Happy Commonwealth Day! 🌏🌍🌎

Aotearoa New Zealand has proudly been a founding member of the the Commonwealth since 1931 when its independence was recognised under the Statute of Westminster. HM The Queen is the current elected Head of The Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal countries. It is home to 2.4 billion people, and more than half of its population is under 30 making it a very young and dynamic organisation with the opportunity to play an integral role in advancing the youth development agenda and challenging future policies.

The aim of the Commonwealth and its members is to work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace, amplify the voice of small states, and protect the environment.

New Zealander the Rt Hon Sir Don Mckinnon was Secretary General of the Commonwealth from 2000-2008. His tenure was seen as very successful paving the way for new member states to join. Sir Don was UK New Zealander of the Year in 2003. 🇬🇧🇳🇿

The Commonwealth has various umbrella organisations like the Commonwealth Games, the annual Commonwealth Writers' Prize, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Commonwealth Foundation, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Royal Commonwealth Society, Commonwealth of Learning and Commonwealth Youth Council.

Did you know?

• The second country to 'join' the Commonwealth after the UK is Canada. The order of precedence of flags is in order of independence from the UK and joining the Commonwealth. New Zealand joined after Australia and was followed by the Union (now Republic) of South Africa.

• HM The Queen as Queen of New Zealand visited New Zealand 10 times.

• In Te Reo Māori The Queen is known as Kotuku "the white heron".

• New Zealand has hosted three Commonwealth Games in 1950 (Auckland), 1974 (Christchurch), 1990 (Auckland)

• Six New Zealanders have won overall Commonwealth Writers’ Prizes: Witi lhimaera in 1987 (Best First Book); Janet Frame in 1989; John Cranna in 1990 (Best First Book); Lloyd Jones in 2007; Craig Cliff in 2011 (Best First Book); and Emma Martin in 2012 (Short Story Prize). Another, Eleanor Catton, took the Man Booker Prize in 2013.

• The largest populated nation in the Commonwealth is India with 1.35 billion, the least is Nauru with under 11000 people. Technically Pitcairn with under 50 people yet it is part of the UK.

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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 15th consecutive year, Air New Zealand, we are absolutely delighted to announce that, at the Waitangi Day Charity Ball on 7th February 2020, the Air New Zealand UK New Zealander of the Year Award 2020 was awarded to Mrs Tania Bearsley.

Tania was supported on the evening by her husband Anton and dozens of friends who attended the Waitangi Day Ball to support Tania.

The korowai (ceremonial cloak) awarded to our winner 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, was designed and woven especially for the award ceremony by Whaea Jackie Naylor from Kakahu Waipara.

Previous winners include: 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, (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 2020 to November 2020 (inclusive).

The 2020 UK New Zealander of the Year Award is proudly sponsored for the 15th consecutive year by Air New Zealand.

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

L-R: High Commissioner Sir Jerry Mateparae, winner Tania Bearsley, finalist Jarred Christmas, Air New Zealand Head UK/ Europe Joanna Copestake

Tēnā koe.

I am delighted and extremely proud in the 180th year of the Treaty of Waitangi to announce the two finalists for the prestigious UK New Zealander of the Year Award 2020, presented by the New Zealand Society of the United Kingdom and proudly sponsored for the 15th consecutive year by Air New Zealand.

The two finalists are Mrs Tania Bearsley, for her voluntary leadership of organising a vigil, Stand for Solidarity with New Zealand, at Trafalgar Square and bringing together the New Zealand community after the Christchurch shootings on the 15th March 2019. Thousands attended the vigil and world broadcast coverage of this event showcased the best of the Kiwi spirit, inclusivity and community and Mr Jarred Christmas, for organising 'Laugh In The Face of Hate' event. A comedy event which raised funds for victims of the Christchurch shootings on the 15th March 2019. Jarred donated his time to bring this event together, as well as encouraged so many other headline acts to do the same. All the while raising invaluable funds for the victims and families affected; both are recognised for their personal and invaluable contribution in the UK to promoting the interests of Aotearoa New Zealand or New Zealanders.

