Global Kiwi

Madison Wilson, London

How long have you lived offshore?
I moved away from my home in Auckland in March 2023. After a quick solo trip to Italy for a month, I made my way to my new home in London. I have been living here for nine months now.

What do you love most about London?
How could you not love London? Of course, there are some hardships in moving – London is so big compared to New Zealand. I love the culture and diversity here. I have met so many people I would never have had the opportunity to meet had I not left my small coastal town in New Zealand.

I love the vibrancy, the opportunity to work and travel. I love the glamour of the West End and the amazing parks. But, most of all I love my friends. As cliche as it is; I have made the most amazing Kiwi friends here. I couldn’t do it without them all, and having someone from the same country as you in a new place is like having a big hug when you’re a little lonely. Meeting like minded Kiwis has made this adventure so much more worthwhile.

Why did you choose to move to London?
Ever since I was little my mum and my dad have shared stories with me about their adventures in London. They told me the bars they visited, the tube lines they caught every day, the wild nights and the trips to the countryside. I have made most of my life’s decisions in anticipation of moving here myself. I was never trying to run away from New Zealand or leave for good, I just wanted to experience London the way my mum had. I wanted to share the stories with her and be able to look back on this magical shared experience we both had had. I wanted to call her and tell her about her clock and Dad’s Tower. I wanted to get advice on all the amazing spots to visit. Really, I wanted to be like her and live the amazing life she had at my age. So, when my mum passed away over a year ago, I knew I still needed to travel here so I could find all the missing pieces of her life before me, so I could feel her with me – leading the life she wanted me to have.

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting London?
I love Neal’s Yard in central London. It is bright and quirky and a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of London. A great place to shop is Brixton Village which has some amazing small shops and a rooftop bar (Lost in Brixton). London always has new exciting and fresh pop ups to go to so you are never bored here.

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
As New Zealanders, we have a great reputation with foreigners. Everyone I meet in London or in Europe is always so interested in where I come from and they want to learn about me. Employees also are always interested in Kiwis because we have a reputation for being hard working. But, the best thing is coming from a country on the other side of the world and being in a bar and hearing that familiar accent on the other side of the room. The instant connection and friendship that is formed in work spaces, bathroom stalls or in line for McDonalds. Hearing the iconic Kiwi twang and ‘yeah, nah’ is the most exciting thing in the world when you live so far away from home.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
If you have nothing tying you to New Zealand right now such as a job you love, a family or any other commitments, then you would be crazy to not try living in a new country. I know it sounds scary and overwhelming, but it is one of the most amazing and beneficial experiences you will ever have. It’s true New Zealand is the most beautiful and amazing place to live, but there is only so much you can learn about the world and your place in it when you keep yourself on that small island. Take any opportunity you can to get out and explore the world around you.

Neil Emery and Chriss Kavanagh, Andalusia

How long have you lived offshore?
We live in a small Spanish village called El Gastor which is 30 minutes from Ronda or an hour from Seville, in Andalusia. We bought our house in 2017 and currently spend six months in Spain running our business Edible Bike Tours – gourmet ebike tours of local white villages, and then we spend six months in New Zealand working in hospitality.

What do you love most about Spain?
We love the community spirit in our Spanish village. There is no crime, everyone knows everyone and they look out for each other. You always see the elderly being taken for walks with the adult children. It is very family oriented. The village always has something happening throughout the year like festivals, running competitions, dancing groups etc. Also, we love the weather as it never rains in summer and the scenery is beautiful.

Why did you choose to move to Spain?
We chose this place because it was near Ronda which is a small city but has all the amenities you need. It is also in the countryside with back roads joining other white villages. This gave us the idea of doing ebike tours incorporating local food and wine.

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting?
One of our favourite hidden gems would be the route from the village of Grazalema to Zahara, it is a mountain road that goes through magnificent scenery.

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
The best thing about being a Kiwi offshore is that we get to promote New Zealand. We always bring back New Zealand products like local honey and iconic sweets (pineapple lumps) to our neighbours in Spain. We are always asked where we are from by people doing our tours and that gives us the chance to talk about New Zealand.

Annuska Menoita, Amsterdam

How long have you lived offshore?
I left New Zealand in March 2023 to travel and see the world with my partner, KJ. After many unforgettable adventures, in August, we found ourselves running out of the holiday cash and decided we should start sorting out our next moves. We applied to jobs in our four favourite cities (Berlin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Madrid) to see what bites we would get. KJ went through five rounds of interviews and landed a job at the headquarters of Tesla in Amsterdam. We officially moved here only at the start of November 2023 as there was a lot of paperwork to be done!

