Ambassade de Nouvelle-Zelande en France - New Zealand Embassy, Paris

New Zealand wrapped up a successful OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, concluding a busy programme as this year’s Vice‑Chair.

Minister Todd McClay MP chaired two key sessions, the first on ‘Aligning Industrial Policies with Open Trade’ and the second on ‘Industrial Policy, Investment and Development’, reinforcing New Zealand’s message that good industrial policy creates the conditions for innovation, competition, and resilience, without tilting the global playing field or fragmenting markets.

The day closed with a Ministerial Reception co‑hosted with Korea. A powerful performance by Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club showcased New Zealand’s culture for our international partners.

A strong finish to this year’s MCM, underscoring New Zealand’s commitment to open markets, fair, competitive industrial policy, and global cooperation.

A busy first day at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, where New Zealand is serving as this year’s Vice‑Chair under the theme “Getting Industrial Policies Right for Open Markets, Growth and Prosperity.” Minister Todd McClay MP held seven bilateral meetings and delivered three interventions across the day’s sessions. His consistent message was clear:

Good industrial policy is aimed at creating the conditions for innovation, competition, and resilience to enable businesses and markets to thrive. We must be vigilant to ensure industrial policy is not used to tilt the global playing field, fragment markets or weaken the global system we depend on.

A strong start to the MCM, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to open markets, fair competition and rules‑based global trade as foundations for shared prosperity.

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

21 years after the release of ‘Boats’, the iconic NZ band Fat Freddy’s Drop returns to France ! 🎵

Fat Freddy’s Drop are internationally acclaimed for their powerful, genre-blending live performances, evolving from Wellington’s underground scene into one of the world’s most compelling touring acts.

Starting on 6 October in Lyon, the band will continue their tour in Bordeaux on 7 October, then Nantes on 9 October, and Paris on 10 October. We are proud to support NZ artists performing across France and to promote cultural exchange that strengthens the relationship between our two countries.🇳🇿🇫🇷

To mark this significant moment, we are pleased to offer a ticket giveaway!

Just drop your preferred city of this French leg of the tour (Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Paris) in the comments for a chance to win 🏆

New Zealand Embassy, Paris, will be closed on 1 June 2026.

🇳🇿 If you are a New Zealander requiring urgent consular support, call the Consular Emergency Assistance line: +64 99 20 20 20. International charges may apply.

For lost/stolen New Zealand passport replacement, see www.passports.govt.nz or call +44 207 968 2730.

🇫🇷 Pour toutes informations sur les visas pour la Nouvelle-Zélande : www.immigration.govt.nz

📸Matt Crawford
Location: Mount Hikurangi, Gisborne Eastland, New Zealand

The Embassy hosted a special evening celebrating the French premiere of the successful New Zealand box office hit, Tenor – My Name is Pati.

H.E. Joanna Kempkers introduced the film emphasising how the film showcases New Zealand culture, Pacific heritage, and the power of storytelling through music. The film was followed by a lively Q&A with Pene Pati and director/producer Rebecca Tansley where both Pene and Rebecca reflected on the years it took to make the film, the bond they formed, and the impact they hope the film will have on future generations.

The event was a fitting way to shine a light on the film’s success, the Pati brothers’ remarkable journey and the deep cultural connections between New Zealand and France that continue to grow through people, talent, and shared artistic passion.

📷 Louis Grochowicki

New Zealand Film Commission

New Zealand Embassy, Paris, will be closed on 25 May 2026.

🇳🇿 If you are a New Zealander requiring urgent consular support, call the Consular Emergency Assistance line: +64 99 20 20 20. International charges may apply.

For lost/stolen New Zealand passport replacement, see www.passports.govt.nz or call +44 207 968 2730.

🇫🇷 Pour toutes informations sur les visas pour la Nouvelle-Zélande : www.immigration.govt.nz

A warm and engaging introductory lunch was hosted by Senator Philippe Folliot, President of the New Zealand Friendship Group at the French Sénat, for Ambassador Kempkers and Deputy Head of Mission Subramaniam where they discussed shared priorities and the many areas where France and New Zealand continue to deepen cooperation.

Senator Folliot recalled warmly his visit to New Zealand last year as part of a Parliamentary delegation visit. A shared love of rugby also added to the great conversation and reflections on our strong bilateral relationship. 🇳🇿🤝🇫🇷

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade France Diplomatie

Congratulations to Samoan NZ tenor Pene Pati who has received the prestigious French arts honour of 'Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts & des Lettres' for his significant contribution to the arts and the promotion of French culture.

Pene is a prominent figure in French opera and has performed on major world stages, including the Opéra national de Paris (Paris Opera). His second album for Warner Classics 'Nessun Dorma', which includes a variety of French opera arias recorded with Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine conducted by Emmanuel Villaume, won the 2025 Opus Klassik Solo Recording of the Year.

He delivered his acceptance speech in French at ceremony at Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris.

"Thank you to the French Republic for this incredible honour. France has given me so much — not only your music, but a place that has truly felt like a second home."

Congratulations to Sir Peter Jackson on being awarded the Honorary Palme d’Or at Festival de Cannes. His visionary work from The Lord of the Rings to The Hobbit has reshaped modern filmmaking and inspired audiences worldwide. A fantastic recognition for Sir Peter and for New Zealand’s vibrant screen sector.

Ambassador Joanna Kempkers attended the Festival to champion New Zealand’s screen industry in France and mark this special achievement.

📸 NZ Film Commission

OECD and UNESCO Policy Advisor

The New Zealand Embassy is looking for a qualified and motivated person to join our team in the role of OECD and UNESCO Policy Advisor.

This role supports New Zealand’s engagement at the OECD and UNESCO. Key responsibilities include:
• Participating in OECD and UNESCO meetings as required, representing the New Zealand delegation and providing written reports from those meetings.
• Researching and preparing clear, concise and well-structured policy advice, analysis, briefing and reports on discrete OECD and UNESCO work streams, which may include being the lead contact point within the delegation on certain issues.
• Assisting with the organisation of visits of New Zealand Ministers and other official visitors to the OECD and UNESCO.
• Supporting New Zealand-based delegates to engage at the OECD and UNESCO, including with registration processes.
• General administration to support the effective running of the OECD and UNESCO teams.

Applicants must have a relevant tertiary qualification and excellent Microsoft Office suite skills (i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Near native command of written and spoken English is mandatory.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate well-developed planning and organisational skills and should be able to show how they can work both independently and within a team.

Previous relevant work experience and a sound knowledge of New Zealand’s policy settings would be an advantage.

Only applicants with the legal right to live and work in France will be considered.

Starting salary is 45,000€ gross per year, with added advantages of fully paid health insurance (Mutuelle), and contribution to public transport costs.

This is a full-time position (35 hours per week), Monday – Friday.

Candidates must provide both a CV and cover letter to
[email protected]
Job Type: Full-time (CDI)
Pay: 45 000€ per year
Work Location: In person