Prime Minister Anutin began his visit to New Zealand with a warm Maori-style welcome before joining New Zealand’s leader to open a new chapter in their diplomatic relations, marking the 70th anniversary of their established ties.
On 21 August 2026 at 10:00 a.m. local Auckland time, which is five hours ahead of Thailand, at the Governor-General's residence in Auckland, New Zealand, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife, arrived at the residence to take part in an official Maori welcoming ceremony. The atmosphere was warm, friendly, and full of goodwill, reflecting the strong and longstanding friendship between Thailand and New Zealand, which this year celebrates 70 years since establishing diplomatic relations.
Upon arrival on the lawn in front of the Governor-General’s residence, Maori elders (Kaumātua) and senior Maori women (Kuia) assigned to the residence welcomed the Prime Minister with the traditional nose-touch greeting before commencing the Maori welcoming ceremony, honoring New Zealand’s indigenous people.
On the lawn, Maori tribe members in traditional dress performed the Wero ceremony, a ritual testing the visitor’s intentions to see if they come in peace. Maori warriors placed carved objects on the ground for the Prime Minister to pick up and hold, signifying peaceful intent, after which the warriors cleared the way for him to enter the Maori welcoming ceremony.
The ceremony continued with the Karanga, a traditional call to welcome high-ranking guests, performed by senior Maori women. This was followed by the Haka, a traditional welcoming dance honoring the visitor. The entire event was warm and friendly, blending the dignity and unique cultural identity of New Zealand.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister and his wife proceeded to the center of the lawn where The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, and his wife warmly awaited them. The Thai Prime Minister then took the salute as the military band played the national anthems of Thailand and New Zealand in sequence, followed by an inspection of the honor guard.
Following the ceremony on the lawn, the Thai Prime Minister and his wife, along with the New Zealand Prime Minister and his wife, entered the Governor-General’s residence. The Prime Minister signed the guest book before the leaders and their spouses took photos together and exchanged commemorative gifts.
At 10:30 a.m., the two prime ministers held a small-group meeting, exchanging views on the future direction of Thai-New Zealand relations after upgrading ties to a “Strategic Partnership.” They aimed for this partnership to serve as a key mechanism driving closer and more tangible cooperation.
The leaders also exchanged perspectives on Thailand and New Zealand’s roles as partners promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, as well as strengthening economic ties and people-to-people connections. Their goal is for this new chapter in Thai-New Zealand relations to create practical opportunities and benefits for citizens of both countries. The full delegation meeting was scheduled to continue at 11:00 a.m., Ms. Ratchada added.
