The Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits New Zealand

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Wellington, 23–25 August 2026 – The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, visited New Zealand, where he met with senior political and military leaders, delivered a lecture at Victoria University of Wellington, and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony.

During his visit, Admiral Cavo Dragone met with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, and the Deputy Chief Executive – Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Taha Macpherson. Discussions focused on safeguarding freedom of navigation and maintaining open, secure, and resilient sea lines of communication. The Chair underlined that maritime security is central to both Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific stability, noting that events in one region increasingly have repercussions in the other. In his meeting with the Minister of Defence and Minister for Veterans, Hon Paul Goldsmith, Admiral Cavo Dragone highlighted that NATO Allies and New Zealand face many of the same challenges, from cyber incursions to emerging and disruptive technologies.

In Wellington, Admiral Cavo Dragone also met with the Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, and the Secretary of Defence, Dr Brook Barrington. The Chair praised New Zealand’s contributions to NATO missions and operations, as well as its steadfast support to Ukraine. Building closer interoperability and developing capabilities remain fundamental pillars of NATO-New Zealand military cooperation and partnership.

At the Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington, Admiral Cavo Dragone delivered a lecture emphasising the growing strategic proximity between NATO and New Zealand, grounded in shared values. “Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security are one conversation held in two time zones,” the Chair said. During a wreath-laying ceremony, he paid his respects at the Hall of Memories in Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

As the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions becomes increasingly interconnected, NATO and New Zealand remain committed to strengthening their partnership and working together to uphold the rules-based international order.