Although geographically distant, the two countries share common values, systems of government, and continue to co-operate in international affairs both via NATO and bilaterally.

[1] Estonian-New Zealand co-operation focuses on the areas of cyber security, education, and European Union relations.

In a 2018 meeting with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, President Kersti Kaljulaid said "Estonia and New Zealand share similar values and are making active preparations for future challenges, ranging from digital society and artificial intellect to climate change".

[citation needed] The 20th Governor-General of New Zealand Sir Jerry Mateparae has said that the two countries share similar commitments to innovation, rule of law, democratic governance, international security, and the development of human rights.

[1] According to a representative from the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2017, Estonia's relationship with New Zealand had improved in the preceding years.

During the aftermath of the war, people from Estonia (and other Baltic states) were preferred by the New Zealand government over displaced persons from other countries.

[8] In 2006, the first bilateral treaty between New Zealand and Estonia, which established a working holiday scheme between the two countries, was signed.

[13] In 2014, New Zealand minister Amy Adams met with the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre in Tallinn.

[16] Notably, while Estonia produces a high proportion of consumed meat domestically, significant imports of lamb and mutton come from New Zealand.

[21] In 2010, there was a minor controversy surrounding inappropriate minsterial expenses by Foreign Minister Winston Peters on his 2006 visit to Estonia.

An Official Information Act request revealed that he had made multiple personal purchases on diplomatic trips.

One such expense was at the Reval Hotel Olümpia, where Peters, an avid smoker, received a €127.82 fine for 'a bed cover being burnt by cigarette'.