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Yours is a country at war and you are at the helm, leading your people through a crisis.

We are here today as a partnership between our Government, the China Council and the New Zealand China Trade Association to mark the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between our two countries.

As we gather here this morning I want to acknowledge the significance of the Crown apology to Maniapoto.

At this time of year, as we head into Christmas and summer, you could reasonably expect a bit of entertainment. Instead you have me, and the light subject matter of workforce shortages, supply chain disruption, geopolitical tension, and a high inflationary environment.

I see here today representatives from our communities, academia, members of civil society, and those from the private sector, NGOs and the public sector.

Loss brings with it a chance for reflection. And as leaders, between us we each represent countries and communities who have lost much in these past few years. Through famine, severe weather, natural disasters and a pandemic.

It is a pleasure to join you here today at this 10th meeting of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty.

I want to begin today by acknowledging His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Sir David Attenborough in creating what is becoming akin to the Nobel Prize for innovation in environmentalism.

Talofa Lava / Malo le soifua manuia / Ahiahi mārie / Tēnā koutou katoa – warm greetings to you all on this blessed evening.

This year marks a significant milestone in the New Zealand – China relationship.  

I want to begin with the current state of play for New Zealand, and how that extends to shared challenges with local leadership.

Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be with you today and to greet you in the same manner in which I would greet an audience in New Zealand.

What an honour it is to be back in London, and to be here at Chatham house. This visit represents much for me.

New Zealand is not here to expand our military alliances. We are here to contribute to a world that lessens the need for anyone to call on them.

This summit is squarely focused on the challenges of our modern world. And so it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge one that is front of mind for this region right now.

I want to begin by thanking everyone who is here today, and in particular the Matariki Advisory Group, led by Professor Rangi Matamua.

In Te Reo Māori, the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand, I paid tribute to all of the esteemed guests who stand here in this great forest of knowledge. It is a privilege to be here, and I thank you for the honour.

Navigating difficult times, while also making necessary progress. Dealing with the unexpected, and always, always planning for the future. Challenges not least of which include a one in 100 year health crisis, followed by the biggest economic shock since the Great Depression. And just as the world was recovering, it’s been plunged into the uncertainty of war. 

Thank you to Business New Zealand and Fujitsu for hosting us here today, and I am grateful to be joined by Minister Faafoi, and Minister Hipkins.

Today I come to you amid a six month exercise of accelerating New Zealand’s re-entry onto the world stage.

Let me start by saying how wonderful it is to see people up and down the country gathering together in person again this year, in commemoration of Anzac Day.

Prime Minister Lee – thank you for the very warm welcome to Singapore.  

After two long years of living through a pandemic, it’s easy to lose sight of how far New Zealand has come.

Good afternoon. As you’ll be aware, yesterday afternoon New Zealand time Russia began a military offensive and an illegal invasion of Ukraine.