Historically, New Zealand’s support for the anti-apartheid movement is well known in our respective countries. In line with other Commonwealth countries, New Zealand lifted trade, investment and financial sanctions against South Africa on 1 October 1993. 

Following the inauguration of the first fully democratic South African government on 10 May 1994, all remaining restrictions against South Africa were removed and relations were normalised. New Zealand established a High Commission in Pretoria in 1996. South Africa established a resident High Commission in Wellington in April 2009.