The European Union and New Zealand

Abstract

British accession to the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 forced New Zealand to re-evaluate its political, economic and social place in the global world order. Forty years later, the United Kingdom’s referendum decision (Brexit) in 2016 to leave the European Union (EU) has once again meant a need for New Zealand to adapt to political changes in Europe. This contribution to the 2021 New Zealand Yearbook of International Law, examines New Zealand’s current relationships with the EU and the UK, taking into consideration how Brexit has, and may in the near future, impact these relationships. As shall be seen, New Zealand has been careful not to pick sides. For New Zealand, maintaining and developing strong economic relations with both the EU and UK remains of vital concern. For the EU and UK, the conclusion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with New Zealand are envisaged to bring non-economic benefits. This paper highlights the current political, diplomatic, and economic connections between New Zealand and the EU, and New Zealand and the UK, post-Brexit, whilst demonstrating the continued importance of history in understanding the EU-NZ and UK-NZ associations. From a political perspective, the current EU-NZ relationship has been influenced by two important factors: Firstly, it is important to note the apparent unequal size, and therefore bargaining power, of the EU and New Zealand. Secondly, until Brexit, New Zealand’s relationship with the EU had been driven by its historically close relationship with the UK.