Thanks for the many warm welcomes I’ve received. I’m thrilled to be back in Asia representing New Zealand in Singapore. I’m looking forward to meeting fellow Kiwis through my work with the High Commission and to working closely with ANZA and the great Antipodean communities it serves.
My partner Ford and I have both lived in Asia before – I’ve had earlier assignments in Beijing and Hong Kong – but this is our first time living in Singapore. We have much to learn and a lot to explore as we settle into our new life here.
When I’m not working with the High Commission team to enhance New Zealand’s links with Singapore, I’ll be on the lookout for good spots to swim at – I’m trading a passion for ocean swimming in Wellington for the beauty of Singapore’s many pools. Happy Year of the Rabbit!
RETURN OF THE KIWI CUP
The start of 2023 marked the return of a very special tradition – The Kiwi Cup! The annual Kiwi Cup goes back to 1967 when Saint Andrew’s School and Raffles Institution competed for the prestigious Cup donated by New Zealand’s very first High Commissioner to Singapore, Jim Weir.
Deputy High Commissioner Peter Kemp was fortunate to witness the first Kiwi Cup held after Covid. It was a nail-biting game with some very hard work and gumption shown by both teams, but ultimately Raffles Institute prevailed this year. The highlight of the match however, was an incredible haka performed by the RI team. This haka was taught to the team by members of the New Zealand Defence Force in the early years of the Kiwi Cup.
NZ TEAM WINS AT INAUGURAL SINGAPORE SAIL GRAND PRIX
We’re incredibly proud of the NZ Sail GP team for placing first at the inaugural Singapore Sail Grand Prix race in Singapore. The NZ team battled back from a four point pre-event penalty to claim dominating victory over Denmark and Australia amid very difficult weather conditions.
In addition to watching a fantastic display of talent and sportsmanship, Deputy High Commissioner Peter Kemp had a chance to learn all about how the Sail GP has committed to ensuring all its races are climate positive. SailGP uses SGD$1.50 from each ticket to projects that offset carbon emissions, and has adopted a food charter which encourages low carbon choices and locally sourced primarily vegan and vegetarian food served in sustainable packaging.