What do you love most about Amsterdam?
I have some family here and have grown up making multiple trips over to this magical city. It is bustling with creative people who constantly seek new connections and innovation. I adore the community that is created here by the mix of the local Dutch and expats surrounding the city. It is full of opportunity and growth and for me, it is a great place to develop as a creative and designer.

Why did you choose to move to Amsterdam?
It was a combination of good timing, having a thirst to grow, and a will to experience another facet of this world we live in.

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
Everyone is so interested in life in New Zealand, it is great being able to give new friends recommendations of where to get their fish and chips back in New Zealand and which hikes to go on. But also, there are so many Kiwis everywhere, it is great to kill the homesickness with a walk in the park with a fellow Kiwi.

What is the biggest similarity and difference between New Zealand and Amsterdam that some people might not expect?

A similarity is people take their time! Although it is one of the central spots for business and commerce in Europe, as soon as the sun shines on a Wednesday afternoon, everyone is outside breathing in the crisp air and hanging out with a pint or coffee on hand. The Dutch know how to chill too.

A difference — the humour. If you love dry, direct, and sarcastic humour, you will feel right at home. At a slightly deeper level, I would say connection. The community itself is very uplifting and most people want to lift each other up and work together to solve bigger problems. It is just something that I have experienced and observed here. It forms a connection and a chain reaction.

James Yu, Shanghai

Where are you living right now?
I am currently living in Shanghai, China.

How long have you lived off shore?
One year and a half.

What do you love most about your current home?
What I love about Shanghai is the transport system. It makes my life much more convenient without a car, and it also allows me to easily access every corner of the city.

If someone was coming to visit the area where would you recommend them visiting and why?
Yu Garden Tour. A traditional Chinese garden situated in the center of the city, which contrasts
its classic beauty from surrounded modern architecture.

What’s the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
The best part is to experience the hospitality of Chinese people and enjoy the diversity of local culture.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
My friends back in New Zealand are what I miss the most, weekends away on the beach, visiting nice vineyards, hiking in the mountains or playing in a rugby tournament.

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?
Photos and videos taken back in New Zealand can always remind me of the best days at home.

Rebecca Scown (middle) with some of the Kiwi contingent who attended the Coronation

Rebecca Scown, CEO YES Charity

How did you come to be involved in the coronation? I run the YES Charity, which supports disadvantaged youth through sport here in the UK. Children and youth is a cause King Charles III cares very strongly about supporting.

What significance does this event hold for you and why/ how does it feel to be one of a small number of Kiwi included in the event? To be representing NZ alongside such accomplished kiwis has really humbled me. As a NZLr I’ve always felt very strong ties to the UK and understand the significance of this once in a lifetime event.

What was your favourite part of the event? I felt really proud and really enjoyed being there alongside fellow kiwis. The boys in their beautiful kākahu ensured we had a lot of celebrity traction and interesting conversations with so many renowned people.

What would you like to share with other global Kiwi about this day? Being a kiwi on the global stage at events such as this you can feel how positive people are about NZ and NZls and our global contribution.

What part of this event will stick in your memory/ will be a story you will tell over and over again to friends and family? After winning 2 Olympic medals I didn’t think I could have such a momentous moment again but the coronation has been an equally inspiring, surreal and special moment. If I have to choose one thing though, it really was a goosebump moment when we all said God Save the King.

Craig Fenton (Front, right) waiting to go through security to enter Westminster Abbey

Craig Fenton, UK New Zealander of the Year

How did you come to be involved in the coronation? I got a very cryptic call from the New Zealand High Commissioner about an opportunity which needed to be discussed live, and was blown away when it turned out to be an invitation to join the Prime Minister’s delegation at the Coronation. I’m told I was invited due to my work with Kiwi businesses and expats via institutions like Kea, NZTE and MFAT, for which I was honoured this year by the New Zealand Society with the UK New Zealander of the Year Award (thanks Hon. Clarence Tan!).

