New Zealand and Poland have signed a working holiday scheme for young people, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.

"The scheme allows people aged between 18 and 30 to visit and work for a year in the host country, " said Mr Peters.

"This will enable young New Zealanders and Poles to experience each other's countries and cultures in greater depth than is possible through a short-term visit."

New Zealand now has working holiday schemes with 15 European countries and a further 11 were currently under negotiation, Mr Peters said.

"We see the European Union as a natural partner for New Zealand, and our relations with the newer EU member states, such as Poland, are continuing to develop."

The agreement was signed in Warsaw by New Zealand ambassador Philip Griffiths, and Polish Labour Minister Jolanta Fedak. It is intended that the scheme will commence on September 29.

- NZPA