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Trans-Tasman

Trans-Tasman is an adjective used primarily to signify the relationship between Australia and New Zealand. The term refers to the Tasman Sea, which lies between the two countries. For example, trans-Tasman commerce refers to commerce between these two countries.

Trans-Tasman

18 February 1876 - The first trans-Tasman is completed, allowing telegraph communications with the rest of the world.[1]

submarine communications cable

3 February 1908 - first trans-Tasman (via HMS Powerful in Tasman Sea).[2]

radio transmission

10 January 1928 - vanish without trace during the first trans-Tasman flight attempt.[3]

Moncrieff and Hood

10 September 1928 - Sir and his three-man crew complete the first successful trans-Tasman flight.[4]

Charles Kingsford Smith

7 January 1931 - flies the first solo non-stop trans-Tasman flight (from Australia to New Zealand) in 11 hours and 45 minutes, crash-landing on New Zealand's west coast.

Guy Menzies

1969. attempted a Crossing from New Zealand to Australia; however, he was over-turned five days after leaving from Auckland's Manukau Harbour and returned to New Zealand.[5]

Anders Svedlund

1977 - Colin Quincey, an England-born New Zealander, made the first successful human-powered trans-Tasman crossing. He took 63 days 7 hours to row his Yorkshire Dory row-boat from , New Zealand to Marcus Beach on the Sunshine Coast of Australia.[6]

Hokianga

24 February 2000 - crossed the Tasman Sea in a hot air balloon. The flight was from Kaitaia on the northern tip of New Zealand to Ten Mile Beach in northern New South Wales, Australia. 2167 km were covered in a 55-hour and 12-minute flight.[7]

Dick Smith

30 December 2007 - Four Australians, led by Steven Gates, departed from , New Zealand on 29 November. They rowed to and arrived in Sydney Harbour on 30 December at 8:15 am, having taken 31 days to make the crossing.[8]

Hokianga

13 January 2008 - crossing of the Tasman by kayak completed by Justin Jones and James Castrission; expedition named .

Crossing the Ditch

March 2010 - Shaun Quincey completed the solo row from Australia to New Zealand in March 2010. Shaun is the son of Colin Quincey, who completed the reverse journey in 1977.

July 2018 - Scott Donaldson completes the first kayak solo row from , Australia to New Plymouth, New Zealand.[9]

Coffs Harbour

Trans-Tasman migration[edit]

There has been significant migration between New Zealand and Australia since the 20th century.[12] Economic and social history between the two countries during early colonial time was influenced by the sealing and whaling industry which saw Trans-Tasman migration.[20] In the 21st century the movement is enabled by the Trans-Tasman travel arrangement which governs the regulatory frameworks and supports high international mobility across the Tasman.[23] There has been a cyclical movement between the two countries, but a strong net movement towards Australia since the late 1960s. Many migrants between the countries have reported a sense of transnationalism where they are able to feel at home in both Australia and New Zealand.[24]


This migration is attributable to economic development driven by globalisation, technological change, business cycles, demographic dynamics, and perceptions. Migration specifically from New Zealand to Australia can be attributable to dissatisfaction and desire for change or a sense of newness. However, 15% of people have stated their migration to Australia was because of temporary travel, and then a decision to stay.[24]


However, there are differences in culture, strategic outlook and governance between the nations that contribute to the distinct differences of the two nations and play a role in migration. Evident differences include topography and geography, both of which influence culture, seasonality, and trade. Australia's population size and proximity to Asia contribute to its greater presence in international trade whilst New Zealand's landscape and natural surroundings have contributed to the nation's political and governance decisions.[15]

Trans-Tasman legal proceedings[edit]

There has been historically a legal connection between the case law of the two countries.[12] As such the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 was created to streamline the process of managing both civil and criminal proceedings with elements spanning across Australia and New Zealand.[13] This act has provisions regarding service of Australian documents in New Zealand, the granting of interim relief for civil proceedings commencing in the other country, the service of subpoenas, remote appearances, and enforcement of judgments in the other country. This Act concerns largely administrative law and governs the procedural practice across these two countries.[26] Problem solving courts within this region are evolving to better capture Trans-Tasman relations.[27]

Australia–New Zealand relations

Australasia