English model, with special legislation and land courts for the Maori
Constitution - history
New Zealand has no single constitution document; the Constitution Act 1986, effective 1 January 1987, includes only part of the uncodified constitution; others include a collection of statutes or "acts of Parliament," the Treaty of Waitangi, Orders in Council, letters patent, court decisions, and unwritten conventions
Constitution - amendment process
proposed as bill by Parliament or by referendum called either by the government or by citizens; passage of a bill as an act normally requires two separate readings with committee reviews in between to make changes and corrections, a third reading approved by the House of Representatives membership or by the majority of votes in a referendum, and assent of the governor-general; passage of amendments to reserved constitutional provisions affecting the term of Parliament, electoral districts, and voting restrictions requires approval by 75% of the House membership or the majority of votes in a referendum
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of New Zealand
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
yes
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
3 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Dame Cindy KIRO (since 21 October 2021)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister Christopher LUXON (since 27 November 2023)
Executive branch - cabinet
Executive Council appointed by the governor-general on the recommendation of the prime minister
Executive branch - election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; governor-general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the governor-general appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; deputy prime minister also appointed by the governor-general
Legislative branch - legislature name
House of Representatives
Legislative branch - legislative structure
unicameral
Legislative branch - number of seats
120 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - electoral system
mixed system
Legislative branch - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - term in office
3 years
Legislative branch - most recent election date
10/14/2023
Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party
National Party (49); Labour Party (34); Green Party (14); ACT New Zealand (11); New Zealand First (8); Te Pāti Māori (4); Others (2)
Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber
45.1%
Legislative branch - expected date of next election
September 2026
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of 5 justices, including the chief justice)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
justices appointed by the governor-general upon the recommendation of the attorney- general; justices appointed until compulsory retirement at age 70
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Court of Appeal; High Court; tribunals and authorities; district courts; specialized courts for issues related to employment, environment, family, Maori lands, youth, military; tribunals
Political parties
ACT New Zealand Green Party New Zealand First Party or NZ First Labor Party National Party Te Pāti Māori
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Rosemary BANKS (since 17 June 2024)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 328-4800
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 667-5277
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires David GEHRENBECK (since January 2025); note - also accredited to Samoa
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington 6011
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
4370 Auckland Place, Washington DC 20521-4370
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[64] (4) 462-6000
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[64] (4) 499-0490
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation from the US - consulate(s) general
Auckland
International organization participation
ADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF, SICA (observer), Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
26 September 1907 (from the UK)
National holiday
Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840); Anzac Day, 25 April (1915)
National holiday - note
note: the Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand, and the second holiday commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in Gallipoli, Turkey, during World War I
Flag
description: blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant, with four five-pointed red stars edged in white centered in the right half of the flag meaning: the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation
National symbol(s)
Southern Cross constellation (four five-pointed stars), kiwi (bird), silver fern
National color(s)
black, white, red (ochre)
National coat of arms
the first quarter of the shield shows four stars that represent the Southern Cross constellation and three ships that symbolize New Zealand's sea trade; in the second quarter, a fleece represents the sheep farming industry; the wheat sheaf in the third quarter represents the agricultural industry; the crossed hammers in the fourth quarter represent mining; the Māori chieftain holds a taiaha (a Māori war weapon) and a European woman holds the New Zealand flag; St. Edward's crown, shown above the shield, symbolizes the British monarch
National anthem(s) - title
"God Save the King"
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
unknown
National anthem(s) - history
royal anthem and one of two official national anthems; usually played only when a member of the royal family or a representative is present or when allegiance to the crown is demonstrated
National anthem(s) - note
note: New Zealand is one of only two countries that has two national anthems of equal status (Denmark is the other)
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
3 (2 natural, 1 mixed)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand (n); Tongariro National Park (m); New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands (n)
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, globally integrated Pacific island economy; strong agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors; reliant on Chinese market for exports; recovery trajectory following deep post-pandemic recession; challenges of fiscal deficits, below-average productivity, cost of living, and drop in net migration
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$257.117 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$257.443 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$253.903 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
-0.1% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
1.4% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
3.5% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$48,200 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$49,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$49,600 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$260.236 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
2.9% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
5.7% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
7.2% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
4.6% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
19.6% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
67.4% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
57.5% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
20.9% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
25.4% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
0.9% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
24% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-29.4% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, beef, kiwifruit, apples, grapes, lamb/mutton, potatoes, wheat, barley, chicken (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
agriculture, forestry, fishing, logs and wood articles, manufacturing, mining, construction, financial services, real estate services, tourism
Industrial production growth rate
-1% (2023 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
3.124 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
4.9% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
3.8% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
3.3% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
14.3% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
14.6% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
14% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Average household expenditures - on food
12.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco
4.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
0.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
0.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2021
0.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$83.167 billion (2022 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$91.782 billion (2022 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2022
54% of GDP (2022 est.)
