In July 1949, the King in Council decided to establish diplomatic relations with New Zealand.

At the same time, the existing consulate in Wellington was upgraded to a legation, and Rolf Arfwedson [sv] was appointed as the resident chargé d'affaires en pied.

[2] In January 1951, it was reported that the Swedish diplomatic post in Wellington, New Zealand, was to be abolished.

[3] However, right-wing and liberal party representatives in the Committee of Supply opposed this decision, advocating for the post in Wellington to be maintained for at least another year.

The diplomatic rank was thereafter changed to ambassador instead of envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary.