UNCLASSIFIED
New Zealand Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Manatū Aorere
195 Lambton Quay
16 April 2026
Private Bag 18−901
Wellington 6160
New Zealand
T +64 4 439 8000
F +64 4 472 9596
Brynn Pierce
OIA 30815
[FYI request #34151 email]
Tēnā koe Brynn Pierce
Thank you for your email of 19 March 2026, in which you request the following under the
Official Information Act 1982 (OIA):
“I recently attended a 'Cullen Breakfast,' at which the Chinese Ambassador spoke,
and he mentioned that NZ publishes the UN Handbook, and that, in some ways,
this could have an indirect impact on how the UN functions as a whole. Upon
research, it appears that NZ has chosen to, perhaps delegate, part of this right to
Australia. I am wanting to know the internal reasoning for this decision, as well as
any considerations in terms of loss of influence over this important aspect of the
UN. I also am curious to know why the NZ government now comes last after
Australia during any reference in the handbook.”
Response to your request
The United Nations Handbook (the Handbook) is an annual, comprehensive reference
guide produced by New Zealand since 1961. The Handbook is an ongoing demonstration
of New Zealand’s commitment to multilateralism, and longstanding support for the
United Nations. New Zealand continues to maintain its responsibility for the overarching
management and production of the Handbook.
New Zealand and Australia are working together to deliver the Handbook across a
certain number of editions. Australia and New Zealand’s collaboration on the Handbook
underlines our shared commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations
and reflects our close cooperation in support of multilateralism. Australia will contribute
to the production and distribution of the Handbook during this arrangement.
Country names are listed in alphabetical order, in line with standard publishing
conventions.
Please note that it is our policy to proactively release our responses to official
information requests where possible. Therefore, our response to your request (with your
personal information removed) may be published on the Ministry website:
www.mfat.govt.nz/en/about-us/contact-us/official-information-act-responses/
UNCLASSIFIED
Page 2 of 2
If you have any questions about this decision, you can contact us by email at:
[email address]. You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the
Ombudsman of this decision by contacting
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone
0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Sarah Corbett
for Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade
