JAKARTA, 8 May 2025 – A photo exhibition commemorating 50 years of ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relations was officially opened today at the ASEAN Secretariat, celebrating five decades of enduring partnership, cooperation, and friendship.
The exhibition showcases 13 photo boards that reflect the theme “Titiro whakamuri, kōkiri whakamua,” a Māori proverb meaning reflecting on the past while looking toward to the future. These boards illustrate the breadth and depth of ASEAN-New Zealand relations through the four thematic pillars of the current Plan of Action: Peace, Prosperity, People, and Planet. Through compelling imagery, the exhibition tells the story of a partnership rooted in shared values and committed to building a stronger, more integrated region.
New Zealand’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Joanna Anderson, delivered opening remarks, highlighting the strength, and growing scope of ASEAN-New Zealand partnership. She underscored that while the exhibition reflects the shared achievements of the past, it also affirms both sides’ commitment to deepening collaboration, as ASEAN and New Zealand work towards elevating the dialogue relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in this milestone year.
Following the remarks by Ambassador Anderson, Dr. Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to ASEAN, the country coordinating ASEAN-New Zealand relations, addressed the participants. She noted the significance of the exhibition in reflecting the journey of ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation over the past 50 years. “The photos before us vividly tell the story of how our partnership has evolved and been strengthened, year by year, decade by decade. We see the visual progression from the early days, with photos that began in black and white, to the vibrant coloured images that capture the depth and breadth of our cooperation today,” she said.
In his keynote address, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, underscored the significance of this 50-year milestone of ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relations. He highlighted New Zealand’s role as a trusted and valued partner in advancing ASEAN community-building and upholding ASEAN Centrality. This enduring partnership has been marked by meaningful development cooperation, technical assistance, innovative capacity-building programs, and active participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms that simultaneously empower our communities and foster regional integration.
A performance of Waiata, a traditional Māori song, by staff members from the New Zealand Mission to ASEAN and the New Zealand Embassy, provided additional cultural highlight to the event.