What significance does this event hold for you and why/ how does it feel to be one of a small number of Kiwi included in the event? The royal family has always been part of what it means to me to be Kiwi. I remember clearly the first time the Prince of Wales, and his then wife Princess Diana, visited New Zealand with their first born frolicking on the lawn of the Governor General’s house in Auckland in 1983. I also had deep respect for Queen Elizabeth II. Seeing the Coronation of her successor is truly a once in a lifetime experience and somehow completed a loop for me that started with that early visit by then Prince Charles to Auckland when I was a schoolboy. It was also a real privilege to be in the company of the other Kiwis who attended, including our own Kīngitanga – a great group and I was very proud of how New Zealand showed up and played such a prominent role in the event.

What was your favourite part of the event? Being part of history in Westminster Abbey in the company of so many amazing people, not the least, my fellow Kiwi delegates all of whom I admire deeply. A sensory overload from start to finish punctuated by truly surreal interludes like discussing with Emma Thompson whether Armadillo exist in New Zealand and a chatting to Lionel Richie about our Korowai (he has one too!).

What would you like to share with other global Kiwi about this day? Though we are all proudly Kiwi, and we have together built a Nation that recognizes and embraces the grievances of the Crown’s arrival in Aotearoa, the amalgamation of two people is what makes us who we are today. As a descendant of Maori on one side and Scottish immigrants on the other, this feeling of a mixed Whakapapa runs especially deep. It was especially poignant to share the occasion with our own Kīngitanga and other Kaumatua.

5. What part of this event will stick in your memory / will be a story you will tell over and over again to friends and family? Seeing the moment King Charles III was Crowned, sharing that moment with such awesome Kiwi country people, and the surreal and unexpected meetings with people like Emma Thompson, Ant & Dec, Lionel Richie and Nick Cave. I’m deeply grateful to the Prime Minister for the opportunity, and to Jemma Jackson from MFAT for her incredible support throughout.

Sarah Smart and British actress Emma Thompson

Sarah Smart, The Collective, UK and Europe

How did you come to be involved in the coronation? I was fortunate to get an invite as a Kea World Class New Zealander, and the leader of a successful kiwi owned dairy business shaking up dairy in the UK with delicious yoghurt that’s better for people and the planet.

What significance does this event hold for you and why/ how does it feel to be one of a small number of Kiwi included in the event? It is a huge privilege and honour to be part of the New Zealand delegation for such a historic occasion. I am humbled as a leader of a Kiwi business that is pathing the way in innovative, premium and sustainable dairy, up against big global players and showing you can do dairy differently. I am also passionate about showcasing New Zealand on the international stage and the immense opportunities for Kiwi and New Zealand businesses in the UK. The timing of the UK NZ FTA coming into effect at the end of the month is also significant given the timing of this event and celebrating our special UK NZ relationship. Personally I have also enjoyed many royal events over recent years since relocating to the UK with my family. The whole family attended the jubilee celebrations in St James Park as well as the funeral processions for the Queen at Windsor. But to be invited to the Abbey for the Coronation is something I would have never dreamed of. It is a once in a lifetime experience!

What was your favourite part of the event? Soaking up the atmosphere at Westminster Abbey. I could not wipe the smile off my face from the moment we entered the gates to proceed through security. Inside the Abbey the atmosphere was celebratory, upbeat and excited. Everywhere you looked there was someone of significance from Lionel Ritchie, Katy Perry, to Emma Thompson, Lords / Lady’s, royalty and politicians from all over the world, as well as incredible sportspeople like our very own Richie McCaw. I was literally rubbing shoulders with Nick Cave and Rushi Sunak! Everyone was relaxed, friendly and happy to have a chat and photo. It was truly surreal!

What would you like to share with other global Kiwi about this day? As Kiwi we are so highly revered on the international stage. The males in our delegation were wearing Korowai which attracted a lot of attention, questions and requests for pics. Everyone loved them and loved our New Zealand stories. It reminded me of how much we can really punch above our weight on the global stage.

What part of this event will stick in your memory/ will be a story you will tell over and over again to friends and family? Chatting to Emma Thompson about Bill Baileys Armadillo! Being seated so close to the procession where all the royal regalia entered the Abbey and seeing the crowns, orb, spectre so close. We could almost reach out and touch them. They were amazing! Seeing all the royal family close up – they really do look so regal, they just sparkle! The moment the King was crowned and everyone shouted ‘God save the King’, it was the most significant historic moment I have experienced first hand, and I will never forget it!

It was shortly after their wedding that Monique and her Kiwi husband decided to move to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The couple had met in London where they had been living and working for a number of years, and after returning to New Zealand to get married, decided it was time for their next adventure.

