Friday 29th November O2 Shepherds Bush Empire at 19:00

Picture this… 1988, Margaret Thatcher is Prime Minister, England competes at the Winter Olympics in Calgary Alberta – not winning a medal, The Ford Escort is Britain's best-selling car for the sixth year running. Home and Away hits tellies for the first time, Nintendo release the Game Boy, and over in Wellington New Zealand, the Southernmost capital city in the world, Jon Toogood and Tom Larkin are in high school busily creating a heavy rock band…. A monstrous band that would end up becoming one of New Zealand’s most loved, respected and successful exports.…. SHIHAD.

Fast forward to 2019… Jon, Tom, lead guitarist Phil Knight (who they found through a music shop notice board ad in 1989) and bass player Karl Kippenberger, who joined the band in 1993, (from being a fan) have released nine studio albums (five of which went to #1 in NZ). They survived a name change propelled by Jihad becoming a staple negative reference in the global vernacular thanks to 9/11 (Shihad became Pacifier, and returned to Shihad), personal triumphs and tragedies, travelled all over the world with endless tours, selling out headline shows and sharing stages at major local and international festivals, and touring with musical heroes like Motorhead, Metallica, Faith No More and AC/DC to name a few.

In 2010 they were inducted into the New Zealand Music’s Hall Of Fame. And just like Neil Finn, Russell Crowe and every other successful person or idea to come out of NZ…. Australia quickly adopted them as their own, showering them with ARIA nominations, adoration and ownership of their global success.

To celebrate 30 years, Shihad will be undertaking a five date tour of England and Scotland.

Tickets On Sale Now via www.shihad.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Kia ora,

I am excited to let you know that our annual Christmas Fayre will be upon us Thursday the 21st November!

Come and join us for an amazing evening with stellar New Zealand stallholders, including new ones this year! We will provide cocktails, mulled wine, mince pies and the incredible Jayson Norris will provide 'festive' music to get things going.

The Christmas Fayre is the opportunity for businesses to show off their finest wares and for us to do our Christmas shopping. It is also an opportunity for us to support the business community, in return they provide amazing raffle prizes for all to win on the night! Get your tickets now for this long awaited event of the year!

I hope to see you all on Thursday 21st for a true kiwi Christmas Fayre!

Ngā mihi,

Clarence

President, New Zealand Society (UK)

New Zealand and Commonwealth citizens are allowed to vote in the UK General Election. Please make sure you are registered.

Deadline for registering to vote in the General Election: 11:59pm on 26th November to vote in the General Election on 12th December.

https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Today at 11am on the 11th November we remember those who gave their lives during conflict. Since the First World War New Zealand has played a vital role in advocating peace and defending the freedom of the UK and the Commonwealth.

Yesterday, on Remembrance Sunday, I payed my respect to those civilians and service personnel who gave their lives. I laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the New Zealand Society as well as a posey at the New Zealand War Memorial. May we strive for peace. Lest We Forget

Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand

Foreign Affairs Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced the appointment of Bede Corry as New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Mr Corry will take up his role in April 2020 replacing current High Commissioner Sir Jerry Mateparae. We will miss Sir Jerry and Lady Janine but we warmly welcome Bede Corry next year.

“The appointment of a senior diplomat to this important role underlines the significance New Zealand places on our relationship with the United Kingdom... New Zealand is currently working with the United Kingdom to shape our future relationship post-Brexit and Mr Corry is well qualified to lead this work,” Mr Peters said.

Bede commenced in the role of Deputy Chief Executive in late November 2015. Prior to that, he was Deputy Secretary Australia, Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa Group.

Bede Corry returned to MFAT in 2014 from the Ministry of Defence where he was Deputy Secretary for Policy and Planning from 2012 to 2014.

Before Defence, Bede had held a number of senior positions at MFAT, including as Ambassador to Thailand, Director of the Australia Division, Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Counsellor at the Embassy in Washington, and Private Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Bede is a graduate of Victoria University.

