New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Dawn Bennet speaks during the Waitangi Day reception at the ambassador’s residence in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Dawn Bennet highlighted her country’s bicultural foundations and the long-standing friendship between Korea and New Zealand during a Waitangi Day reception at the ambassador’s residence in Seoul on Tuesday.
Addressing diplomats, Korean officials and invited guests, Bennet described Waitangi Day as one of the most significant dates in New Zealand’s national calendar.
“Waitangi Day is a day for us to reflect on who we are as a country and to honor the partnership at the heart of New Zealand — to celebrate the unique bicultural foundations that continue to shape our identity today,” she said.
Bennet said the occasion also provided an opportunity to celebrate the deep and enduring relationship between Korea and New Zealand, noting that despite the geographic distance, the two countries are connected by shared values such as respect, partnership and cooperation.
“Friendship — whether between people or between nations — is built on human connection, and human connection at its heart is built on mutual understanding,” she said.
As part of her remarks, Bennet introduced elements of Maori culture to guests, beginning with the traditional feather cloak she wore during the event. She explained that the cloak, known as a korowai, is a hand-crafted garment worn on significant occasions and symbolizes honor, responsibility, leadership and service to the community.
“When someone wears a korowai, they are metaphorically wrapped in the support and trust of the people that they serve,” she said, adding that each cloak is unique and reflects both its maker and the wearer.
Bennet noted that the korowai she wore was commissioned by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade specifically for the ambassador to Korea, symbolizing the support of New Zealand as she represents the country abroad and works to strengthen bilateral ties.
She also explained the concept of a pepeha, a traditional Maori form of introduction in which individuals share their ancestry, origins and connections, emphasizing the importance of relationships and identity in Maori culture. Bennet demonstrated her own pepeha during the event, delivering it in the Maori language.
Source: Korea Times News