Monique and her family moved to Abu Dhabi in search of a new adventure

Monique, who had been working as a lawyer for some of London’s leading banks, admits she didn’t know a lot about the UAE when the opportunity first came up, and have much of an idea of what day-to-day life would be like.

“When we decided to come and see Abu Dhabi, I had an idea that it would have an isolated, rural desert oasis sort of feeling. Instead, what I found was a very modern, very liveable coastal city. We drove along Corniche waterfront, and I saw the blue seas and palm trees and the whole place felt like a wonderful adventure waiting to happen.”

Monique’s husband job was what brought them to Abu Dhabi, although Monique had one Kiwi connection from her earliest years as a trainee lawyer in New Zealand who proved to be a wonderful friend and supporter as she integrated into new personal and professional communities. Eventually she found the right role in a leading national company. Monique says there is a huge appetite for local and international talent across the UAE as the economy continues to grow, and that this provides enormous opportunity.

Monique’s children strongly identify with their Kiwi culture

“There is so much transformation happening here, and it’s really exciting.”

In her time in the UAE, Monique has worked on corporate programs to support anti-corruption
and international regulatory compliance, as well as being involved in a various gender balance initiatives. She says that these have been opportunities she has felt lucky to be involved in.

“What I have seen is a real drive to create equal opportunities for women, to achieve greater gender neutrality and to create a more inclusive, supportive, environment in industries that have previously been male-dominated. I think to be able to be part of any drive for positive change is a real privilege and when you are given that opportunity, even in the smallest of ways you should take it.”

Monique and her husband have built a happy life in Abu Dhabi, very different to what her earlier preconceptions could have contemplated. They have two young children who are enjoying the exposure to culture that living in Abu Dhabi brings, and at the same time identify as Kiwi kids.

“We have a corrugated iron New Zealand sculpture on the wall. The kids love to wear their All Blacks kit to International Day at school. Now that the borders are open it was also great to be able to bring them home and connect them with New Zealand place rather than idea. They go to an international school so they study in English but they also attend Arabic classes a few times a week, and are curious about Māori language and legends. It’s great they have this range of
cultures, it’s really enriching.”

Monique says they are happy living in the UAE, while at the same time treasuring the
connection with friends and family back in New Zealand and Australia.

“We feel very lucky to be able to enjoy the cultural richness of Abu Dhabi, and of our New
Zealand heritage, and of the other places where we have family and friends. As the world
continues to get smaller, we increasingly feel part of a global community and our Kiwi
connection is a big part of that.”

For Olivia, it was never a question of if the family would move to New Zealand but rather a question of when.

“In the UK I was the only person in my social group who had an expat partner, which meant I was the only one who knew my life was definitely going to change. Most of my friends were making plans to buy homes near their families and look at schools, they understood how their lives would unfold, whereas I didn’t. James has always helped me see the adventure in moving abroad but it was a scary notion that at some point we would be leaving everything I knew and starting over. It was probably a good thing that it happened quite suddenly in the middle of the pandemic, James was offered the right job and we decided quite quickly to just do it.”

While Olivia had some reservations about the move, she says she recognised it as a great opportunity to support her partner while also introducing her two preschool-aged boys to a different culture. However, her perceived timeline of how long it would take to adjust to living in
New Zealand was quite different from the reality.

Olivia with her husband James and two young boys.

“We arrived in the pandemic, so it was really desolate, nothing was open, there were no groups to join, or places to go to meet people, then we sort of headed into Christmas and I wasn’t prepared for how long the holiday period lasts here – in the UK, Christmas is celebrated in a more intensely social December, but over here everyone seems to go on holiday until about February. It was much harder than I expected to initially meet people and make friends and I was really lonely.”

“It’s really taught me the value of social connections. I always knew I liked people and I liked socialising, but I didn’t realise how much I needed it until it was gone. The moment I found that social connection again, I felt better, happier, and I’m very grateful for any connection that I have now.”

Olivia decided to use her background as a personal trainer to help her meet more people and after some discussions with an old boss in the UK, she launched a New Zealand franchise of One Element, a UK based social fitness company, which aims to bring people together for friendship, fitness and fun, much like that of a sports team.

