On Wednesday 16 December, the Governor General (HE The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy) and Sir David Gascoigne hosted a Reception for the Heads of Mission (Ambassadors & High Commissioners) plus their Spouses at Government House. Also in attendance was the Chief Executive of Foreign Affairs (Mr Chris Seed), the Chief of Protocol (Mr Rod Harris) as well as several other Senior Management of the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In her welcome address, Her Excellency reflected on the very 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. Dame Patsy Reddy acknowledged the close relations between New Zealand and the countries represented by the members of the Diplomatic Corps and she wished those Heads of Mission leaving NZ soon, 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 & Dean (HE Leasi Papali’i Scanlan) thanked the Governor General and Sir David for their warm and friendly hospitality. HE Leasi acknowledged, with much appreciation, the welcoming and approachable nature of Her Excellency and Sir David to the Heads of Mission & Families from the time they arrive into New Zealand to when they pay them a visit to say goodbye at the end of their terms. The Dean commended the Governor General (as Head of State) and the Government on the admirable way that NZ has contained the spread of the coronavirus as well as the recent peaceful and successful national elections. The Dean’s speech ended with a Waiata from the Diplomatic Corps, led by Mrs Joyce Scanlan.