New Zealand High Commission: A fond farewell to High Commissioner Gabby Rush

High Commissioner Rush delivering welcome remarks at the Matariki 2025 Reception with Singapore’s Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow

As my time as New Zealand High Commissioner in Singapore draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on how lucky I’ve been to serve in this extraordinary place on behalf of New Zealand, the country that I love. There is much I will miss, but even more to celebrate.

Left: With Senior Singapore Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the President’s Annual Diplomatic Reception. Right: With former Australian High Commissioner to Singapore Allaster Cox

I have been lucky to serve alongside an outstanding team at the New Zealand High Commission, with colleagues from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Invest New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, Education New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand, and the New Zealand Defence Force. Together, our goal has been to deepen ties with an already close friend and to ensure the Singapore–New Zealand relationship is fit for the future.

In 2024, Prime Ministers Lawrence Wong and Christopher Luxon committed to elevating the Singapore–New Zealand links in time for the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic ties in 2025. When our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) was launched in October 2025, it was not just symbolic – it was hugely substantive. Including over seventy workstreams covering the full depth of the relationship, the CSP includes a world-first Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, so important right now with the ongoing energy crisis, a Strategic Food Partnership, expanded defence cooperation, and negotiations toward a Green Economy Partnership Agreement.

From Left: With New Zealand PM Chris Luxon during his visit in May 2024. Gabby with Caterpillar at EQUAL Ark Singapore to celebrate the Year of the Horse 2026. At the ANZA & AIS Family Fun Fest 2025

Resilience & resolve
A personal CSP highlight for me was helping deliver the inaugural Singapore–New Zealand Leadership Forum, bringing together 29 of New Zealand’s most senior business leaders with Singaporean counterparts during Prime Minister Luxon’s visit here in early May. Another has been our leaders’ work together, and with other like-minded countries, to respond to ongoing global disruption in new, innovative and agile ways. Neither Singaporeans nor New Zealanders are peoples who sit back in the face of change and accept whatever comes. We are strong, with inner resilience and resolve. It’s been great to see our leaders using the agency we have, to help protect the international rules and governance so essential to small and medium-sized states.

Beyond work, it is everyday life in Singapore that I will miss. The warmth, professionalism and drive for excellence of Singaporeans. The architecture and seamless integration of nature and urban life. Weekends exploring the arts, museums and nature. My favourite hawker centres, early morning walks along the Rail Corridor, morning coffees from Baker & Cook in Chip Bee Gardens on my way to work, time spent at Gardens by the Bay with Felix and the team, whose work captures so much of Singapore’s spirit of imagination and precision. Fruit from Dennis at the Holland Village Market, the ever-present orchids, the birdsong and endless opportunities to promote the best New Zealand produce to Singaporeans. How many people have I raved to about our finest zero-alcohol craft beers, chocolate and nut butters!

From Left: At the ANZA AGM 2026 with ANZA President Toph Brown. With partner Ford Hart and Kaumatua Tony Keepa during Waitangi Day 2025. Lion Dance at the NZHC for CNY 2025

And then there are friends in the New Zealand and Australian communities here. The leadership and commitment of those involved in ANZA is deeply inspiring and appreciated by those of us working on behalf of New Zealand and Australian governments. I have been privileged to work with you and participate in your events. You keep our cultures alive here and bring our communities together. Thank you.

As I leave, I feel grateful for what has been achieved and have confidence in what lies ahead. The Singapore–New Zealand relationship is stronger, more ambitious and more future-ready than ever.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa – Many thanks and regards to all.