“One Element aims to create a welcoming community sense through our group workout sessions and events. After every training session, there is the chance to go out for coffee, or a drink after the evening session; we have just celebrated 6 months with a ‘HIIT and Hooley’ social and in a few weeks we’re going to hike Rangitoto. I’m planning a mid-winter Christmas event too. As the business grows I want to introduce more events. One Element aims to create a team nature, because the belief is that if people turn up for each other, the fitness will take care of itself.”

Through the launch of her business, Olivia has met a lot of other expats or partners of expats
and says she’s come to realise that her experiences of struggling to create a community are
fairly common.

Olivia’s using her experience as a personal trainer to connect with her community

“My advice to other people who are moving home with Kiwi partners would be to say that it might feel bleak to begin with because there aren’t as many open invitations to join new groups as you might expect, but if you take your time and hunt out your communities, or take part in groups connected to your passions, you will settle in, and when that happens it will be really meaningful and there’s probably a lot that you’ll learn about yourself during that time. I would also recommend people actively work to meet people and make friends, no matter how long it takes, don’t give up. It can feel like it’s impossible to meet people and break into a group but all you need to do is meet that one person and all of a sudden you end up with an abundance of opportunity and it’s so worth it. Seek out community groups and activities and people you think
you could click with – I treated meeting people almost like finding a job, it can be hard work but it’s worth it in the end.”

Almost 18 months into their Kiwi adventure Olivia says she’s now found a group of people she
clicks with and their life has picked up momentum. There are still uniquely Kiwi things she says
she can’t imagine getting on board with – such as New Zealanders tendency to walk around barefoot in places like shopping malls and supermarkets, but other quirks such as DIY she is
embracing.

“I have quite a lot of banter with my British friends because we are like, right, we’re really going
to have to sharpen our DIY skills. We’re just going to have to start painting a deck or building a fence or mowing the lawns. When we first arrived I couldn’t get over how everyone works on their homes on the weekend – how are you supposed to meet anyone if they are all home mowing the lawns or painting something? In the UK if you want something done you call someone, but here you guys just get on and do it, which is admirable. We have a deck out the back of our house that was covered in moss and black stains; the father of a friend at my group fitness sessions came round with some ‘Hit the Deck’ and showed me how to clean it. I was genuinely proud of myself to clean a deck properly for the first time!”

She’s also embracing the Kiwi outdoors and appreciates the unique experiences New Zealand
has to offer.

“I love how vegetables taste like vegetables in this country, I love how easy it is to drive places, I can get from St Heliers to Takapuna in 25 minutes off peak, and there is so much free parking. In the UK you have to pay to park on your street and you can never get a park right outside a place like the museum, or Kelly Tarltons, or a restaurant. New Zealand is also ridiculously beautiful on its calm and sunny days; I took the boys up to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula one day and we were the only people on Army Bay beach. Out of nowhere, a pod of dolphins swam into the bay – I couldn’t believe it, it was just a regular day and here we were swimming with dolphins, that’s really special. As the boys get older we can’t wait to explore further and discover more of this country and all of the special things it holds.”

One Element is a social fitness group operating in the Auckland suburb of St Heliers. If you’re
interested you can find more information here.

France
The New Zealand Embassy to France welcomes Kiwi to commemorate Anzac Day on Sunday 23 April 2023 in Le Quesnoy and Longueval. Visitors are welcome to join locals for the annual procession departing at 11am from the Place du Général Leclerc in Le Quesnoy to the New Zealand Battlefield Memorial. Wreaths are laid at the New Zealand Memorial then at the French Memorial in the town centre. The ceremony in Longueval will take place at 3pm at the New Zealand Battlefield Memorial. More details on both ceremonies can be found here.

Czechia
The day will begin at 11:30 am on Saturday the 29th of April at the Commonwealth War Graves in Prague 3 with the ode and official wreath laying ceremony. When concluded, everyone is invited to make their way to the VK Slavia Rowing Club in Prague 5. Please note that there is no courtesy bus this year, guests can easily travel from the closest tram stop and take trams 5, 10 or 16 to the Rowing Club. From 12.30 to 6 pm at VK Slavia, feel free to bring a picnic blanket and lots of cash for BBQ food, pies, sweets, drinks, a raffle and a voluntary entry fee to help us raise money for charity. There will be an entertainment programme featuring live musicians, plus activities for kids, speeches and a fabulous BBQ run by The Prague Scouts and a well stocked drinks bar that will be serving premium Aus and NZ wines, Prosecco, soft drinks and Ferdinand Beer. The Pie Shop will also be selling their Pies and Sausage Rolls and Sweet Oz will have Anzac biscuits, Lamingtons and more for sale.

