His Excellency Peter Woolcott, Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand visited with the Kapiti Rotary Club recently, and surprised the audience by announcing that he will be returning to Canberra shortly as Chief of Staff for the Turnbull Government.
The Commissioner presented an outstanding address regarding the special arrangements that exist between Australia and New Zealand, particularly relative to economic issues, trade, and security.
In the relatively short term of his position here, he has developed a deep fondness for New Zealand, and admires the magnificent scenery. He is equally impressed with the race-relations situation, and the overall friendliness of New Zealanders. He sees New Zealand as a very confident country, with a buoyant economy, and is equally impressed by the manner in which we weathered the world-wide financial crisis through excellent economic guidance and foresight.
New Zealand and Australian governments have regular and meaningful meetings to manage the largest combined economic relationship at this time. These meetings also comprise methods for a working methodology on a host of matters, with a strong emphasis towards national security, and intelligence issues. Both nations have proactive roles in shaping our futures together, and do work together as trusted partners. We take into consideration humanitarian disasters, where we help each other in such as the Christchurch earthquake, and the Ash Wednesday fires as examples.
‘Both nations have so much in common that we are always maintaining awareness for keeping our paths for the future on a similar course. There are 610,000 Kiwis living in Australia, and 65000 Australians living in New Zealand. Tourism between the two nations is huge, and on a combined basis, we present an attractive destination for tourists from around the world. There will always be a friendly rivalry between our countries on the sporting field, but that is healthy. My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed our sojourn in your great country, and take wonderful memories with us back to our homeland’ said the High Commissioner.
Photo: Past-President of Kapiti Rotary, Roger Sowry, (r) thanks His Excellency Peter Woolcott for an excellent address and presents a parcel of locally made product for his time and speech.