Public debt - note
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
29.6% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
-$15.978 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
-$17.065 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$21.627 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$61.799 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$59.029 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$57.485 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 28%, USA 12%, Australia 12%, Japan 6%, S. Korea 3% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
milk, wood, beef, butter, sheep and goat meat (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$67.998 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$68.412 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$71.35 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 20%, Australia 11%, USA 9%, S. Korea 7%, Japan 7% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, gas turbines, broadcasting equipment, trucks (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$22.065 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$15.487 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$14.4 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
1.652 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
1.628 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
1.577 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
1.414 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
1.542 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
10.643 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
40.794 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
3.058 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
12.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - wind
8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
59.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - geothermal
17.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
1.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - production
3.011 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
2.696 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
906,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
283,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - proven reserves
6.75 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
12,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
154,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves
40.993 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas - production
3.97 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
3.891 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - proven reserves
31.149 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
121.647 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
660,000 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
13 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
6.56 million (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
115 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
state-owned Television New Zealand operates multiple TV networks; state-owned Radio New Zealand operates 3 radio networks and an external shortwave radio service to the South Pacific region; a small number of national commercial TV and radio stations and many regional commercial TV and radio stations are available; cable and satellite TV systems are available (2019)
Internet country code
.nz
Internet users - percent of population
96% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
1.93 million (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
37 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
ZK
Airports
206 (2025)
Heliports
62 (2025)
Railways - total
4,128 km (2018)
Railways - narrow gauge
4,128 km (2018) 1.067-m gauge (506 km electrified)
Merchant marine - total
117 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
container ship 2, general cargo 12, oil tanker 3, other 100
Ports - total ports
22 (2024)
Ports - large
2
Ports - medium
1
Ports - small
10
Ports - very small
9
Ports - ports with oil terminals
14
Ports - key ports
Auckland, Bluff Harbor, Gisborne, Manukau Harbor, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Otago Harbor, Picton, Tauranga, Timaru, Wellington, Whangarei
Military and Security
Military and security forces
New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF): New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force (2025)
Military and security forces - note
note: the New Zealand Police, under the Minister of Police, is the primary law enforcement body agency of New Zealand and responsible for internal security
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
1.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 8,800 active (Regular Force) New Zealand Defense Forces (4,300 Army; 2,100 Navy; 2,400 Air Force) (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths - note
note: the total NZDF complement is about 15,300 including the Regular Force, Reserves, and civilians
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the NZDF's inventory is comprised of domestically produced and Western-supplied weapons and equipment, including from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US (2025)
Military service age and obligation
17 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; soldiers cannot be deployed until the age of 18; no conscription (2025)
Military service age and obligation - note
note: New Zealand opened up all military occupations to women in 2000; as of 2024, women accounted for about 20% of Regular Force personnel
Military deployments
small numbers of NZ military personnel are deployed on a variety of international missions in Africa, Antarctica, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Middle East (2025)
Military - note
the NZDF is responsible for protecting New Zealand’s sovereignty, promoting its interests, safeguarding peace and security, and conducting peacekeeping, humanitarian, and other international missions New Zealand is a member of the Five Powers Defense Arrangements (FPDA), a series of mutual assistance agreements reached in 1971 embracing Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK; the FPDA commits the members to consult with one another in the event or threat of an armed attack on any of the members and to mutually decide what measures should be taken, jointly or separately; there is no specific obligation to intervene militarily New Zealand has been part of the Australia, New Zealand, and US Security (ANZUS) Treaty since 1951; however, the US suspended its ANZUS security obligations to New Zealand in 1986 after Auckland implemented a policy barring nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered warships from its ports; the US and New Zealand signed the Wellington Declaration in 2010, which reaffirmed close ties between the two countries, and in 2012 signed the Washington Declaration, which provided a framework for future security cooperation and defense dialogues; in 2016, a US naval ship conducted the first bilateral warship visit to New Zealand since the 1980s; New Zealand has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation (2025)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
Terrorist group(s) - note
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
5,622 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs
26 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons
29 (2024 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues
water quality and availability; rapid urbanization; deforestation; soil erosion and degradation; native flora and fauna hard-hit by invasive species
International environmental agreements - party to
Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
Antarctic Seals, Marine Life Conservation
Climate
temperate with sharp regional contrasts
Land use - agricultural land
36.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 34.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
38.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
24.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
87% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
33.506 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
4.24 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
21.836 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
7.43 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
8.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Methane emissions - energy
95.4 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
1,105.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
158.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
6.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
3.405 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
22% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
547 million cubic meters (2022)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
1.184 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
3.207 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
327 billion cubic meters (2022)
Space
Space agency/agencies
New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA; established 2016 under the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment) (2025)
Space launch site(s)
Mahia Peninsula Launch Complex (Hawke's Bay) (2025)
Space program overview
has a national space program focused largely on the development of a commercial space sector, particularly in the field of satellites and satellite launch vehicles (SLV); manufactures and launches commercial satellites and SLVs; researches and develops a range of other space-related technologies, including propulsion systems; participates in international programs and partners with a range of foreign space agencies and industries, including those of Australia, Canada, the EU, the ESA, individual European countries, South Africa, and the US; has a growing commercial space sector (2025)
Key space-program milestones
2009 - launched a 2-stage suborbital sounding rocket (Atea-1) 2018 - placed satellite in orbit on rocket built by a New Zealand-US commercial company and launched from a privately owned domestic launch site 2019 - began operations of the Kiwi Space Radar, which is designed to track debris in low Earth orbit 2021 - signed the US-led Artemis Accords for space and lunar exploration 2024 - first domestically made science payload sent to International Space Station on US rocket