German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier paid a state visit to New Zealand from 5 to 7 November 2017 at the invitation of Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy.  He was accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender and a delegation of members of the German Government and Parliament. Several guests with a special interest in New Zealand-German relations also accompanied him. The visit started with a wreath-laying ceremony at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.  Dr Steinmeier presented a memorial tapestry gifted by the German Government and this was followed by an official welcome at Government House. Talks with the Governor-General and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern formed the core of the political dialogue.