TĒNĀ KOE!

The New Zealand Embassy’s Defence Force hosted Aleethia’s “Friday Night Dinner” for 60 wounded/injured/ill service members, family members and guests. Embassy staff members performed the “Haka,” the Maori welcome ceremony for the service members and their guests.

Our host, Ambassador Dr. John Subritzky, Deputy Chief of the Mission, extended greetings to all … “New Zealand and the United States are old friends…” sharing strong values …working together … a relationship that is a very important one to New Zealand.

Each table was decorated with items to represent a province of New Zealand. New Zealanders (“Kiwis”) served as table hosts and provided informative conversations of the culture, food, customs, landscape, etc. of the various regions. Everyone enjoyed the buffet of delectable New Zealand cuisine including Pavlova – a traditional celebratory dessert.

There were unique raffle prizes for several lucky winners. Also, a quiz regarding facts of New Zealand was conducted and guests at one of the tables who got the most correct answers received a basket of New Zealand items to share. Amazingly… there was a four-way tie!

The friendly and outgoing Kiwis made for a most enjoyable and fun evening…See You Again!