New Zealand and India are getting closer
One of the many privileges of being a Cabinet Minister is attending credential functions where new Ambassadors and High Commissioners present themselves to the Governor General.
New Zealand’s credential ceremonies are legendary among foreign diplomats with our unique Maori challenge ceremony and the warm, personal reception that is held at Government House.
During these ceremonies, it is customary for the “official” recommendation for the credentials to be accepted to be made by a Minister. On December 9, 2009, I had the privilege of recommending that the credentials of Indian High Commissioner, Admiral (rtd) Sureesh Mehta and American Ambassador Mr David Huebner be accepted by the Governor General.
I welcomed the High Commissioner and his family and assured him that my close relationship with our Indian communities will ensure that we see each other often.
I also gave Admiral Mehta advance notice that he and his wife, Mrs Maria Teresa Mehta, are going to have an extremely busy time in New Zealand because we have vibrant and active Indian communities.
The more than 100,000 strong Indian communities are energetic and engaging and invitations for the High Commissioner to attend functions will be abundant, which is something Admiral Mehta seems to take in his stride.
In his speech, Admiral Mehta showed in depth knowledge of New Zealand and India’s long standing relationship and articulated well our two countries’ shared passion for cricket. He acknowledged the fact that Diwali has become a major celebration in New Zealand and also with very different population sizes, we are both democratic nations.
He said he was looking forward to assisting in the advancement of the Free Trade Agreement between our two countries, which is something that New Zealand welcomes.
The Governor General warmly welcomed the High Commissioner and in his speech highlighted the fact that a new New Zealand Consul General to Mumbai had been identified and that it was a positive step in our ever-growing closer relationship with India.
Admiral (Rtd) Mehta has been appointed as India’s High Commissioner after a long and distinguished career in the Indian Navy.
He is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, is a qualified jet fighter pilot and comes to New Zealand with vast array of experience and expertise.
Before retiring in August 2009, the Admiral spent the last three years of his distinguished 42 year naval career as the Chief of the Indian Navy – the senior-most Service Chief.
He has been awarded the AVSM and the highest award for distinguished service, the PVSM.
Like our Indian communities, I am looking forward to working with the High Commissioner to build on the long and strong relationship between our two countries.
One of the many privileges of being a Cabinet Minister is attending credential functions where new Ambassadors and High Commissioners present themselves to the Governor General. New Zealand’s credential ceremonies are legendary among foreign diplomats with our unique Maori challenge ceremony and...
One of the many privileges of being a Cabinet Minister is attending credential functions where new Ambassadors and High Commissioners present themselves to the Governor General.
New Zealand’s credential ceremonies are legendary among foreign diplomats with our unique Maori challenge ceremony and the warm, personal reception that is held at Government House.
During these ceremonies, it is customary for the “official” recommendation for the credentials to be accepted to be made by a Minister. On December 9, 2009, I had the privilege of recommending that the credentials of Indian High Commissioner, Admiral (rtd) Sureesh Mehta and American Ambassador Mr David Huebner be accepted by the Governor General.
I welcomed the High Commissioner and his family and assured him that my close relationship with our Indian communities will ensure that we see each other often.
I also gave Admiral Mehta advance notice that he and his wife, Mrs Maria Teresa Mehta, are going to have an extremely busy time in New Zealand because we have vibrant and active Indian communities.
The more than 100,000 strong Indian communities are energetic and engaging and invitations for the High Commissioner to attend functions will be abundant, which is something Admiral Mehta seems to take in his stride.
In his speech, Admiral Mehta showed in depth knowledge of New Zealand and India’s long standing relationship and articulated well our two countries’ shared passion for cricket. He acknowledged the fact that Diwali has become a major celebration in New Zealand and also with very different population sizes, we are both democratic nations.
He said he was looking forward to assisting in the advancement of the Free Trade Agreement between our two countries, which is something that New Zealand welcomes.
The Governor General warmly welcomed the High Commissioner and in his speech highlighted the fact that a new New Zealand Consul General to Mumbai had been identified and that it was a positive step in our ever-growing closer relationship with India.
Admiral (Rtd) Mehta has been appointed as India’s High Commissioner after a long and distinguished career in the Indian Navy.
He is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, is a qualified jet fighter pilot and comes to New Zealand with vast array of experience and expertise.
Before retiring in August 2009, the Admiral spent the last three years of his distinguished 42 year naval career as the Chief of the Indian Navy – the senior-most Service Chief.
He has been awarded the AVSM and the highest award for distinguished service, the PVSM.
Like our Indian communities, I am looking forward to working with the High Commissioner to build on the long and strong relationship between our two countries.
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