The New Zealand government fully introduced NZeTA. As of 1st October 2019 it is obligatory for citizens of all 60 visa waiver countries (including the UK), and all cruise travellers to have a valid eTA to visit New Zealand. Please inform those family and friends without NZ passports prior to their departure to Aotearoa. The NZeTA once granted will be valid for multiple entry for 2 years. New Zealand citizens do not need to apply for a NZeTA.

Requesting an NZeTA costs NZD $9 through the app or NZD $12 if you use this form.

Allow up to 72 hours for processing, although it could take as little as 10 minutes.

For more information please go to the website or visit the Consular section of the New Zealand High Commission page.

Tēnā koe.

Ngahuru announces the tenth month of the Māori year, autumn and harvest time. A season seen by some as that of cold and darker days yet by others for coziness and gathering together as well as reaping the harvest. One thing we can be certain of it is a season of change and preparation.

Ma whero ma pango ka oti ai te mahi

With red and black the work will be complete

This refers to co-operation where if everyone does their part, the work will be complete. The colours refer to to the traditional kowhaiwhai patterns on the inside of the marae.

We all hope that the current Brexit negotiations will be fruitful as the British government has delayed the date of Brexit yet again and more uncertainty looms. This month the New Zealand government also fully introduced NZeTA. As of 1st October 2019 it is obligatory for citizens of all 60 visa waiver countries (including the UK), and all cruise travellers to have a valid eTA to visit New Zealand. Please inform those family and friends without NZ passports prior to their departure to Aotearoa. The NZeTA once granted will be valid for multiple entry for 2 years. More information via New Zealand Immigration link

I would like to highlight our upcoming event - the Christmas Fayre. The annual Christmas Fayre is a fun evening where you buy your gifts from New Zealand retailers who have so generously supported us through the Loyal Kiwi Card scheme. This year we have some new members we would like to introduce you. With every purchase you make you are automatically enrolled into the big draw of prizes. All profits will benefit our Charitable Fund. The evening will have live music from Jayson Norris and Santa will make an appearance to drop off some goodies... Tickets are now on sale on our website through this link.

Furthermore our tickets for the annual Waitangi Day Ball and Waitangi Day Church Service are on sale, our annual Waitangi Day Church Service which will be held on the 180th anniversary and actual Waitangi Day this year - 6th February 2020. Get your Early Bird tickets now before prices increase. We do have to incur a small fee if you book via our website. However if you email ticketing@nzsociety.co.uk and treasurer@nzsociety.co.uk booking fees will not apply. Please book through this method before the 2nd December to make use of the Early Bird rates. Don't forget that this year we have a limited under 35 ticket price for the 'younger' members.

We have a new section in the newsletter called 'Spotlight' where we interview inspirational New Zealanders and their journey to London. Our first Spotlight is on pastry chef Heather Kaniuk.

Finally it is impossible to escape New Zealand's Rugby World Cup result. The All Blacks did really well throughout the entire tournament and it is great to see so many All Blacks supporters throughout London. Unfortunately no 1st or 2nd place for New Zealand but I am sure that the Rugby World Cup final will prove to be very exciting indeed.

Ngā mih nui,

The Hon Clarence Tan
President

As many of you may already have heard the sad news regarding Air New Zealand ceasing its London to Los Angeles route in October 2020 after 37 years. Air New Zealand will focus on the new Auckland to New York route from October 2020. And from October 2020, Air New Zealand customers will be able to travel year-round between London and Auckland with partner airlines via 12 gateways in Asia and the Americas, including New York. However, Air New Zealand remains committed to the UK and Europe.

I can assure you that Air New Zealand will remain our proud sponsor of the Waitangi Day Ball and the UK New Zealander of the Year Award. We are fully committed to our national airline - Air New Zealand.

We are beyond excited to announce that the nominations for the annual UK New Zealander of the Year 2020 have opened!

As part of the annual Waitangi Day celebrations, the New Zealand Society (UK) and Air New Zealand are again seeking nominations for this prestigious award.

