Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Ishmael Mali Avui (MBE) was formally welcomed by New Zealand’s Governor General, the Rt. Hon. Dame Cindy Kiro, at Government House in Wellington last Wednesday – 16th July 2025.
The welcome ceremony included a pōwhiri (Māori welcome ceremony) consisting of a wero (traditional challenge), haka and karanga (ritual chant of welcome).
The traditional component was followed by a salute from the Governor General’s Guard, before His Excellency joined formalities inside Government House alongside Ambassadors-designate from Poland and Türkiye.
The Governor General warmly welcomed His Excellency to New Zealand.
The High Commissioner did not present credentials alongside his colleague Ambassadors. Given that the Solomon Islands and New Zealand recognise King Charles III as their Head-of-State, a Letter of Introduction to New Zealand Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon on the 13th of June, served as the official recognition of His Excellency’s appointment and authorisation to represent the Solomon Islands Government.
The High Commissioner was deeply touched by the ceremony, and was honoured to be welcomed by Her Excellency the Governor General.
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