German Embassy Wellington

04/06/2026

2026 🔥
🎟️ FREE Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/falling-walls-lab-aotearoa-new-zealand-2026

Join the Society on Tuesday 23 June to watch 22 talented students and early-career researchers from around Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific Islands pitch their breakthrough research. The winner will represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the international Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin.

Participants will have 3 minutes each to showcase their innovative research, scientific ideas, or evidence-based initiatives, and how they could make a difference for society.

❓Find out more and register for FREE: https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/events/falling-walls-lab-aotearoa-new-zealand-2026

German Embassy Wellington, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Euraxess - Research careers in Europe Australia & New Zealand.

Falling Walls

03/06/2026

🌏 A commitment to peace, multilateralism, and a set of common rules in international relations remains central to Germany’s diplomatic engagement.

While we were hopeful to join the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, we respect the outcome of Wednesday’s election. Germany remains deeply committed to the principles the represents and will continue to work constructively with all members to address global challenges.

We would like to congratulate Portugal and Austria for their election. As our partners, we are confident that they will provide a strong voice for our shared values of cooperation and multilateralism on the Council during their term.

🤝 The German Embassy Wellington extends its sincere gratitude to all member states in the region who supported our candidacy.

Germany values its partnership with Pacific Island countries and remains dedicated to strengthening diplomatic ties and cooperation throughout the region. We look forward to continued collaboration on shared priorities.

📸 picture alliance/dpa | Michael Kappeler

03/06/2026

Team Germany in New Zealand is powered by an extraordinary network of people and organisations dedicated to strengthening the ties between Germany and Aotearoa New Zealand. 🇩🇪🤝🇳🇿

🤝 From the German Embassy Wellington, which fosters diplomatic relations and supports cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and educational fields, to the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, which connects businesses and promotes bilateral trade and investment, each organisation plays an important role in building lasting connections between our two countries.

🎓 DAAD New Zealand representatives, Mareike Schmidt and Anne Blumenthal, have worked tirelessly to promote academic exchange, supporting students, researchers, and universities while creating opportunities for study, research, and collaboration between Germany and New Zealand.

💬 The team, led by Director Anna Kalbhenn and Head of Language Department Yona Brand, continues to advance German language learning and cultural exchange, supporting schools, teachers, students, and cultural partnerships throughout New Zealand.

This June, however, we must say 'Auf Wiedersehen' - mā te wā - to Mareike Schmidt, who will be embarking on new adventures in the Netherlands and handing over the DAAD representation in Auckland.

❤️ Mareike, thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and the invaluable contributions you have made to German-New Zealand exchange. Through your work, countless students, academics, and institutions have been connected across continents, strengthening understanding, collaboration, and friendship between our two countries. Your impact will be felt for many years to come.
We wish you every success and happiness in this exciting new chapter. Vielen Dank for everything, and all the very best for the journey ahead!

🇩🇪 Goethe-Institut New Zealand German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce

02/06/2026

7 DAYS TO GO! .. until the 🇩🇪 returns to Fieldays 2026!

Fieldays® 10 - 13 June 2026 🚜🇩🇪
📍Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton

The German Embassy Wellington alongside the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce are beyond excited to welcome you back on site.

We are proud to share with you our excellent German companies presenting in the German Pavilion, each showcasing precision, innovation and reliability.

Röhren- und Pumpenwerk Bauer GmbH | FAN Separator GmbH | H & O SOLUTIONS LIMITED | HARO NZ | ifm electronic ltd | KNIPEX Werk | Messe Berlin GmbH | Pressol Schmiergeräte GmbH | Pump Supplies | TriOS Mess- und Datentechnik GmbH

Come meet us for a kōrero! 👋


German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce European Union in New Zealand Auswärtiges Amt New Zealand Embassy - Berlin, Germany

02/06/2026

💬🇩🇪 A wonderful celebration of language, leadership, and cultural connection at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington German Conversation Day.

Last week, under the guidance of Prof Monica Tempian, Associate Professor of German, students were recognised for their outstanding leadership, scholastic performance and engagement, and received awards from Ambassador HE Nicole Menzenbach.

Mareike Schmidt, DAAD New Zealand Representative, introduced exciting opportunities for students to study in Germany and highlighted the many pathways available through German language learning. 👩‍🎓🇩🇪

💌 Congratulations also to the five students who received prizes for the most beautiful postcards as part of the joint German Embassy Wellington and initiative - showcasing the special places in Germany that deserve a spot on everyone’s bucket list.

🗺️ Advanced German speaking students impressed with group presentations about trips they planned across 🇩🇪 Germany and Austria, showcasing their language skills, creativity, and cultural knowledge.
Destinations included Lübeck, Salzburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Köln, and many other fascinating places, each presented with enthusiasm and thoughtful planning. A fantastic effort by all students - gut gemacht! 🇩🇪✨

A heartfelt thank you to Prof Monica Tempian, DAAD representatives Mareike Schmidt and Anne Blumenthal, Judith Geare, VUW Teaching Fellow Rylan Köhler, and everyone who continues to champion the learning of the German language in . It may be challenging to learn, but it is absolutely worth it. 🇩🇪✨

Goethe-Institut New Zealand .in.germany_land.of.ideas Study in Germany

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

Please note the German Embassy Wellington will be closed on Monday, 1 June 2026, in observance of King’s Birthday public holiday.