The New Zealand Society established this Award in 1999 to recognise and honour those New Zealanders or British nationals who have gone above and beyond their daily or professional lives to make a difference in presenting the most positive image of New Zealand within the UK. It symbolises the continuation of the close relationship between the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We are looking for Award nominees from a wide cross-section of the community. This may include those who are very much in the limelight to people who have devoted themselves quietly to promoting New Zealand in the UK. See here for more details click here

The Award’s prestigious alumni are: Ereti Mitchell 2019, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ONZ CH DBE AC 2018, Lady Alexandra Smith 2017, Mark Wilson 2016, Katherine Corich 2015, Eric Tracey 2014, Bronwen Horton 2013, Kent Gardner 2012, Terry Smith 2011, Anna Hansen MBE 2010, Esther Kerr Jessop QSM 2009, Dr Ian Conrich 2008, Jonathan Rennie 2007, Tom & Susan Glynn 2006, Peter Leslie 2005, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas 2004, The Rt. Hon Don McKinnon 2003, Harry Mahon OBE 2002, Michael Campbell CNZM 2001, Sir Mark Todd 2000 and Peter Gordon ONZM 1999.

Waitangi Day Charity Ball Early Bird tickets are now on SALE.

I certainly look forward to our annual Waitangi Day Church Service which will be held on the 180th anniversary and actual Waitangi Day this year - 6th February 2020. On the 7th February 2020 we will return to the Waldorf Hilton on Aldwych to host our Waitangi Day Charity Ball 2020. Discounted early bird tickets for this event have gone online on our website. This year includes a limited under 35 ticket price for younger members. If you are interested in reserving or booking tickets and want to be invoiced or pay via bank transfer, please email treasurer@nzsociety.co.uk OR click here to buy online.

Dinner with HRH The Prince of Wales

An evening of incredible significance for New Zealand and the New Zealand community in the UK. Through this event we raise money and are able to support our New Zealand community here in the UK through our Charitable Grant scheme.

This year we have frozen our ticket prices for a 5th year in a row. Furthermore we have launched our Early Bird tickets as well as a limited under 35 tickets for members. Please make sure you have a valid membership (valid until at least 7th February) when buying membership tickets. All tickets will be checked and verified on membership.

For any enquiries please email president@nzsociety.co.uk

Dress code: Evening Dress/Black Tie with decorations

Early Bird Ticketing until 1st December

• NZSUK Member prices - £150pp or £1,450 for a table of 10
• Limited u35 Member prices - £135 or £1325 for a table of 10
• Non-Member prices - £170pp or £1,650 for a table of 10

From 2nd December Price will increase to

• NZSUK Member prices - £170pp or £1,650 for a table of 10
• Limited u35 members price - £160 (no group discount)
• Non-Member prices- £190pp or £1,850 for a table of 10

Blast from the past

Kia ora!

A warm welcome from me, as the newly appointed President of the New Zealand Society UK. I hope you had a splendid summer either in the UK, NZ or maybe further afield. It is an honour and privilege to serve as President in what is going to be an exciting year. My heart lies, as with many of you, in Aotearoa New Zealand. I am also delighted to convey the well wishes to the entire society on behalf of our Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

It is also an honour to be part of this incredible family, which again is part of an incredible New Zealand tapestry of organisations here in the United Kingdom ranging from Kea, NZBWN, NZWA, Ngati Ranana and the various other organisations tying home with the UK. It is all about unity, co-operation and community. This year we will face some interesting and perhaps difficult political changes in the UK. However the New Zealand Society will always provide information along with its community partners and the High Commission.

He waka eke noa! A waka which we are all in - with no exception!

A Maori proverb states this so clearly. I will not be able to perform any duties without the help of my two VPs, Justine and Fletcher as well as the entire committee.

This year I look forward enhancing the relationship with our New Zealand scholars and Company of Girdlers who have generously supported us throughout the years, as well as enhancing community engagement and to offer a variety of events. Furthermore I am delighted to announce that we are offering Honorary Membership to the New Zealand scholars for their entire tenure at Oxford or Cambridge. This will foster our relationship with the Girlders but also with the scholars providing them a home away from home.

I certainly look forward to our annual Waitangi Day Church Service which will be held on the 180th anniversary and actual Waitangi Day this year - 6th February 2020. On the 7th February 2020 we will return to the Waldorf Hilton on Aldwych to host our Waitangi Day Charity Ball 2020. Discounted early bird tickets for this event will go online on the 1st October. If you are interested in reserving tickets please email president@nzsociety.co.uk.

