Radio astronomy and VLBI in New Zealand

New Zealand's location and geophysical attributes carry unique opportunities for radio astronomy and VLBI: a compact cluster of 12-m and 30-m antennas at the Warkworth Radio Astronomical Observatory can provide a vital element of the global and regional VLBI networks, both astronomical and geodetic. The radio telescopes' characteristics and the observatory basic equipment specifications are outlined. Recent developments in radio astronomy, VLBI and eVLBI capabilities for astrophysics, astrometry and geodesy are presented. IRASR development towards SKA, as well as involvement in educational activities is summarized.