40th Anniversary - Civic Reception

Auckland Mayor Mr Len Brown hosted a Civic Reception to mark the Association’s 40th jubilee. Held at the Mayoral Chambers in the Town Hall, special guests included life members of the association, many who were known to Mr Brown. The Mayor paid tribute to the Association on its 40 years hard work for NZ and Fiji links in many areas. Mr Brown was presented with a large painting of flags of the world for permanent display in the new mayoral office. Association Chair Mrs Shona Kamath was joined by Lady June Hillary, Ms Parjeet Singh, 14 year old Shirali and 13 year old Shray for the special presentation. The painting, 1500 x 1200 depicts flags of nations around the world, especially those whose former citizens are now settled in Auckland. The Mayor said it was a most appropriate art piece as he had seen many flags on display at an Auckland school he visited recently and was impressed by the message it sent. The Mayor said he appreciated being given such an extraordinary gift to mark the Fiji Association’s own 40 year jubilee and thanked members for their gesture. Mr Brown was handed a special plaque which will be displayed with the painting when the mayoral office goes to its new location later this year.

MESSAGE FROM FOREIGN MINISTER, HON MURRAY MCCULLY
Foreign Minister Hon Murray McCully greeted the Association on its 40th anniversary and thanked the organization for its role in a partnership arrangement with the NZ High Commission, Suva that resulted in annual writing competitions offered to senior students of Fiji secondary schools.

MESSAGE FROM HON PHIL GOFF, OPPOSITION SPOKESPERSON ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
In a message marking the 40th anniversary of the Fiji Association Mr Phil Goff reflected on his 33 years in parliament and many contacts with the Association, as well as his attendance at countless events.

MESSAGE FROM RT HON WINSTON PETERS, LEADER NZ FIRST
In a message to the Association, Mr Winston Peters said the Fiji Association has done excellent work for four decades and wished it well for the next 40.

MESSAGE FROM MR KANWALJEET BAKSHI, MP
In a message Mr Bakshi commended the Association on its 40 year mark and conveyed best wishes for the future.

MESSAGE FROM LADY JUNE HILLARY, QSM
In a message Lady June Hillary said it is a privilege to be part of the Association and to help in projects like the educational reach to secondary students of Fiji. Lady Hillary recalled how much Sir Edmund Hillary appreciated being involved with the Fiji Association and thanked those who had participated in the state funeral for him.