Photo by Talamua Media: Their Highnesses, Afioga Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese with the new High Commissioner for New Zealand in Samoa, HE David Campbell Nicholson and his family
His Highness Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi welcomed the new High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of New Zealand to Samoa, His Excellency David Campbell Nicholson this morning.
HE Nicholson succeeds HE Jacqueline Frizelle who completed her posting here in December 2016.
The ceremony was held at the Head of State’s residence at Tuaefu.
The Head of State Tui Atua conveyed Samoa’s best wishes to the Government and people of New Zealand and reiterated on the two countries good relations.
“Over time, our two countries have developed a special relationship that is enshrined in the 1962 Treaty of Friendship and one based on the principles of partnership, understanding and mutual respect,” said His Highness.
“This is demonstrated by our people sharing close family ties, similar cultural traditions and values as well as our infinite passion for sports. These have mutually contributed, in many ways, to the development of our two countries.
“New Zealand remains as one of Samoa’s main traditional development partner which has contributed immensely to the development and aspirations of our country. I take this opportunity to convey through you, to the Government of New Zealand, our sincere appreciation for the generous assistance you have made in this regard.”
The Head of State also highlighted the climate change challenges we face today and Samoa’s hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in September this year.
In HE Nicholson’s remarks, he conveyed his country’s best wishes and assured that Samoa and New Zealand are closely linked by history and share close family ties and democratic traditions.
“These links have, over the years, developed into a strong bond of friendship and cooperation that we in New Zealand cherish,” said His Excellency.
“This partnership is also demonstrated through the valuable contribution that the Samoan community makes to New Zealand and to our multicultural society.
“Samoans continue to make outstanding contributions to New Zealand in many other fields of endeavour including music, theatre, arts, literature, and sport.
“In sport, I would like to acknowledge the most recent success; that of Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa Joseph Parker the World Heavy Weight Champion. Samoans have also been and continue to be the backbone of the All Blacks, notably Tana Umanga, Keven Mealamu and Jerome Kaino.”
His Execllency said New Zealand wishes to continue working closely with Samoa through development programmes to assist Samoa’s efforts in furthering its economic and social developments.
“Allow me to express my own great personal pleasure at having been given the opportunity to take up this appointment. My family and I look forward to living and working in beautiful Samoa. I assure you that I will do all in my power to maintain and enhance the relationship between our two countries.”
The programme this morning started with a welcoming ava ceremony before the presentation of credentials.
HE Nicholson started his service in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2012 when he was appointed as Director of the Pacific Development Division and later took over the post of Divisional Manager for Melanesia, Micronesia and Northern Pacific.
