The growing economic, cultural, diplomatic, sporting, and tourism links between India and New Zealand were the highlight of the end-of-year celebration between the two countries organized by India Trade Alliance in Auckland on Monday. The keynote address was delivered by the New Zealand High Commissioner designate to India, Joanna Kempkers. Speaking at her first public event to delighted ITA members, Ms. Kempkers said, The High Commissioner designate, using the analogy of an Acorn, told the audience that ‘Just like an acorn being the symbol of NZ India relationship, I would like to nurture it, feed it and see it grow…

Foreign Minister Murray McCully today named diplomat Joanna Kempkers as New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to India. Ms Kempkers will be based in New Delhi and cross-accredited to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. “As members of the Asia-Pacific region, New Zealand and India have a close relationship,” Mr McCully says. “India is our second largest source of skilled migrants and international students. “Two-way goods and services trade exceeds $2 billion, and the Government has high expectations for the further development of India as a key economic and political partner for New Zealand. Ms Kempkers is currently the Director of Protocol…

Foreign Minister Murray McCully today named diplomat Andrew Jenks as New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Spain. “Spain is an important partner for New Zealand and a key member of the European Union,” Mr McCully says. “Spain is a base for a number of NZ companies operating in the region, and there is scope to further develop our trade and economic relationship. “We also share political and security interests through our cooperation on the United Nations Security Council over the past two years, and our participation in operations such as the UN mission in Afghanistan.” Mr Jenks has previously been posted…

His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan will make an official visit to New Zealand from November 28-30, Prime Minister John Key announced today. “I am pleased to welcome King Abdullah’s reciprocal visit to New Zealand, which follows the 2013 visit to Jordan by our previous Governor General,” says Mr Key. “New Zealand and Jordan have a strong bilateral relationship, one which has grown even closer through our time serving together on the Security Council last year. “King Abdullah’s visit will be an opportunity to hear Jordan’s important perspectives on Middle East issues, including Syria, the Middle East Peace Process,…