As France and New Zealand celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations it’s often forgotten how geographically close the two countries are with French Polynesia and New Caledonia located in our backyard, the Pacific. The two French territories are among several just hours from New Zealand, making France not only a global partner but a Pacific neighbour, highlighting the importance of keeping strong and active ties.
To celebrate this 80-year milestone, the New Zealand Embassy to France hosted an event welcoming members of both the New Zealand and French communities to its offices on a stunning afternoon in Paris. Coinciding with the International Paris Air Show, this event provided an opportunity not only to look back on 80 years of rich partnership and cultural exchange, but a chance to look ahead to how our nations can continue to innovate and work together, including in the aeronautical industry.
Ambassador Caroline Bilkey and Madame la Députée (Representative in France’s National Assembly) Dominique Voynet, President of the New Zealand Friendship Group, each spoke about the importance of keeping strong international connections and friendships during these difficult global circumstances.
Their words were then followed by stirring performances by Ngāti Rānana, the London Māori Club and kapa haka group, and Julien Van Mallaerts, Kiwi Paris-based opera singer.
Since formal relations were established between France and New Zealand in 1945, the countries have developed a wide-ranging partnership spanning diplomacy, climate action, education, technology, and sport.
In recent years, the two countries undertook the joint leadership of the Christchurch Call initiative. Launched in response to the 2019 terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which 51 people lost their lives, the Christchurch Call addresses the use of online platforms to spread violent extremist content.
In Northern France, the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata celebrates the enduring friendship between the French people and Kiwis. Te Arawhata is more than a museum – it helps build global connections and is a place of pilgrimage for families whose relatives served on the Western Front.
The Franco-New Zealand connection is also reflected in sport, especially on the rugby field. This year’s July test series between the All Blacks and Les Bleus in New Zealand continues a rivalry that has endured for more than a century.
To highlight this rivalry, the All Blacks and France have played for the Dave Gallaher Trophy since 2000. It is named after Dave Gallaher, the captain of The Originals All Black team from 1905, who was killed in action on the Western Front on October 4, 1917, during World War One.
The sporting relationship goes far beyond competition. To reinforce the friendship between the two countries, New Zealand Rugby gifted a hand-carved wooden bench to Te Arawhata during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The bench symbolises the enduring sporting and cultural ties between the nations and honours a relationship built on shared respect and remembrance.
