Vaovasamanaia Rt. Hon. Winston Peters Farewell from Parliament
4th December 2020
On Tuesday 2nd December, the Samoa High Commissioner and Members of the Diplomatic Corps attended the Reception hosted by the new NZ Minister of Minister of Foreign Affairs (Hon Nanaia Mahuta) to farewell Afioga Vaovasamanaia the Rt Hon Winston Peters from MFAT and Parliament. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern, Cabinet Ministers, the Speaker of Parliament, Members of Parliament, the Heads of Mission of the Diplomatic Corps and Spouses were also present.
The Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern delivered introductory remarks, acknowledging Rt Hon Winston Peters valuable contribution to the promotion of New Zealand’s relationship with other countries during his term as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Afioga Vaovasamanaia then spoke about his time as the NZ Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Samoa High Commissioner followed, speaking on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps. In his speech, the High Commissioner acknowledged Vaovasamanaia’s career in New Zealand Parliament during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, especially in promoting closer relations between New Zealand and the 50 countries represented in Wellington. HE Leasi acknowledged Vaovasamanaia’s very positive contribution to his country (Samoa) and the Pacific Region through the Pacific Reset which increased New Zealand’s focus on the Pacific. Vaovasamanaia was a respected leader and a good friend of the Leaders of the island countries especially given his strong interest on issues of great importance to the Region such as climate change, security and economic development. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta then delivered her remarks commending her predecessor’s efforts and long career in Parliament and foreign relations. The Samoa High Commissioner was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Joyce Scanlan.
The Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern delivered introductory remarks, acknowledging Rt Hon Winston Peters valuable contribution to the promotion of New Zealand’s relationship with other countries during his term as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Afioga Vaovasamanaia then spoke about his time as the NZ Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Samoa High Commissioner followed, speaking on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps. In his speech, the High Commissioner acknowledged Vaovasamanaia’s career in New Zealand Parliament during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, especially in promoting closer relations between New Zealand and the 50 countries represented in Wellington. HE Leasi acknowledged Vaovasamanaia’s very positive contribution to his country (Samoa) and the Pacific Region through the Pacific Reset which increased New Zealand’s focus on the Pacific. Vaovasamanaia was a respected leader and a good friend of the Leaders of the island countries especially given his strong interest on issues of great importance to the Region such as climate change, security and economic development. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta then delivered her remarks commending her predecessor’s efforts and long career in Parliament and foreign relations. The Samoa High Commissioner was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Joyce Scanlan.