New Zealand Embassy - Berlin, Germany

04/09/2026

Haere mai to our new Second Secretary! We are delighted to welcome Thomas Elisara to the Embassy. 👋

Thomas will work across trade and economic affairs, including key areas like science cooperation, space and climate.

He is looking forward to deepening connections with trusted international partners and to growing trade, supporting innovation, and strengthening economic resilience. 🤝

Thomas is of Samoan heritage and is passionate about building connections between people. He has a particular interest in film, politics, and history, and outside of work enjoys rugby and cricket. 🎬🏉

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

New Zealand showed up strong at Gamescom 2026! 🎮

New Zealand was represented at the world's largest gaming trade show in Cologne by a strong cohort of 16 gaming studios showcasing an impressive range of 18 titles.

New Zealand's game development sector is emerging as one of the country's fastest-growing digital export industries, combining innovation, high-value employment, strong export performance, and significant economic returns. 📈

It's gaming studios are behind some of the most downloaded games such as 'Beyond these Stars' and 'Planetsmith', award winning content, and e-learning experiences that have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people every day. 💡

At Gamescom, New Zealand businesses reported a busy schedule of meetings with publishers, investors, media and industry partners, creating valuable opportunities for future growth.

Which New Zealand game is your favorite? ⤵

27/08/2026

At Prague Castle, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Czechia, H.E. Jane Coombs, formally presented her credentials to President Petr Pavel. 🇨🇿 🇳🇿

The ceremony signifies the official start of Ambassador Coombs’ tenure and reaffirms New Zealand’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Czechia.

“Czechia is a valued partner of New Zealand, and I look forward to building on our strong connections in trade, innovation, science, education and culture. I’m excited to connect with people across Czechia, deepen our partnership, and further strengthen ties between our two countries” 🤝

21/08/2026

It was a pleasure to welcome Jörg Schmidt, incoming CEO of the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (AHK), to the Embassy this week.

We discussed the vital role the AHK plays in connecting German and Kiwi businesses, supporting market entry and growth and fostering economic cooperation between our countries 🇳🇿🇩🇪.

We look forward to continuing our great collaboration with Jörg at the helm of the AHK in Auckland!

18/08/2026

🍷 🍇 Happy International Pinot Noir Day!

Pinot Noir is an iconic New Zealand wine - our leading red wine export and second-largest wine export overall.
New Zealand Pinot Noir has earned a reputation for quality, and our vineyards are regularly winning international awards. 🏅

Did you know? While Marlborough is best known for Sauvignon Blanc, it is also New Zealand's largest Pinot Noir-producing region! Pinot Noir thrives in diverse landscapes, from the mountains in Central Otago, to the plains of Wairarapa and North Canterbury.

📈 Following five years of strong growth, more than 1.5 million cases of New Zealand Pinot Noir are now exported annually, helping to bring a taste of New Zealand to wine lovers around the world. 🇳🇿
Which New Zealand Pinot Noir is your favourite?

15/08/2026

🇳🇿 🤝 🇱🇮 Happy National Day, Liechtenstein!
We wish our friends in Liechtenstein and all those celebrating across the Principality a wonderful National Day. 🎉

14/08/2026

💭 Recapping Ambassador Jane Coombs‘ first few months in Berlin. 🇩🇪🇳🇿

Ambassador Coombs had a busy start: meeting with political representatives, industry groups, think tanks and diplomatic counterparts. She represented 🇳🇿 at high-level events, conferences, trade shows, and met a number of kiwis working and living in Germany. 🤝

🪡 A common thread: New Zealand and Germany share a strong partnership based on common interests and shared values. We work together - including in innovative sectors and international forums - to address critical security issues, grow our economies and deepen connections between our peoples.

See some of what the Ambassador has been doing!

📸 Ambassador Coombs at this year’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service commemorating the New Zealand and Australian Army Corps.
📸 Speaking at the OCHA Donor Support Group (DSG) High-Level Meeting in Berlin, in support of an effective multilateral humanitarian approach.
📸 Engaging on opportunities for cooperation in our bilateral relationship at the Auswärtiges Amt with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Florian Hahn and the Director General Asia-Pacific, Frank Hartmann.
📸 Political exchange with the Bundestag’s Pacific Parliamentary Friendship group.
📸 Promoting New Zealand’s innovative tech sector at ILA Berlin, one of the largest aerospace trade shows in Europe.
📸 Strengthening New Zealand’s and Germany’s agriculture and trade ties at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Regional Identity together with New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Nathan Guy.
📸 Opening the screening of the film “Tenor: My name is Pati“, a documentary of New Zealand opera singer Pene Pati and his success in the European music scene.
📸 Discussing New Zealand’s and Germany’s defence and security ties with the State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defence, Nils Hilmer.
📸 Supporting mobility, educational and cultural exchange between New Zealand and Germany at Whitecliffe University in Berlin.

05/08/2026

From Germany to Christchurch, Jenny Korneck has made an extraordinary impact in just 18 months. Congratulations to the Papanui High School student on being named the 2026 Mayor's International Student of the Year and receiving the Supreme Award at the Waitaha Canterbury International Student Awards. 🏆

Recognised for her leadership, community service, and dedication to supporting fellow students, Jenny has become a trusted mentor, volunteered extensively, and even established her own social enterprise. Her achievements are a powerful reminder of the positive contribution international students make to our schools and communities. 🌏

Congratulations to Jenny and all of this year's award recipients! 👏

05/08/2026

Heading to Oktoberfest? 🥨

Germany's largest folk festival in Munich runs from 19 September - 4 October this year. New Zealanders planning to attend are encouraged to check the latest travel advice for Germany and information from festival organisers before they go.

Before you travel:

✅ register with SafeTravel
✅ make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance
✅ check Germany's latest entry requirements

🚨 Stay vigilant in crowded public places, follow local authorities' advice, and keep up tp date with local information sources.

For travel checklists, passport and visa information, and support services, visit SafeTravel.

Kiwis needing urgent consular assistance can call the 24/7 consular emergency line: +64 99 20 20 20.