We are finalising our programme for this year including newly diner pensants wtih inspirational New Zealanders, gallery visits, film night, wine tastings and of course our annual Christmas Fayre and ANZAC reception.

The coming weeks we are updating our website to make it as user friendly as possible. Do have a peak at our Kiwi Calendar.

Not a member yet? Join the New Zealand Society UK and support our Charitable Fund giving out grants to inspirational people promoting New Zealand as well as receiving invitations and many discounts through our Loyal Kiwi Card scheme.

The New Zealand Society’s committee is open to anyone and would welcome anyone interested to join us or become a committee member. Wherever we are from we can always benefit from being open to different ideas and encouragement of those around us. Each of us can also make a positive difference by being willing to contribute and offer support. Interested? please email president@nzsociety.co.uk.

I hope to see you at one of our events this year. In the meantime dust of your flag and scarves for what is going to be a marvellous Rugby World Cup.

He waka eke noa! A waka which we are all in - with no exception!

Yours,

The Hon Clarence Tan
President

The New Zealand Society established this Award in 1999 to recognise and honour those New Zealanders or British nationals who have gone above and beyond their daily or professional lives to make a difference in presenting the most positive image of New Zealand within the U.K. It symbolises the continuation of the close relationship between the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

In partnership with the sponsors of this award for the 14th consecutive year, Air New Zealand, we are absolutely delighted to announce that, at the Waitangi Day Charity Ball on 8th February 2019, the Air New Zealand UK New Zealander of the Year Award 2019 was awarded to Mrs Ereti Mitchell, President of the NZ Society Scotland.

The evening was made even more special for Ereti by her sister Michelle coming over to London from NZ for only four days, especially to support Ereti! And by her loyal supporters from the NZ Society Scotland traveling to be with her at the Ball, including her Vice President Molly Smith.

The pākē (ceremonial shawls) awarded to our three incredible finalists for the Air New Zealand UK New Zealander of the Year Award by the Rt Hon. Sir Jerry Mateparae, High Commissioner for NZ to the UK, were designed, woven and blessed in NZ and transported to us especially for the award ceremony by Ataraiti Waretini from Maru Creations. These taonga were created specifically for finalists Colleen Toomey, Jo Walsh and Ereti Mitchell, weaving parts of each wonderful lady’s story into the taniko (pattern and colours) by Ataraiti and are unique to each of them, and to this moment in time.

Previous winners include: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa 2018, Lady Alexandra Smith 2017, Mark Wilson 2016, Katherine Corich 2015, Eric Tracey 2014, Bronwen Horton 2013, Kent Gardner 2012, Terry Smith 2011, Anna Hansen MBE 2010, Esther Kerr Jessop QSM 2009, Dr Ian Conrich 2008, Jonathan Rennie 2007, Tom & Susan Glynn 2006, Peter Leslie 2005, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas 2004, The Rt. Hon Don McKinnon 2003, (The late) Harry Mahon OBE 2002, Michael Campbell CNZM 2001, Sir Mark Todd 2000 and Peter Gordon ONZM 1999.

Air New Zealand, General Manager UK & Europe, Joanna Copestake says: “Air New Zealand is passionate about showcasing the best of New Zealand on the world stage and is incredibly proud to sponsor the UK New Zealander of the Year award which formally recognises the impressive achievements of UK-based Kiwis.”

Waitangi Day commemorates the signing of The Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and is a public holiday in New Zealand.

The Annual New Zealand Society Waitangi Day Charity Ball is the biggest event on the NZ Society UK calendar, raising funds for the Society’s Charitable Grant Fund, which allows the Society to support New Zealanders from across the United Kingdom who are doing amazing things to strengthen ties between NZ and the UK.

The Prize Draw is to win two tickets to a New Zealand Society (UK) event of the nominator’s choice from March 2019 to November 2019 (inclusive).

The 2019 UK New Zealander of the Year Award is proudly sponsored for the 19th consecutive year by Air New Zealand.

As the New Zealand flag carrier, Air New Zealand flies daily between London and New Zealand.