The New Zealand Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy and Sir David Gascoigne hosted a reception in Wellington on Wednesday for Heads of Mission and their spouse.

The Samoa High Commissioner to New Zealand, Leasi Papali’i Scanlan and his wife, Joyce Scanlan were among the guests.

A story on the  reception was posted on the Samoa High Commission website.  

In her welcome address, Dame Patsy reflected on the difficult year 2020 has been for all the countries of the world and expressed her sympathies on the loss of so many lives from Covid-19. 

She also acknowledged the close relations between New Zealand and the countries that were represented by the members of the Diplomatic Corps who attended and wished those Heads of Mission leaving New Zealand soon a safe return to their home countries and all the very best for the future. 

In his response on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, the Samoa High Commissioner and Dean of the Corps, Leasi Papali’i Scanlan thanked the Governor General and Sir David for their warm and friendly hospitality. 

He acknowledged, with much appreciation, the welcoming and approachable nature of Her Excellency and Sir David to the Heads of Mission and their families from the time they arrive in New Zealand to when they pay them a visit to say goodbye at the end of their terms. 

Leasi commended the Governor General and the Government on the admirable way that the country has contained the spread of the coronavirus as well as the recent peaceful and successful national elections. 

His speech ended with a Waiata from the Diplomatic Corps, led by his wife Joyce.

Also in attendance was the Chief Executive of New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Chris Seed, the Chief of Protocol Rod Harris as well as several other senior management of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Wellington Andy Foster hosted the members of the Diplomatic Corps and their families to Zealandia, the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary for a Kiwiana Christmas lunch and guided tour. 

The Samoa High Commissioner to New Zealand and Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Leasi Papali’i Scanlan was accompanied by his wife, Joyce Scanlan at this special event. 

The day started off with welcome speeches from the CEO of Zealandia Paul Atkins and the Mayor of Wellington. This was immediately followed by lunch. 

This is the first time for such an event which was thoroughly enjoyed by all the Members of the Diplomatic Corps and families, many of whom had not visited Zealandia before. 

The beautiful sunny Wellington weather added to the success of the event together with the excellent guided tours conducted by the Mayor himself and Zealandia staff members. 

Following the Tour, the Dean thanked the Mayor for the warm hospitality and especially for this great initiative on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, which he said will help further promoting closer relations between the Wellington City Council and the Diplomatic Corps.