Since 1999 there has been a Greek Embassy in Wellington, also accredited to six island states in the Pacific: Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Nauru. There is also an Honorary Greek Consulate in Auckland. As part of an effort to redeploy resources in Europe, New Zealand closed its Embassy in Athens in 1991, since which time it has been represented in Greece through its Embassy in Rome. New Zealand retains an Honorary Consulate General in Athens.
Political Relations
Greece and New Zealand are linked by strong bonds of friendship. The focal point and foundation of the close historical and traditional relation between the two peoples was the Battle of Crete during the Second World War.
On the level of political cooperation, the two countries have cooperated on the confrontation of international crises and current issues of international interest. There is particularly close cooperation in offering mutual support within international organizations.
There is a community of about 5000 people of Greek descent (first, second and third generation) in New Zealand. They play a prominent role in the fields of trade, literature and science, and have become an integral part of New Zealand society.
Cultural Relations and Greek Community
In terms of educational and cultural exchanges, the two sides have expressed interest in further development of their cultural cooperation, which is governed by the 2011 Cultural Cooperation Agreement, in all sectors of modern culture (literature, visual and plastic arts, music, cinema) and strengthening of contacts and initiatives among institutes and other cultural organizations in the two countries.
Of note is the ever increasing interest in learning Greek, as shown by the fact that five New Zealand universities have Chairs of Classical Greek Studies, three of which have existed for over 100 years.
Additionally, the work of the Greek Orthodox Church of New Zealand is important.
Embassy in Wellington
Address : 38-42 Waring Taylor, Petherick Tower, Wellington (P.O.Box 24066)
Tel. : (00644) 4737775-6
Fax : 4737441
E-mail : gremb.wel@mfa.gr grcon.wel@mfa.gr
Website: www.mfa.gr/wellington
Charge d’ affaires : Vasileios Koini
Consular Office in Wellington
Address : 5-7 Willeston Str, Wellington, PO Box 24066
Tel: (00644) 4737775 473776
Fax: 4737441
E-mail : gremb.wel@mfa.gr
Head: Koinis Vasileio
Honorary Consulate in Aukland
Address : 108 Paihia Rd. , One Tree Hill, Auckland, New Zealand
Tel. : (00649) 5710238
Fax : (00649) 5710529
E-mail : nikosp@xtra.co.nz
Honorary Consul : Nikolaos Petousis
Competent Embassy of New Zealand in Greece
44, Via Clitunno – 00198 Roma – ITALY
Tel: 0039.06.853.75.01, Fax: 0039.06.440.29.84
e-mail: rome@nzembassy.it
Honorary consulate of New Zealand in Greece
76, ave.Kifissias
152 26 Ambelokipi, Athens
Tel.: 210.69.24.136
Fax: 210.69.24.821
e-mail: costas.cotsilinis@gr.pwc.com
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