 New Zealand has maintained a resident high commissioner in the United Kingdom since 1905, and a resident Agent-General since 1871.The high commissioner to the United Kingdom is concurrently accredited as Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland and High Commissioner to Nigeria.As New Zealand was created as a part of the British Empire, its diplomatic relationship with the United Kingdom is its longest-standing; the position of high commissioner in London pre-dates New Zealand's dominion status by two years, the Balfour Declaration of 1926 by 21 years, and the adoption of the Statute of Westminster of 1931 by 42 years.