THE New Zealand Festival held last Friday in Honiara was a celebration of the longstanding partnership between Solomon Islands and New Zealand in various sectors, including trade.
This was underscored by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jonathan Schwass.
He told Solomon Star in an interview that the NZ Fest was an occasion where NZ celebrated all the connection it has with Solomon Islands.
“This connection covers the government, aid, business, trade, education, labor mobility and other areas where New Zealand has connections with Solomon Islands.
“This festival is also for young people and students in Honiara to come out and have fun and enjoy the stall show and entertainments,” High Commissioner Schwass added.
High Commissioner Schwass said, New Zealand’s connection with Solomon Islands started way back during the missionary era and World War II and it continued through partnerships in the education sector, businesses and other areas of development.
He also highlighted the importance of growing Solomon Islands’ businesses.
“We have many opportunities for Solomon Islanders to grow their businesses,” the High Commissioner added.
Local businesses were invited to showcase their products, advertising their businesses to people in Honiara during the festival.
Schools in Honiara and Guadalcanal attended the festival.
“We include students in this festival because they are the future leaders of Solomon Islands,” High Commissioner Schwass said.
The students enjoyed the games and the entertainment provided at the event.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
