Achieving sustainable development globally is a critical challenge facing all of us.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development serves as our collective blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. It challenges us to get serious about delivering an integrated and balanced social, economic and environmental agenda.

New Zealand is contributing to achievement of the Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a combination of domestic action, international leadership on global issues, and support for developing countries. Achievement requires a whole of government effort, working alongside the private sector and civil society.

This is our first Voluntary National Review on our implementation of the SDGs. We have chosen to address those aspects of the 2030 Agenda most relevant to New Zealand. The report captures our current initiatives and high level plans, and reflects our commitment to productive, sustainable and inclusive development as a country and as a global partner. We intend to provide a foundation for future national reporting to build on.