Dear Dutch community, It is hard to believe that it has only been a little over a month since I landed in Wellington to take up my posting as the Netherlands Ambassador to Aotearoa New Zealand.

My husband Pascal, my children Hanna and Siem, and I noticed how quickly we felt at home.

Of course, that probably comes as no surprise to you. You have experienced how New Zealand and the Netherlands are so very alike in many ways, sharing values and interests, as well as our desire to see a peaceful and prosperous world.

For me even the Wellington weather feels familiar. But the hill that I now climb every day to get home - that I really have to get used to.

I feel very privileged to be the new ambassador here. In the many meetings I have already had I’ve noticed what a big imprint the Dutch have made here in New Zealand. Driving innovation, growing businesses and being such an integral part of the social fabric of this country. It makes me feel very proud to represent the Netherlands as a key partner that New Zealand can rely upon when it comes to water management, agriculture, aerospace, technology, and so much more.

I recently offered my credentials to Her Excellency the Rt. Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand. In my speech, I emphasized  that the Netherlands and New Zealand have a unique bond rooted in a deep historic connection -  from Dutchman Abel Tasman’s first voyages to Aotearoa New Zealand shores, to the 150.000 people with Dutch heritage who now call New Zealand home.

To me that is an amazing number, about the size of a city like Tauranga or the Napier-Hastings urban area. The Dutch community in New Zealand certainly isn’t small!

I am very impressed by the lively Dutch community here and the way you help the Orange spirit inside us thrive. In the coming weeks and months, I will do my best to visit as many of the community events as possible – and of course to meet you all in the different parts of this beautiful country.

I am looking forward to hearing your Dutch-New Zealand experiences and, of course, any tips for a new Dutchie arriving in New Zealand are most welcome.  

Your ambassador, Jacquelien Nienhuis

Wellington and Auckland: You can apply for a passport year-round at the embassy in Wellington and at the external service provider, VFS Global, in Auckland.

Urgent passport applications can only be done at the embassy in Wellington. Proof of urgency is required for approval from The Hague.

Complete the checklist, follow the steps and make an appointment here: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/passport-id-card/abroad/apply-new-zealand

Consular pop-ups 2026: Our October Christchurch pop-up desk is fully booked. We will be in Napier on 18 and 19 November. Info and appointments will be available one month prior to the date on our website and social media pages.

Pop-up information for 2027 will be announced towards the end of this year.

For all your Dutch government related questions, call our 24/7 Netherlands World Wide contact center on +64 4 471 6390 or +31 247 247 247. Alternatively you can visit netherlandsworldwide.nl.