Peters, Indonesian counterpart hold Auckland talks on trade and energy ties
Last Updated on August 28, 2026
Foreign Minister Winston Peters met his Indonesian counterpart, Sugiono, in Auckland on Wednesday for talks aimed at deepening trade and cooperation between the two countries, according to Beehive.govt.nz.
The meeting covered food security, renewable energy, agriculture, education, and defence and security, along with wider regional and global issues, the government release states.
"Indonesia is an indispensable partner for New Zealand in these turbulent times," Peters said. "We are ambitious to do more together, and today's talks focused on practical areas where our cooperation can deliver for both countries, including on food security and renewable energy."
Trade target in focus
The two ministers reviewed the New Zealand-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership and its 2025-2029 Plan of Action, which sets a goal of NZ$6 billion in two-way trade by 2029.
"We are making good progress towards our goal of NZ$6 billion in two-way trade by 2029. But there is much more we can and should be doing together," Peters said. He pointed to removing trade barriers, strengthening economic cooperation and making better use of improved air links between the two countries as areas needing more work.
The release does not specify current trade figures or how far along the two countries are toward the 2029 target.
Looking toward 2028
Peters framed the relationship in long-term terms, noting the two countries will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2028.
"New Zealand sees Indonesia as a partner for the long term. As we look towards 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2028, we have strong ambitions to keep growing this relationship," he said.
Following the talks, Peters and Sugiono released a joint statement outlining the full scope of their discussions and the steps agreed to going forward. According to the release, Sugiono was due to depart New Zealand the following day.
Source: Beehive.govt.nz.
Photo: "Electric Telegraph Office, Lyttelton" by Archives New Zealand, CC BY 2.0, via Openverse.
