Auckland, November 3. Organized by the Auckland/Cuba Friendship Society, a meeting of friends of Cuba was held at the headquarters of the Unite Union, on the eve of the UN vote on the resolution against the US blockade of the island.
Ambassador Edgardo Valdés offered a conference on the October Crisis and updated the attendees on the situation in Cuba, the changes in Latin America, and other current international issues.
Wellington, October 25. Ambassador Edgardo Valdés attended the reception honoring outgoing Mayor Andy Foster, who served the city for 30 years and developed a close relationship with the diplomatic community and the Cuban Embassy.
On that occasion, he spoke with the new mayor, Tory Whanau, whom he wished success in her important mission.
Whanau expressed her interest in visiting Cuba, and in strengthening ties with the accredited Diplomatic Corps.
Wellington, October 20. With the participation of numerous members of the Young Professionals Network of the Latin America/New Zealand Business Council (LANZBC-YPN) and several Latin American Ambassadors, a Cuban movie night and party was held at the Embassy to commemorate Cuban Culture Day.
Ambassador Edgardo Valdés commented on the origin and meaning of the date.
In the film, the attendees learned about the origins and evolution of Cuban music, and then exchanged about it and danced to Cuban rhythms.
This organization plans a trip to Cuba next year.
Wellington, October 15. On October 20, Cuba celebrates its Culture Day, to commemorate the first time the National Anthem was sung, in 1868, at the beginning of our wars of independence.
The Embassy in New Zealand has been posting messages from filmmakers, poets, and dance teachers, among other admirers of our culture and friends of Cuba, on its social networks.
A special place occupies the interpretation of our National Anthem by the young student Larainah Tapelu, who learned it especially for this occasion.
Hastings, September 21. Ambassador Edgardo Valdés visited this city on September 20 and 21.
He had a productive meeting with Mayor H.W Sandra Hazlehurst, who informed him about cultural plans, environmental education, and housing construction, among other aspects. They discussed different ideas to develop the relationship.
Together with her, and other members of her team, he toured various places of interest in the city.
Wellington September 18. At the headquarters of the Cuban Embassy in New Zealand, Cuban officials voted for the new Family Code, which in Cuba will be submitted to a referendum on September 25.
After participating in the previous debates and preparatory meetings, all the possible voters cast their votes.
As is tradition, the urn was guarded by a child.
Wellington September 11. At the invitation of the Prime Minister, The Right Honorable Jacinda Ardern, Ambassador Edgardo Valdés attended the Accession Ceremony in Parliament, in which New Zealand officially recognized H.M. King Charles III as it's Sovereign and Head of State.
Members of the Government, Parliament, the Diplomatic Corps, and the general public accompanied the Governor General and the Prime Minister at this historic moment.
Waikato, September 5. Ambassador Edgardo Valdés and Consul Dalila Vázquez visited Te Ohaaki Marae, where they met with tribal leader Tuku Morgan and other leaders to evaluate possible forms of cooperation, mainly in the field of health.
The diplomats participated in a traditional Maori welcome, visited the museum, and exchanged extensively on the history and reality of Cuba and the Maori communities.
Wellington, September 2. The ambassadors of Latin America and Spain inaugurated the 20th edition of their Film Festival (LASFF), which they organize every year with the support of local sponsors.
At the opening, the Mayor of Wellington, Andy Foster, highlighted the interest generated by the festival in the city.
From September to December, 9 films will be shown in 11 New Zealand cities, this year under the coordination of the Argentine Embassy.
Cuba is in charge of the festival in the city of Palmerston North, and is represented by the film El Mayor.
Wellington, August 31. New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Nanaia Mahuta, participated in a working lunch with the Latin American Ambassadors, accompanied by Minister Honorable Meka Whaitiri, and senior officials from the local Foreign Ministry.
On behalf of the GRULAC ambassadors, the Cuban ambassador Edgardo Valdés thanked her for the opportunity to exchange on ways to strengthen and diversify relations between New Zealand and the countries of our region.
