“It is urgent to defend the Indo-Pacific, it is the engine room of global trade”

They say that, dazzled by aboriginal women, he married five of them. He had nine children, 41 grandchildren and more than 200 great-grandchildren. Today, almost two centuries later, its descendants exceed 20,000 members. They are part of the Paniora clan —”Spanish” in Maori—, one of the largest family groups in the country.

Tara Morton, New Zealand ambassador to Spain, explains this “curious” story, revealed just a few years ago by a New Zealand journalist, to illustrate the “many and very solid ties” that unite these two countries located at the antipodes.

More than 19,000 kilometers separation that have not been an obstacle to the good maintenance of bilateral relations now exceed 55 years.

What unites us?

There are very strong ties: people, history, shared values ​​and commerce. Every year, 2,000 young Spaniards and New Zealanders can live and work in both countries, allowing them to gain experience in sectors such as tourism or hospitality. There are also links between universities and educational institutions. Furthermore, we are very sporting nations: the Copa América held in Barcelona or the Women’s World Cup, which Spain won in New Zealand, are good examples of that connection. We very much look forward to Spain co-hosting the 2030 Men’s Soccer World Cup.

What opportunities do bilateral relations offer in areas such as trade, education or culture?

The 55th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, celebrated in spring 2025, highlighted a strategic partnership based on values ​​such as rules-based trade, sustainability and innovation. We have strengthened political and ministerial contacts, addressing issues such as multilateral trade or artificial intelligence.

This year marks the second anniversary of the free trade agreement between the EU and New Zealand. What has it meant?

The European Union remains one of our most reliable partners. The agreement has strengthened economic ties and has allowed us to attract investment and talent, in addition to developing high-value industries.

How has it specifically affected trade relations with Spain?

It has opened clear opportunities for Spanish companies, especially in infrastructure, energy and defense. Our 30-year plan seeks to guarantee sustained investment in hospitals, electricity and land transportation, and has already generated interest from Spanish companies. An example is the Stadler subsidiary in Valencia, which is producing 90 locomotives for KiwiRail as part of a $1.7 billion investment aimed at modernizing our rail network.

And in the Defense sector?

New Zealand has acquired 60 VAMTAC tactical vehicles from the Spanish company UROVESA. This is an innovative contract for both us and the company, as it is its first agreement with a country in the Five Eyes alliance, made up of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It is part of a project to renew the Army’s fleet of utility vehicles, which is already aging.

How are the effects of the free trade agreement translated into figures?

Our exports to the EU grew by 28% in the first year. Bilateral trade with Spain reached 1.2 billion New Zealand dollars—about 700 million euros—which represents an increase of 18%. In addition, access to new markets has been opened, benefiting both New Zealand farmers and exporters – of kiwi, manuka honey, king salmon, green lip mussels, lamb and wine – as well as Spanish and European exporters.

“Bilateral trade with Spain reached 1.2 billion New Zealand dollars, 18% more”

Likewise, emblematic Spanish products now have geographical indication protection, which represents a mutual benefit. In addition to reducing tariffs, the agreement facilitates the access of Spanish companies to public procurement in our country on equal terms. The initial results are excellent, but we see even greater potential – we want the world to know that New Zealand is open for business.

How has New Zealand responded to Donald Trump’s tariff policies this past year?

New Zealanders support free and open trade and an effective, rules-governed global system under the World Trade Organization. Our commercial relationship with the United States is very important and bilateral exchange is quite balanced. However, US trade policy decisions have had significant consequences for New Zealand. Growing uncertainty is impacting global trade and poses a serious challenge to our businesses, as the United States has been our second largest export market for goods.

We are currently subject to a tariff global additional 10%, applied after the ruling of the United States Supreme Court in Februaryin addition to sectoral tariffs derived from section 232 investigations, applied to products such as steel and aluminum. Before the ruling, New Zealand was subject to a 15% tariff. The President later announced that this global Section 122 tariff would increase again to 15%. We are awaiting confirmation of this information. We also await the results of other investigations under that same section.

What is your country’s relationship with the current US Administration?

The United States will always be at the center of New Zealand. We continue to work to maintain a constructive relationship, although we have expressed our disappointment in the increase in tariffs.

What role does New Zealand play in the Indo-Pacific security architecture?

Our core economic and security interests are rooted in the Indo-Pacific. It is our immediate strategic environment and also the engine room of global economic activity. Therefore, our focus is on collaborating with others on emerging challenges and supporting respect for international norms, sovereignty and effective regionalism. We participate in various security partnerships through multilateral organizations and regional forums, especially the Pacific Islands Forum and ASEAN, as well as bilateral partnerships such as the one we have with Australia.

What steps is New Zealand taking to ensure regional stability?

We recently signed off on the “reset” of our foreign policy to manage growing pressures, focusing on South and Southeast Asia. We are cooperating closely with like-minded traditional partners – Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States – and maintain a strong focus on the Pacific, with the Pacific Islands Forum at the centre. We also support minilateral groups as NATO partners with the Indo-Pacific 4, which facilitate cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and defense capabilities.

Are you worried about a possible US withdrawal from the Indo-Pacific?

We will continue to cooperate with the United States on the security and prosperity of the broader Indo-Pacific. It plays a critical role in supporting security in the region and beyond.

In NATO countries, an increase in defense spending to 5% of GDP has been set for 2035. How do you value this objective?

Since we are not part of NATO, it is not our place to comment on it. However, we recognize that the global security context is increasingly demanding and that this affects us all.

“We will double defense spending by 2030; it will be a floor, not a ceiling”

How are you increasing your capabilities?

Earlier this year we published a multi-billion dollar defense capabilities plan to deliver a modern, combat-capable New Zealand Defense Force, adapted to the changing strategic environment. It includes doubling our defense spending by 2030. These objectives are calibrated according to our national priorities and our fiscal realities, something that is likely to be similar to what is happening in Spain.

Is there a risk that increased military spending will come at the expense of the welfare state?

We are analyzing the situation. We have committed to doubling spending and, as our Government has pointed out, it will be a “floor and not a ceiling”. However, we are also aware of the fiscal challenges that we must face. It is, in short, a balancing exercise.

How does New Zealand balance its economic relationship with China and its democratic values?

China is our largest trading partner. We engage where we have shared interests and speak frankly and constructively when disagreements arise. That balance is essential in the current context.

Are you concerned about increased Chinese military activity in the region?

We respect the right of all States to exercise freedom of movement in international waters. However, we have seen increased Chinese military activity in our region, and that concerns us.

Despite geographical distance, New Zealand has contributed to international efforts to support Ukraine against the Russian invasion. How has the war affected your country?

We have consistently condemned Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine as a serious violation of international law. Despite the distance, we understand that its implications are global. We have provided military, humanitarian, diplomatic and reconstruction assistance of more than NZ$168 million, to which are added another 8 million recently announced. And we will continue to support kyiv, because we remain committed to upholding the rules-based international order.