Fiji’s newly-appointed High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, presented his credentials to the Governor-General of New Zealand, Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, at Government House in Wellington, yesterday (10/08/22).
Ratu Inoke, who was Fiji's Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum, praised the Government and people of New Zealand for their forward-thinking leadership and inclusivity, in his presentation speech.
“Aotearoa-New Zealand has also been inspirational in how it has dealt with national tragedy and humanitarian and medical crises and global challenges. Your country has truly been a leading light that has shone brightly in these dark times.
“It has also become home to some of the Fijian diaspora who have contributed in many ways to Aoteroa-New Zealand - including to the world-beating All Blacks - and have become part of the wonderful fabric of a society that many draw inspiration from. Many of our people also support the All Blacks as their favourite team – except when they play Fiji in sevens. (And even your sevens team includes Fijian players).”
“Our countries are also linked by the Blue Pacific ocean, which carried our forefathers and mothers in their waka to the shores of our countries.”
“We are also linked in our commitment to ensure that our oceans, rivers, forests and every creature in them is left in abundance for future generations,” High Commissioner Kubuabola said.
He also noted Fiji and Aoteroa-New Zealand's mutual commitment to ensuring that citizens are not left behind in the development journey while leaders sit at regional and global forums in support of shared causes and concerns.
Ratu Inoke is a seasoned diplomat, having served as head of Mission in Port Moresby and Tokyo and is also a former Minister for Foreign Affairs.
High Commissioner Ratu Inoke Kubuabola was accompanied by First Secretary Ms Melania Baba and Second Secretary Mr Josua Tuwere.
The Fijian delegation were appreciative of the traditional Maori welcome into Government House and later joined Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro and other diplomats and senior staff of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in the evening for a brief social function.