New Zealand–North Korea: towards constructive engagement

Although limited, positive interaction with North Koreans visiting New Zealand can encourage direct, transparent and forthright discussions, trust-building, a greater understanding and exposure to different perspectives. This in turn can help lay the foundations for constructive dialogue whereby the international community encourages the peaceful resolution of Korean peninsula tensions. While diplomacy faces serious hurdles and caution is prudent, the 2014 North Korean visit hosted by the Waikato Institute of Technology was considered a success by participants.