PMs mark 80 years of trans-Tasman diplomatic relations

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins during the Australia-New Zealand Leaders' Meeting at New Zealand Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has travelled to New Zealand for the annual Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting in Wellington. (AAP Image/Mark Coote) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / MARK COOTE/AAPIMAGE

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Anthony Albanese has made his first visit to New Zealand as Prime Minister, marking 80 years of diplomatic relations, which most recently has included co-hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup. Mr Albanese and his New Zealand counterpart Chris Hipkins spoke about strengthening economic ties and security in the region against the rising threat of China.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made his first official visit to Wellington, meeting New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins for the fifth time.

The trip marks 80 years of diplomatic relations, 50 years of visa-free travel and employment between the countries and 40 years of the Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement.

The government recently changed citizenship rules for the nearly 700,000 New Zealanders living in Australia, allowing them to apply for a direct pathway to Australian citizenship.

Since the July 1st change, over 10,000 New Zealanders have applied for Australian citizenship.