The United States recognized New Zealand's independent status in 1942 and in the same year, a legation was established in Wellington.

Apart from the consular offices, there is provision for commercial and agricultural arms, defense, and the United States Information Service (USIS).

An embassy official declined to say what the specific measures were, but were being extra-cautious and stressing that they did not view New Zealand as having high a security threat level.

This followed the Wellington City Council banning public vehicle parking in front of the embassy a year earlier.

After the discovery of a suspicious package leaking a white powder, fire crews wearing protective biohazard suits were called and remained for nearly two hours until the scene was cleared.

[9] In 2013, following a seismic-risk assessment, the complex had a major upgrade which included a NZ$60 million spend to install blast walls, replacing existing concrete and steel fences.

The fire service hazardous material and command truck and police bomb disposal unit was at the scene, with fire-fighters seen wearing chemical suits outside the embassy.