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