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.