Malta
The New Zealand and Australian Embassy will commemorate Anzac Day in Malta on Tuesday 25 April 2023 in the Pieta CWG Cemetery, starting this year at 09.30am to try to beat some of the heat. It should last 45-60 minutes.

Italy
Rome – The New Zealand Embassy invites everyone to an Anzac Day ceremony to be held at the Commonwealth Cemetery in Rome. The service will start at 9.00am and will be followed by a morning tea to be held just behind the cemetery. Please keep an eye on their social media accounts for more details closer to the date. Search the New Zealand Embassy Rome on Facebook.

Milan – The New Zealand and Australian Consulates General invite you to attend a memorial service on Tuesday 25 April at 9:15 am at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, Via Cascina Bellaria, Parco Trenno in Milan, followed by refreshments at Quadri Bistrot, Via Solferino 48 – Milan from 10:30 to noon. Please RSVP to [email protected] with your name and surname of each person attending.

Netherlands
MFAT is hosting an Anzac Day service at 8 am on Tuesday the 25th of April at the Commonwealth War Graves Section, Westduin Cemetery, The Hague. More details to come, please watch social media pages.

Turkey
The New Zealand and Australian Governments will conduct an Anzac Day Dawn Service on the 25th of April 2023 at the Anzac Commemorative Site, Gallipoli peninsula, Türkiye. The dawn service will be followed by an Australian National service at the Lone Pine Cemetery and a New Zealand National service at Chunuk Bair. Further information and the registration portal for April 2023 are available here.

England
London – The Australian and New Zealand High Commissions to the United Kingdom are proud to welcome the public, members of the defence forces and dignitaries to gather at a dawn service on Tuesday 25 April 2023 from 5 am to 6 am at Hyde Park Corner in London and as well at a wreath laying service at Whitehall, at the Cenotaph later that morning from 11 am to 11:30am. Capacity will be limited at the Cenotaph Service. If you wish to attend this event you will require a ticket, to enter the ballot please click here and follow the prompts: https://invtdu.to/_zx4vn. The Dawn Service is not a ticketed event, but security checks will be in place.

Ireland
Dublin – An Anzac Dawn Ceremony will be held on Tuesday 25 April 2023 – Grangegorman Military Cemetary, 7 Blackhorse Ave, Cabra West, Dublin 7 at 6:30am – All are welcome to attend The Australian Embassy will be leading the organisation of this year’s event, in cooperation with the New Zealand Embassy. Please contact James O’Donoghue at James.O’[email protected] if you have any further questions.

Dublin – Organised and run by the New Zealand Ireland Association. All are welcome to attend the Anzac Day 2023 Evening Service – Tuesday 25 April at St. Ann’s Church, Dawson Street Dublin at 6pm. Complimentary light refreshments will be served in the nearby Mansion House afterwards. You are welcome to bring a wreath to lay if you wish. All and any interested nationalities are welcome to join on the night. The NZIA kindly request you to obtain a free ticket (per person) if wish to join, this will assist with catering plans

Kilkenny – An Anzac evening Ceremony will be held at the Kilkenny War Memorial – Sunday 23 April 2023 – Kilkenny War Memorial, 10 Irishtown, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 DH32 Irishtown, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 DH32 at 16:30pm – all are welcome to attend. The Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee will also hold a ceremony at the Kilkenny Great War Memorial in the Peace Park, Kilkenny city on Sunday April 23rd at 16.30. The ceremony will consist of prayer, poetry, music, speeches and reflection. Last Post and Reveille rendered and Piper’s lament played.

Northern Ireland

The Ballance House Anzac Commemoration Service will be held on Sunday 30 April 2023 at 2.30 pm at The Ballance House, 118A Lisburn Rd, Glenavy, Crumlin BT29 4NY. The event will take place outside and on a hill so wrap up warm . Our Annual Commemoration of the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915 commemorates in particular the gallant ANZAC, British and Irish Regiments who took part in this and subsequent conflicts. The Commemoration will commence at 2.30pm with a short Interdenominational Service. During the Service wreaths may be laid by Regimental Associations and individuals. Following the Service, light refreshments will be served.

