When working in New Zealand, foreign policy officers are based at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington. However, they may also travel to international conferences and meetings.

While on overseas postings, foreign policy officers work in New Zealand embassies, high commissions and consulates, which are generally found in capital cities, and they often travel to other countries to represent New Zealand.

Foreign policy officers use standard office equipment.

Foreign policy officers usually work normal business hours.

Foreign policy officers usually work in small teams. They have contact with a wide variety of people, including:

• other diplomats
• professionals, and other government employees
• government ministers and officials from New Zealand and overseas
• the New Zealand business community
• non-government organisations
• iwi
• people from various cultures and countries.