Until 1950 New Zealand fencers had no experience of international competitions. In that year, when the Empire Games were held at Auckland, a fully representative New Zealand team was entered. Since then New Zealand teams have competed at the 1954 (Vancouver), 1958 (Cardiff), and 1962 (Perth) Empire Games.

In 1961 when an Australian national team toured Zealand, the associations of the respective countries agreed to make these tours biennial. A New Zealand team visited Australia in 1963. During these tours the Australasian Shield is competed for by Australian and New Zealand Test teams. In addition, Australian and New Zealand universities compete for the Whitmont Cup.