New Zealand’s high commissioner to Fiji Greg Andrews has used his first Waitangi Day address in Suva to address the long-standing ties between the two countries and signal a focus on strengthening cooperation over the next four years.
Waitangi Day is New Zealand’s national day marking the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
The event was attended by Fijian delegates, members of the diplomatic corps and invited guests.
“It’s a really special and important day for New Zealand when we reflect on ourselves as a country and the values that are important to us,” Mr Andrews said.
The celebration, he said, also provided a good opportunity to think about the relationship that New Zealand and Fiji had.
“We’re really old friends and really close partners.”
He referenced historical connections between the two countries, including cooperation in defence, development assistance and trade.
“I talked about some of those historical connections, be they defence or development cooperation or trade.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know this beautiful country and amazing people of Fiji in the coming four years and really working on that relationship between New Zealand and Fiji.”
2. Former Minister for Women Mereseini Rakuita, left, and Permanent Secretary for Justice Selina Kuruleca at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva. Picture: KATA KOLI
New Zealand high commissioner Greg Andrews with Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh during the Waitangi Day at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva. Picture: KATA KOLI
Guests during the Waitangi Day celebration on Wednesday night. Picture: KATA KOLI
Canadian High Commissioner Jeniffer Lalonde, left with Suva lawyer Jon Apted, right, and guests. Picture: KATA KOLI
Great Councils of Chiefs chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, middle, with Liuetenant Colonel Grant Arrowsmith, left, and Major General Robert Krushka. Picture: KATA KOLI
3. New Zealand High Commission staff members at the Waitangi Day celebration. Picture: FIJI GOVERNMENT
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka chats with New Zealand’s high commissioner Greg Andrews. Picture: FIJI GOVERNMENT
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his wife Sulueti were at the celebration. Picture: FIJI GOVERNMENT
1. New Zealand High Commission staff members perform a traditional Maori dance during the Waitangi Day celebration at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva. Picture: FIJI GOVERNMENT