Scotland
Edinburgh – The Anzac Day dawn Service will take place at Comely Bank Cemetery Edinburgh at 0500 on Tuesday 25th April 2023. A short open-air service will be held during which wreaths will be laid by the National President of Royal British Legion Scotland and other parties. If you have any queries on this event please contact William Millar on 0131 550 1583 or email [email protected]

Arbroath – The NZ Society Scotland and the Arbroath Branch of the Royal British Legion of Scotland (RBLS) are proud to organise their annual ANZAC ceremony on Sunday 23 April, at 11:30am, Western Cemetery, Forfar Road, Arbroath, DD11 3RA. Please arrive by 11:15am. After the ceremony, there will be light refreshments served at The Royal British Legion, Helen Street, Arbroath, DD11 3AP.

Belgium
A series of commemorations to mark Anzac Day will take place on Tuesday 25 April in Belgium: 06:00 Dawn Ceremony at Buttes New British Cemetery (Zonnebeke/Passchendaele). 08:45 Commemorative ceremony at the New Zealand Battlefield Memorial (Mesen/Messines). 11:15 Special Anzac Last Post at the Menin Gate (Ieper/Ypres). 12:00 Wreath laying at the Belgian War Memorial (Ieper/Ypres). The New Zealand Embassy will provide a free bus for Kiwi wishing to take part in the day. This bus will leave the embassy in Brussels in time to attend the Dawn Ceremony at 06:00, and will pick up additional passengers in Ieper en route to Zonnebeke. The bus will return to Brussels after the commemoration at the Belgian War Memorial in Ieper, and will arrive back at the embassy around 15:00. To book a seat on the bus please send an email to [email protected] to ask for a registration form. Seats are allocated on a first come-first served basis. Anzac Day Belgium 2023 | Facebook.

Luxembourg
The Australia and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Luxembourg invites you to a dinner at 7 pm on Wednesday 26th April at Dal Notaro Resturant in Clausen, Luxembourg. We will be joined by Diana Reaich, New Zealand’s ambassador to Luxembourg, and other guests. The restaurant is located at 149 Rue de la Tour Jacob, 1831 Luxembourg. Please register via our website. It’s €60 per person including food and drink (water / wine / beer / coffee). ANZAC Dinner | ANZCCL

USA – New York
Those wanting to attend the Anzac Day Dusk Service at Rockefeller Centre are invited to enter the ballot. Please submit your entry using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/U61hAginGf
A maximum of two passes will be allocated for each successful ballot entry. There are very limited general public spots available. Successful entries will be confirmed by email the week commencing April 10th, 2023. Those who are unsuccessful in the ballot are welcome to attend the Anzac Day ceremony on Tuesday, 25 April 2023. Please arrive at 5:30am for a 5:45am start at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Pier 86 (West 46th & 12th Avenue. While there will be plenty of space for all who want to attend this is in a closed venue, all visitors must RSVP in advance to obtain a QR Code that will be scanned at the entrance. Please RSVP to [email protected] to receive your QR Code.

USA – Chicago
The Australian Consulate-General in Chicago invites all to their Anzac Day 2023 service on Tuesday 25 April, commencing at 7:00 am at the Chicago Vietnam Veterans Memorial, on the Riverwalk (State & Wabash). Coffee and a light breakfast will then be served nearby. There is no charge to attend this event, but registration via eventbrite here is required for catering purposes.

USA – San Francisco
The Australian American Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the SF Kiwis invite you to join them to commemorate ANZAC Day on Sunday April 23, with a service to be held at the USS Hornet in Alameda. The service will begin at 2pm and will be followed by a light reception. Guests will also have full access to explore the museum after the service. Tickets available here: Australian American Chamber of Commerce SF – ANZAC Service & Reception (sfaussies.com)

Canada
Vancouver – Join the New Zealand Consul General and Australian Honorary Consul along with CANZBA members at our annual ANZAC Day Commemoration on the 25th of April from 5.30 – 7.00PM at Victory Square, Corner Cambie & East Hasting St, Vancouver. This event is free and open to the general public. After the service the assembly is welcome to gather for refreshments at Moose’s Down Under, 830 West Pender St (reservations required, call 604-683-3300).

Cambodia
On Tuesday 25 April, The Australian embassy will hold an Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

The service is open to all members of the general public, in particular—veterans, Australian and New Zealand expats. When: Tuesday, 25 April 2023Where: Australian Embassy, #16B National Assembly Street, Phnom PenhTime: Entry to the embassy will be from 4:30 am. The service will commence promptly at 5:15 am, followed by a traditional gunfire breakfast. RSVP: To register your attendance, please email your full name to [email protected] by 18 April 2023. Photo ID is required for entry.