29/05/2026

🏰 One day, Matthew hopes to visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Dorf der Königsschlösser, Germany - a dream a lot of you might share.

🌷 Matthew heard the best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, is in the latter half of spring, when the weather softens, the rain fades away, and the beauty of the region truly comes to life. 🏔️ Every year, more than 1.4 million people travel from all around the world to visit this fairytale castle, making it one of the most popular and beloved landmarks in all of Europe.

And of course, there’s the ‘Käsespätzle’ - a delicious dish of egg noodles smothered in cheese and crispy onions, the perfect comfort food after a day of exploring.

Much like 🇳🇿 Aotearoa New Zealand, the Bavarians have a deep love for nature, with endless opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, and adventure. 🥾🏞️ “That’s why, one day, I will visit this beautiful part of 🇩🇪 Germany - and when I do, I hope to see you there in Germany’s oldest federal state.” - Matthew 👋

🪄 Did you know that Castle is widely believed to have inspired the fairy-tale castles seen in Disney films and theme parks? 🏰 And in 2025, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of “The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.”

📸 Matthew / Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington

.germany.de Deutschland.de Reiseland Deutschland Auswärtiges Amt Goethe-Institut New Zealand German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
_________

This postcard was created as part of a collaborative initiative between the German Embassy Wellington and Victoria University of Wellington . The project invited students to design postcards as part of their studies under the guidance of Dr Monica Tempian, Senior Lecturer in German at the School of Languages and Cultures.

The German Embassy greatly appreciates this initiative, which highlights the value of language learning, cultural exchange, and the strong connections between Germany and Aotearoa New Zealand.

28/05/2026

It was a great pleasure for German Ambassador HE Nicole Menzenbach to welcome the team from Ōtautahi Christchurch to the German Embassy in Wellington - and they truly brought the sunshine to town. ☀️

Over a cup of tea and warm kōrero, we reflected on a successful list of collaborations and explored how Germany and New Zealand - specifically in the Canterbury region - can continue to deepen partnerships and maintain the strong momentum ahead. 🇳🇿🔬🇩🇪

Germany and New Zealand enjoy a warm and friendly relationship, underpinned by shared interests and values, and are close partners in international affairs, trade, research, innovation, and cultural exchange. Ōtautahi plays a particularly important role in these connections, with growing cooperation across aerospace, clean technologies, Antarctic engagement, university partnerships, and science and research collaboration.

The conversation highlighted the exciting opportunities emerging from longstanding bilateral science and technology cooperation between our countries, including joint research initiatives, innovation partnerships, and exchanges that strengthen links between researchers, institutions, and industry.

A sincere thank you to David Tayler, Gateway to Antarctica and Climate Science, Emma Renowden, Aerospace Sector Lead, and Delis Fraser, Growth Sectors, at Ōtautahi Christchurch for the inspiring and thoughtful exchange.

We look forward to continuing to strengthen these valuable relationships and building new opportunities together. 🇩🇪🤝🇳🇿

Dawn Aerospace Kea Aerospace Ōtautahi Christchurch Gateway to Antarctica: Ōtautahi Christchurch Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research University of Canterbury Auswärtiges Amt

28/05/2026

👀 Ever wanted to peek into the everyday life of an ambassador? University of Canterbury student Amelie had the rare and exciting opportunity to step behind the scenes of real-world diplomacy as Shadow Ambassador, accompanying Her Excellency Ambassador Nicole Menzenbach, German Ambassador to New Zealand, and Deputy Head of Mission Winnie Switakowski to a series of official meetings in Ōtautahi .

The visit highlighted the growing strength of German–New Zealand relationships in Christchurch, particularly through shared ambitions in science, technology, aerospace, and research collaboration. 🇳🇿🔬🇩🇪

✈ The day began at Kea Aerospace, where the group met CEO Mark Rocket and CTO Dr Philipp Sueltrop to learn more about Aotearoa New Zealand’s rapidly evolving aerospace sector and emerging technologies shaping the future.

☕️ Over lunch with Professor Rob Lindemann from the University of Canterbury and Antarctic scientist Dr Regina Eisert, conversations explored international collaboration in research, science, and innovation. ❄️

🚀 Later, the group visited Dawn Aerospace, where Brand and Spaceplane Marketing Lead Annelies Powell welcomed them for discussions on German–New Zealand cooperation in space technologies and the future of aerospace innovation.

The programme also included a meeting with 🇩🇪 German Honorary Consul Dr Christian Riffel before concluding with a shared dinner following an inspiring day of diplomacy in action.

💬 Amelie received this opportunity through a collaborative initiative between the University of Canterbury’s ‘Communication in Context’ course, led by Professor Natalia Chaban from Media and Communication, and the German Embassy Wellington. As part of the programme, the wider student group and winning team also had the opportunity to meet Ambassador Menzenbach over dinner.

An unforgettable experience showcasing the power of global connections across diplomacy, science, innovation, and aerospace.

Auswärtiges Amt