Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been welcomed by the New Zealand parliament as he kicks off a quick visit for defence and economics talks with counterpart Chris Hipkins.
Mr Albanese touched down in Wellington on Wednesday morning to for his third meeting with Mr Hipkins since he succeeded Jacinda Ardern as NZ Prime Minister in late January.
But it will be Mr Albanese’s first official trip across the ditch as Prime Minister since winning the federal election in May last year.
The Labor leader received a traditional Maori welcome on his arrival at the NZ parliament and later observed proceedings.
Global security, the economy and trade, and the relationship with Pacific nations are expected be on the agenda for the leaders meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
Australia and New Zealand are celebrating 80 years of diplomatic relations, 50 years of the trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, and 40 years of our Closer Economic Relations Free Trade Agreement.
The visit will take place during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Albanese will return to Australia on Thursday.
More to come.