Looking forward to 2026 with the New Zealand High Commision

Minister Jeffrey Siow at the Matariki 2025 Reception

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for the New Zealand High Commission in Singapore and our wider New Zealand community, as we’ve celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and New Zealand.

Gabby meeting with two-time Rugby World Cup winner and All Blacks legend Dan Carter

This milestone anniversary has reminded us of the enduring friendship and shared values that link our two nations. The anniversary was beautifully highlighted at our Matariki Reception in June. Marking the Māori New Year, the stars of the Matariki cluster shone in the trees at our celebration, amidst Māori culture and New Zealand talent. For Kiwis present, it was a reminder of the roots that connect us to home, and for our Singapore guests, including Acting Minister for Transport Mr. Jeffrey Siow, a celebration of shared history and bilateral ties.

Minister Judith Collins with the crew of the HMNZS Aotearoa

Over the year, we’ve welcomed many New Zealand leaders, including Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop; Defence Minister Judith Collins; Chief of Defence Force Air Marshall Tony Davies; Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb; and Chief of Army Major General Rose King together with a host of senior officials. Their visits have allowed for meaningful conversations with Singaporean counterparts across trade, defence, innovation, sustainability and a myriad of other areas of importance to both our nations.

We were also pleased to welcome the officers and crew of HMNZS Aotearoa for a maintenance visit and joint exercises, as part of ongoing collaborations in regional security and maritime operations.

NZ Youth Choir at Gardens by The Bay

On the cultural front, the New Zealand Youth Choir delivered breathtaking performances in the Cloud Forest and Meadows at Gardens by the Bay, and thousands were inspired by celebrated Māori artist Lisa Reihana’s GLISTEN at the Roof Garden of the National Gallery. A striking artwork of 114,000 shimmer discs in a kinetic installation, it was inspired by Southeast Asian Songket and Māori Tāniko weaving patterns.

Sixtieth Anniversary celebrations reached their pinnacle in October with the landmark visit to New Zealand by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Prime Ministers’ Luxon and Wong signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) to drive cooperation across six pillars: Trade and Economics; Defence and Security; Science and Innovation; People-to-People links; Climate and Green Economy; and Supply Chains and Connectivity. The CSP will ensure our relationship that was forged in history, is fit for the future.

GLISTEN by Lisa Reihana

None of these highlights would be complete without acknowledging the vibrant spirit of the Kiwi community in Singapore, whose warmth and enthusiasm help make every moment special. We are grateful to ANZA for the role you play in supporting this. As we look forward to 2026, let’s carry this spirit with us – celebrating our unique culture, shared achievements, and the friendships that make being a Kiwi abroad so rewarding.

Here’s wishing all a joyful festive season and a new year filled with promise, solidarity, and unforgettable moments together!

Gabby