New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is the New Zealand Government ministry responsible for promoting New Zealand's interests in trade and international relations.

It is responsible to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, as well as the Minister for Trade, Phil Goff and Prime Minister Helen Clark. It provides advice to the New Zealand Government on international issues.

The ministry takes an active role in the Asia-Pacific region, and has been involved in regional security initaitives such as the RAMSI intervention in the Solomon Islands, and negotiating and implementing a peace agreement in Bougainville. The ministry represents New Zealand interests to other governments, including at the United Nations, APEC and the WTO.

It is active in developing export opportunities for local companies, and as of 2006 is involved in negotiations for a free trade agreement with China.

The Ministry has over 600 staff and a budget of $184 million NZD. The ministry is based in Wellington, and has consulates and embassies in 48 overseas posts.

Along with other NZ Government ministries, it used to sponsor the Centre for Strategic Studies New Zealand, though the Centre is now part of Victoria University of Wellington.