Message from High Commissioner Jonathan Curr
On behalf of the New Zealand Government and my High Commission colleagues, I wish to offer my warmest congratulations to Fiji on its 51st anniversary of independence, and to celebrate 51 years of diplomatic relations between Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand.
It has been another incredibly tough year for many here in Fiji. Our continued thoughts are with all those affected by the COVID-19 virus and its impacts.
We have been proud to work alongside Fiji to deliver COVID-19 support. We stand ready to respond to further requests from across our broad spectrum of relationships.
COVID-19 continues to present an unprecedented challenge to our countries, the Pacific region, and global community. Aotearoa New Zealand and Fiji will continue to grapple with the wide-ranging health and economic impacts of the pandemic over the coming months. We will do so together.
COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on Fiji’s, and the world’s, most vulnerable groups – on women and girls, on minorities, and on persons with disabilities. Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to doing our part to ensure the recovery from the effects of the pandemic respects and promotes the human rights and needs of all.
Until this point, Fiji has, quite rightly, focused on its domestic response –as have we in Aotearoa New Zealand. In doing so we have put people at the centre of our response (led by science and learning from the experiences of other countries) to ensure that we have a more resilient economic recovery.
But as island states, we are acutely aware of our physical separation from the world in this time of COVID. The closure of borders to protect public health has continued to
have a significant impact on Fiji’s economy and society. The impact on tourism has been enormous. Many companies and employees have made great sacrifices, but my enduring impression will be one of tremendous resilience.
New Zealand is committed to supporting Fiji through the significant economic and social shocks caused by COVID-19. We recognise the need for improved connectivity to help restart the economy. I look forward to the day that New Zealand visitors can stand on the shores of Fiji, and families can be reunited. That day will come soon.
Our continued strength and success relies on nations acting together. COVID-19 continues to highlight just how critical diplomacy and international cooperation is.
Despite the continued unpredictability of 2021, I am pleased that New Zealand has been able to sustain our engagement with Fiji in all areas. This includes a new Trade Commissioner now resident in Suva, defence training opportunities, police cooperation, the work of dedicated immigration officials to move thousands of people across the border into or through New Zealand, and ongoing outreach with community organisations across the country.
As our countries begin to resume more familiar economic and social activities I am confident that the partnership between Fiji and New Zealand will continue to be strong, resilient and adaptable.
As my assignment in Fiji draws to a close in December, I have been reflecting on almost four years of service on behalf of my government in this beautiful country. Our experiences here amongst Fijians from all walks of life have brought me and my wife great joy, and created enduring memories and friendships. And I’m particularly proud of the progress that all of us working on building a stronger New Zealand – Fiji relationship have achieved.
Let me end by again offering my congratulations to Fiji for 51 years of independence, and to celebrate with you on the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Fiji.