[3] In 2006, North Korea tested its first nuclear weapon, drawing criticism and suspension of relations by the New Zealand government, which holds a staunch anti-nuclear policy.

However, the Korean War was also significant, as it marked New Zealand's first move towards association with the United States in supporting that country's stand against communism.

The ships were under the command of a British flag officer and formed part of the US Navy screening force during the Battle of Inchon, performing shore raids and inland bombardment.

The New Zealanders immediately saw combat and spent the next two and a half years taking part in the operations which led the UN forces back to and over the 38th Parallel, recapturing Seoul in the process.

The New Zealand-DPRK Society established in 1973 by Don Borrie and Wolf Rosenberg has played an important role in promoting relations.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark urged the UN to bring its full weight to bear on North Korea after it announced it had conducted the underground nuclear test.

Winston Peters, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, condemned North Korea's missile tests on behalf of his government, describing them as showing "wanton disregard" for the warnings issued beforehand by the international community.

[8] In June 2012, a senior-level delegation from the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Director-General of Asia and Oceanic Countries, visited New Zealand seeking a better relationship, especially in education, cultural and economic fields.

[9] In September 2011, Benjamin Evans traveled with a special needs student, Johann Landkroon (and parents) to North Korea for the 17th ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships.

[citation needed] In April 2012, Karim Dickie revisited Pyongyang under invite by the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries (CCRFC).

During his visit, Dickie met government officials including Kim Jong-suk, Chairwoman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries; Kim Jin-bom, Vice-chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries & Vice-chairman of the Korean Committee for Solidarity with World People; Presidium Member Pak Yong-gun; and Dickie also made a courtesy call to President Kim Yong-nam, the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly at the Mansudae Assembly Hall.

[citation needed] In July 2013, Karim Dickie made his third visit to attend events marking the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement.