Thursday 31 July 2025, Wellington, New Zealand – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, MP, was this morning accorded a ceremonial Māori Pōwhiri welcome at Parliament House in Wellington, New Zealand. The welcome included the traditional wero challenge, followed by the karanga (call of welcome), haka pōwhiri, greetings with the tangata whenua, and a Guard of Honour. Prime Minister Manele then signed the Visitors’ Book inside Parliament House.
Prime Minister Manele was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Joycelyn Manele, the MP for West Kwaio Hon. Claudius Tei’ifi, the Chairman of the Cabinet Bina Harbour Sub‑Committee Taskforce, and officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
He was received by New Zealand Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, Mrs. Amanda Luxon, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Gerry Brownlee, and Brigadier Grant Motley representing the Chief of Defence Force.
Following the ceremonial welcome, Prime Minister Manele held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Luxon to discuss cooperation in infrastructure, fisheries, labour mobility, trade, climate resilience, and security.
The Māori ceremonial welcome is one of the highest honours accorded to visiting leaders in New Zealand, symbolising peaceful intent and respect between the two countries.
The Solomon Islands and New Zealand have maintained close diplomatic relations since 1978, working together in areas including development assistance, fisheries, labour mobility, education, climate resilience, and regional security.
Prime Minister Manele’s visit to New Zealand is at the request of the New Zealand Government and reflects the close and enduring partnership between the two countries.
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– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT
