Ambassadors of Poland, France and Greece at the War Memorial in Wellington |
EU Heads of Mission attend Armistice Day - 11/11/11.
Born from the ashes of two world wars, the European Union is the living symbol of peace and cooperation among nations. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, World War I came to an end with the signing of the Armistice. 11th November has therefore become the day we remember those who gave their lives around the world. In Wellington, EU Ambassadors and other countries' diplomats, and dignitaries contributed to a very emotive and solemn ceremony led by New Zealand's Governor-General, His Excellency The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae & Her Excellency Lady Janine Mateparae who laid a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Warrior, followed by the Dean of the Diplomatic corps on behalf of Missions. The commemorative ceremony held at the National War Memorial ended with all members of the diplomatic corps laying poppies as a sign of their respect for the Fallen.
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EU High Representative Ashton and NZ Minister McCully in Perth
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European Union and New Zealand aim to upgrade relations.
EU High Representative /Vice-President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully held bilateral talks in Perth on 27th October. Among the issues was upgrading the EU-NZ relationship into a Treaty-level agreement. High Representative Ashton said: “Over the years, New Zealand has become a highly valued and like-minded partner to us. We are working closely together in the Pacific and in Afghanistan, on development and security. A new Framework Agreement would help build up our cooperation on political, global and sectoral issues, bringing us even closer together. I trust that we will be able to start negotiations in the near future.” Minister McCully said: “The European Union is a partner of first order importance for New Zealand. A politically-focused Framework Agreement would strengthen our cooperation in areas such as human rights and counter-terrorism, environmental issues and development cooperation, education, science and innovation”. The EU will seek a negotiating mandate for the upgrade.
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French Captain Thierry Dusautoir |
"A damn close run thing."*
France and New Zealand's historic rivalry on the rugby field provided a splendid and very emotional Rugby World Cup Final on 23rd October with victory to the All Blacks by a breath-takingly narrow and hard-fought one point margin: 8-7. Having successfully led the very competitive and physical French side against the All Blacks, French Rugby Captain Thierry Dusautoir was awarded "Player of the Year" by the International Rugby Board in Auckland a day later. Seven EU nations - England, France, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Scotland, and Wales - contributed to the success of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, showcasing New Zealand on the world stage, boosting its economy as well as making new friends.
*Quote: 1st Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo, 1815
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Sir Peter Gluckman
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New Zealand Chief Scientist in Brussels.
On 18th October, NZ Chief Scientist, Sir Peter Gluckman, met with European Commission Director-General Robert-Jan Smits, the European Reseach Council President Helga Nowotny and members of the European Parliament research committee. The main areas of discussed included: the Global Research Alliance (which concerns gas emissions from agriculture), multi-partner initiatives under the KBBE Forum and joint activities in the area of diabetes. Under the Global Research Alliance, it was also noted that a current NZ call on livestock emissions research is open to international partners. Discussions also included NZ's role as current chair of the Pacific Island Forum which could prove useful for the EU in forging joint initiatives with the Pacific region.
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Ms Mara Bizzotto and Minister Hekia Parata |
European Parliamentary Visitor Impressed with New Zealand.
Ms Mara Bizzotto, Chair of the European Parliamentary Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand, paid her first official visit to the country 16-19 October. She met with Dr Jonathan Coleman, Minister of Immigration, Ms Hekia Parata, Minister of Ethnic Affairs, and Opposition Spokesperson Maryan Street. She also attended a business roundtable and did several on-site visits in Auckland. She was honoured to be invited and be present at the major Maori Cuisine and Business show at the Waka Events Centre. After her first taste of NZ, Ms Bizzotto intends to return next year leading the official biannual visit of her delegation, well-briefed about NZ and its peoples. For more about Ms Bizzotto, please follow the link here.
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Chris Finlayson and Ambassador Jesús Miguel Sanz Escorihuela toast NZ and Spain at National Day |
Great News for Spanish Economy and Auckland.
In early October, Auckland Transport signed a contract with the Spanish manufacturer CAF for NZ$650 million to purchase 57 electric trains for the Auckland Metropolitan rail network. They will replace the diesel units currently providing passenger services to commuters in the city, incorporating the latest technologies in terms of safety, accessibility, environmental requirements and modern amenities. Speaking at Spain's national day reception in Wellington on 12th October, Spain's new Ambassador Jesús Miguel Sanz Escorihuela declared: "Our companies are internationally recognised in infrastructure, sustainable transport and renewable energies. In this field, there have already been some fruitful collaborative initiatives in wind generation. I am confident that very soon we will have more of our best companies in NZ. Likewise, we welcome NZ investments in Spain, a country which provides a friendly environment for business opportunities."
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Spanish Opera Star Plácido Domingo is greeted with a hongi in New Zealand |
Plácido Domingo and Katherine Jenkins Raise Spirits and Money in Christchurch.
On 6th October, world-renowned Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo and Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins, performed a special concert to raise money for a new Court Theatre and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra which both lost their homes in the February earthquake. Governor General Jerry Mateparae and Prime Minister John Key joined more than 8000 citizens in what was a magical night. “Placido Domingo concert made Christchurch come alive, made the city sparkle and gave hope and faith to a city that appreciates, understands and loves the Arts” said PM Key. The opera star's sell-out concert raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the arts and lifted the city's battered spirits. Plácido Domingo is reported to have lost four members of his family during the 1985 Mexican earthquake in which 10,000 people died.
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