The three-day state visit to New Zealand by the royal couple Willem-Alexander and Máxima began on Monday, Nov. 7. The visit follows the state visit to Australia last week and again runs parallel to an economic mission with a Dutch trade delegation. Transfer LBC takes care of the matchmaking here (a total of 250 appointments set up and group visits organized) and shows you an impression of these first moments in this special country. (Right photo: the Transfer LBC team)

Again, the state visit is all about confirming and strengthening the historical and bilateral ties between the Netherlands and New Zealand, which date back to 1642, almost 375 years ago. Abel Tasman, a Dutch East India Company sailor, was the first European to visit New Zealand at that time. Hence, an extensive trade delegation led by Minister Henk Kamp (Economic Affairs) is also in New Zealand during this state visit.

The King’s first challenge in New Zealand was to engage in a powhiri with a wero as part of the welcome ceremony at Government House, the Governor General’s residence. In doing so, the Maori, New Zealand’s original inhabitants, challenge visitors to demonstrate that they have come with good intentions. To indicate that this was the case, the king then had to pick up the “dart” laid at his feet. The Maori tribal elder then gave the king a traditional nose kiss (Hongi) after which he was given access to Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy, who invited the king to inspect the guard of honor.

Below: a small part of the 60 participants of the Dutch trade delegation (LSH/Health sector). Ceo Gerald Baal of TRANSFER specially exchanged his orange tie for a real ‘All Black’ tie while addressing the Dutch and New Zealand trade delegation. He spoke after Hans de Boer, chairman of VNO-NCW. A total of 250 appointments are scheduled for the Dutch trade delegation, the first of which have already been held and have gone extremely well. In fact, deals have already been struck. The Kiwis were very impressed with the professional organization and quality of the matchmaking, and stressed the importance of starting partnerships between the two sides.

Willem-Alexander and Máxima are not unfamiliar with New Zealand, which they visited during their honeymoon in 2002 and then for an official visit in 2006. Speaking to New Zealand journalists at Noordeinde Palace ahead of the state visit, the king said he had particularly fond memories of his previous stay in their country.

Wednesday is the final day of the visit in Auckland, where the King will speak at a meeting (Trade lunch) of the trade delegation. In addition, the King and Queen will then attend part of the Future of Food economic conference, which will focus on intensifying cooperation in agriculture, food and horticulture.