The Award, which was established by the New Zealand Society in 1999, will be presented to the winner at the annual New Zealand Society UK’s Waitangi Dayi Charity Ball in The Ballroom of The Waldorf Hilton in Aldwych, London, on Friday 7th February 2020. The award will be presented by the High Commissioner of New Zealand to the Court of St James’s, The Rt Hon Lt Gen Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, QSO, KStJ and the Head of UK/Europe for Air New Zealand, Joanna Copestake.

In 2020 we stand still, celebrate and reflect on the 180th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi. Ever since 1840 New Zealanders have played an integral part in community work and being an advocate of showcasing humility and hard work in the UK and on the world stage. The Committee and Membership of the New Zealand Society of the UK feel very privileged to be the custodians of this important Award on behalf of our NZ community within the UK. Reflecting on 2019 and the two nominees, this year’s finalists were carefully selected by the judging panel from across our NZ network of professional and volunteer organisations. Each nominee brings such a wealth of generosity, knowledge, energy and initiative into deepening the already strong links between NZ and the UK. Our two extraordinary finalists are this year’s Southern Cross most brightly shining examples of that unique ‘Kiwi spirit’ in the face of shared adversity. We congratulate all the nominees and finalists on behalf of our wider community, and in partnership with our incredible Award sponsor Air New Zealand, without who’s belief in and support of this prestigious Award we would not be in a position to so meaningfully thank our finalists and recipients for their contribution to our shared NZ /UK community.

I am sincerely proud of our two wonderful finalists and I look forward to celebrate their achievements at the Waitangi Day Ball with you.

Ngā mih nui,

The Hon Clarence Tan
President, New Zealand Society (UK)

THE FINALISTS

Mrs Tania Bearsley

Born and raised in Porirua, New Zealand, moving with her family to the UK in April 2005. Tania is a connector of people who enjoys helping individuals and businesses to achieve their goals. As Kea New Zealand's UK and Europe Regional Director, Tania brings together her passion for people, events and networking to enable Kiwis to succeed globally.

Following a career in catering, events and hotels, Tania produced colouring books for adults, was Membership Manager for Australia New Zealand Festival of Literature and Arts, research lead for broadcast series Dream Catchers, and volunteered her time as President of The New Zealand Society (UK) 2013-2015. In the twenty-four months that Tania was President, the NZ Society (UK) distributed tens of thousands of pounds through its charitable fund to help a variety of projects which advance the cultural, sporting, artistic and historical links between UK and NZ while providing a way for Kiwis to connect with their homeland. Tania is also a recipient of the Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, Points of Light Award in 2015.

In 2018 Tania became a UK Trustee of The Foundation for The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa.

On the 21st March 2019 Tania organised a vigil including all New Zealand community groups and interfaith groups 'Stand for Solidarity with New Zealand' after the Christchurch shootings on the 15th March 2019. Kiwis, Londoners, and visitors from all over the globe gathered to remember those who had died at their places of worship.

Mr Jarred Christmas

Jarred Christmas is a New Zealander, a comedian, actor and writer. He moved to the UK in November 2000 and has built his career as a professional comedian on the international circuit since then. He has taken his unique brand of comedy all over the world and appeared on numerous TV shows in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Jarred appeared on Mock the Week (BBC), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Have You Been Paying Attention (TVNZ), Seven Days (TV3), Jonathan Creek, Hollyoaks, The Dog Ate My Homework (CBBC), and a hugely memorable performance as Madonna on "Lets Dance" for Comic Relief (BBC).

Jarred is the co-founder of the London Festival of Kiwi Comedy or "FOKC" in partnership with The New Zealand Society and runs a small events company Pop-Up Comedy with his business partner and wife Amelia Christmas.

In response to the Mosque attacks in Christchurch, Jarred and fellow Comedian Tez Ilyas organised and performed at the Laugh in the face of Hate comedy event at The Hackney Empire on the 29th April 2019. The event featured New Zealand comedians, Muslim comedians and high profile comedy friends (including Sarah Millican, Jack Whitehall, Russell Howard) as well as Ngāti Rānana and a Call to Prayer from Hassen Rasool. All money raised going to Victim Support New Zealand.

In April 2020 Jarred is heading back to New Zealand to host the prestigious Big Show at the New Zealand Comedy Festival 2020. As well as touring his kids show The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show to the festival and around the UK.

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.