February has flown by, with plenty of activity here in Le Quesnoy and back home in Aotearoa New Zealand. As I watch the diggers moving busily behind the museum and see new trees taking root alongside the old, I look forward to the approaching spring and an exciting new phase for Te Arawhata as the garden transformation takes shape.
Meanwhile, in Aotearoa, our Manager of Marketing and Operations, Jacob Siermans, has completed a whirlwind tour of the country, sharing stories of the New Zealand experience on the Western Front and the latest developments from Te Arawhata. While the museum stands here in Le Quesnoy, our mission reaches far beyond these walls. And it is especially important and a great joy that we continue to connect with audiences across New Zealand. You can read more about Jacob’s busy and impactful tour in this article.
Here in Le Quesnoy, I was delighted to spend a few days with Rt Hon Sir Don McKinnon and Simon Gimson. For McKinnon this was his first return visit since the museum opened in October 2023. As Patron of Te Arawhata and former Chair of the New Zealand Memorial Museum Trust, he played a critical role in the creation of the museum. His February visit provided a welcome opportunity to reconnect with friends from his many years visiting Le Quesnoy and to meet with the Mayor of Le Quesnoy, Marie-Sophie Lesne, a long-standing advocate for the museum. Together, we discussed the future of Te Arawhata and how best to welcome New Zealanders travelling to Le Quesnoy.
In just two months’ time, we look forward to welcoming many New Zealanders for Anzac Day and a weekend of commemorative events. I am pleased to share that reservations are now open, and I warmly encourage you to join us for what promises to be a very special three days in Le Quesnoy. From performances by London’s Ngāti Rānana to guided tours and the annual Anzac Dinner, the weekend will offer a time to remember all those who have served in war and to celebrate the enduring friendship that has united Le Quesnoy and New Zealand since 1918.