Taiwan
The Australian Office and the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office welcome all to attend a memorial service in Taipei to mark Anzac Day. This year, the memorial service will be held at the Social Innovation Lab at C-Lab (No. 103, Section 3, Ren-ai Road, Da’an District, Taipei City). The service begins at 9.00am and is free of charge. Registration is essential and space is limited. Please send us a Facebook message or email [email protected] to register. Please note registrations close midday Wednesday 19 April.

South Korea
The Australian Ambassador, H.E. Catherine Raper and the New Zealand Ambassador, H.E. Dawn Bennet invite all to the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Seoul on Tuesday the 25th of April from 6:30 am to 7:30 am. The service will take place at the Korean War Memorial Main Hall, with light refreshments served after the service. Please RSVP to [email protected]

China
Guangzhou – The Anzac Day Dawn Service in Guangzhou will take place at 5:50am, Tuesday, 25 April 2023, at Sun Garden, Level 6, InterContinental Guangzhou (828 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou 广州市海珠区阅江中路828号广州保利洲际酒店). Kiwi who would like to attend the Service need to complete a registration form these can be accessed by emailing [email protected]. Please advise us if you would like to bring and lay a wreath.

Shanghai – Anzac commemorations will be held in Shanghai from 6am to 6.45am on Tuesday the 25th of April. Kiwi wishing to attend should RSVP by Friday the 21st of April to [email protected]. Light refreshments will be served after the service. Please let us know if you wish to lay a wreath

Israel
The Australian Ambassador to Israel, Dr. Ralph King, invites all to attend the Anzac Day dawn commemorative ceremony at 5:30 am on Tuesday, April 25. Following the service at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, you are welcome to join their traditional gunfire breakfast. Please RSVP by Thursday, April 13 here.

United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi
The Australian & New Zealand Embassies welcome all to a commemorative Dawn Service at 4:50am on Tuesday 25 April 2023 on the Events Lawn at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi. The service will be followed by complimentary snacks and refreshments. Dress: business, national dress or service dress and medals. ANZAC Day Dawn Service 2023 | Facebook

If you have details of an event which is not on this list please get in touch with us at [email protected] and we will get it added.

What was it that originally appealed to you about this new role?
I’ve spent a bit of time in Ireland over the last thirty years, have watched its tremendous economic and social progress, and felt that New Zealand can both learn from and take advantage of that
progress. Having three grandchildren here made the country even more attractive.

What are the biggest challenges you are facing as you take on this role?
The biggest task this year is monitoring the NZ Europe FTA especially Irish agricultural and political attitudes. Frankly, to date it hasn’t been too much of a challenge because the vast majority of those who have considered the issues involved realise that the opportunities afforded by cooperation are massive.

Trevor Mallard was a strong supporter of better work life balance for MP’s and will now be able to spend more time with his own grandchildren as he takes up a new role in Ireland.

What value do you hope to add during your time in Ireland?
I hope we can broaden the relationship from one which to date has been good but often heavily based on sporting links to one which takes more advantage of cultural and familial ties.

Why is New Zealand’s relationship with Ireland so important?
For all of the above reasons, Ireland is a close partner across a range of policy areas. Both countries have recognised the opportunities for increasing cooperation and have decided to establish Embassies. On top of this, Brexit had made a big difference in Ireland’s importance to New Zealand – it is (other than Malta) the only English speaking nation in the European Union and therefore an important point of contact on a range of issues.

What value can strengthening ties between NZ and Ireland bring to Kiwi?
Dublin is a great place for Kiwi companies to have an offshore base with access not only throughout Europe but also into the UK and even to the East Coast of the US because of the great links through the extensive and influential Irish diaspora there. There are well known company tax advantages but not as well known is the very high proportion of the population that has tertiary education – an important factor in the technology boom. Part of my role will be to help convince Irish companies that New Zealand provides a mirror image opportunity into Australia and Asia.

What opportunities are there for growing Kiwi business in your market?
Kiwi businesses should have a good look at the analysis of the Free Trade Agreement. There will be obvious opportunities for seafood, wine and honey interests but in the medium term there are
advantages for technology companies and service providers generally. We can take real advantage of time difference, a common language and very similar legal systems for overnight professional service provision.

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