I am especially grateful for this enduring partnership that exists between Aotearoa New Zealand and Fiji - Darlow

On this year’s Waitangi Day, I am especially grateful for this enduring partnership that exists between Aotearoa New Zealand and Fiji, which will continue to adapt and grow as we face current and future global challenges together.

That is the message from Charlotte Darlow, the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Fiji as we mark Waitangi Day today.

Darlow says our shared destiny as members of the Blue Pacific Family means that we naturally look to support each other in tough times.

She is very grateful for the support expressed by the Government of Fiji to Aotearoa New Zealand on the current extreme weather events and flooding ongoing in Auckland and surrounding areas.

Today marks the 183rd anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document for Aotearoa New Zealand.

It is the day that they celebrate partnership, which sits at the heart of their journey as a nation, as well as their unique culture and heritage.

Darlow says while Waitangi Day offers a special opportunity to celebrate the evolving partnership between Māori and the Crown in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is also an opportunity to celebrate another important and dynamic partnership – that between Aotearoa New Zealand and Fiji.

She says while both of our nations are still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022 we made significant strides forward together. Darlow says our Duavata Partnership represents a shared commitment between Aotearoa New Zealand and Fiji to build resilience in areas such as climate change, security, and a sustainable economic recovery from COVID-19.

The High Commissioner says we also saw a 50 percent increase in our two-way trade, celebrated a festival of regionalism at the 51st Pacific Islands Forum, and advanced women’s empowerment and social protection.

Darlow says crucially, they also supported loved ones, businesses and tourists to reconnect across our borders.

She says she is proud to have seen our bilateral engagement ramp up since the re-opening of borders, and look forward to building on the momentum in people to people connections throughout 2023.

Darlow says as we look to the future, our relationship will be further strengthened through the expanding links between our people and institutions, the continued growth of economic and trade flows, and our common interests in the Pacific region and beyond.

She says she has no doubts that we will continue to work together hand-in-hand to address the unprecedented economic and social impacts of COVID-19 and climate change, amongst other challenges.