Wellington, April 1 – India's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, presented her Letter of Credence to New Zealand Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, on Wednesday. She conveyed her best wishes to the Indian diplomat for her new assignment.
The ceremony began with a traditional Māori welcome.
"High Commissioner Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi presented her Letter of Credence to H.E. The Right Hon’ble Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, who conveyed her best wishes for her assignment. The presentation of credentials ceremony commenced with a traditional Māori welcome," the India High Commission in New Zealand posted on X.
"At the invitation of the Governor-General, High Commissioner sang the Indian patriotic song 'Sare Jahan Se Accha' and the Māori 'Waiata TeAroha'. India and New Zealand are witnessing greater momentum in their existing multifaceted warm and friendly bilateral relations," it added.
On March 21, Muanpuii Saiawi assumed charge at the India High Commission in New Zealand. Officers and staff members of the High Commission welcomed Saiawi.
Saiawi, who served as a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), was appointed as India's High Commissioner to New Zealand in January. She is a Foreign Service officer from the 2005 batch.
India and New Zealand have maintained warm and friendly ties. Diplomatic ties between the two nations were established in 1952. Both countries share similarities such as membership of the Commonwealth, common law practices, and pursuing shared aspirations of achieving economic development and prosperity through democratic governance systems for diverse communities.
Last October, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during which they reaffirmed their commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific region.
"A pleasure meeting PM Christopher Luxon of New Zealand on the sidelines of ASEAN 2025 meetings. Extended warm greetings from PM Narendra Modi. Welcome his commitment to advance our bilateral cooperation and nurture a free and open Indo-Pacific," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.