New Zealand Festival held in Honiara

The New Zealand High Commission Office in Honiara successfully hosted the ‘New Zealand Festival’ at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Honiara today.

The festival, which is the first of its kind aims at showcasing and promoting the ongoing relations between Solomon Islands and New Zealand.

Students and the general public turned up in numbers to join the festivities.

Speaking to SIBC News, New Zealand High Commissioner, His Excellency Jonathan Schwass said he is happy to see a good turnout from the public.

“ I am impressed to see that a lot of people have taken interest in the event by turning up to join us today.”

“We have around 40 displays which covers all the aspects in terms of the relationship between both countries including government, aid, development, education and sports,” he said.

Organizations and local business that are supported by the New Zealand government were provided the opportunity to share awareness and showcase their products to the visiting public.

His Excellency Schwass said one of the main purposes of the festival was for local businesses and organizations to build their connections.

“One of the main purposes of this is to build connections in terms of business between New Zealand and Solomon Islands. We have chocolate exporters here who send high-end chocolate to New Zealand to produce special delicacies in chocolate to sell in New Zealand.”

“At the same time, we have some New Zealand exporters who send their products here, so we have a lot of potential to develop trade between these two countries through such events,” said His Excellency Schwass.

Local Entrepreneur, Agnes Pilopaso of Pilopaso Chocolate House was among the local businesses who participated in the festival.

Speaking to SIBC News, Ms. Pilopaso said she was excited for the event as they have prepared a month in advance by producing their chocolate products to sell at the festival.

Pilopaso said it was also an opportunity for them to share information on the process of chocolate making.

“We had a lot of people, especially students coming up to us and asking about how we made these local chocolate products as it was commonly seen only in shops.”

“We also had people asking if we can provide them trainings on how to make chocolate, so I am vey happy with the engagement that we’ve had with the public today and just being able to have this platform to showcase and sell our products.”

Promoting the potential of youths in increasing agriculture production in the country was Ola Fou Solomons, a New Zealand supported organization at the festival.

Country Coordinator, Elisha Paza told SIBC News that the festival was an opportunity for them to promote the work that they have been doing in the country.

“I acknowledge and appreciate the New Zealand High Commission Office for organizing this event. It is an opportunity for those who have received support from the New Zealand government to come and showcase the work that we have been doing with our communities.”

“It is also an opportunity for us to grow our network so we can collaborate on our work, because we are working towards a common goal, which is serving our people for the betterment of our country,” he said.

With the many display of products and information booths, students who attended the festival were able to build their knowledge and understanding on common issues from the various information booths.

Honiara Integrated Primary School (HIPS) student, Azaleah Vinano said the event was a great learning experience for her.

“I learnt a lot of new information today on gender violence, how as women we also have our rights, how girls should not be married below the age of 15 but after the age of 18 and many more.”

“I think these kind of events should be hosted regularly as it helps us to learn more about our rights and everyday issues that we need to be educated on.”

ENDS//