New Zealand Festival Launches with Hangi Feast

The New Zealand Embassy in Korea threw a traditional Maori feast called a “hangi” at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015 to launch a month-long New Zealand Festival in Korea to celebrate the two countries' new FTA.

Clare Fearnley, New Zealand's ambassador to Korea, was in attendance, along with Ha Ji-won, the New Zealand cultural ambassador for Korea. Ambassador Fearnley thanked the guests and said, “The New Zealand Festival in Korea is a celebration of the strong and vibrant ties that already exist between the people of Korea and New Zealand, and will expand further under the Korea-New Zealand FTA.” Ha Ji-won also spoke a few words, saying, “New Zealand has a special place in my heart after the wonderful time I have spent there. I welcome the Embassy’s efforts to promote New Zealand within Korea through this month’s exciting New Zealand Festival.”

Accompanying the traditional hangi feast was a traditional Maori song and dance performance by a 12-strong kapa haka group, who had traveled from Christchurch, New Zealand, for the Festival.

The month-long New Zealand Festival in Korea will highlight the business, investment, education, tourism, and cultural and sporting connections between the two countries. There are activities planned for almost every day of October, with prizes to be won, shows to attend, and books to be read. Specifically, it will be possible for two to win a free pair of tickets to New Zealand by Korean Air. Also, a book of Maori folk tales translated into Korean by Chung-Ang University will be launched this month. There will also be a New Zealand Tea Tasting and High Tea at TWG's flagship Tea Salon & Boutique in Seoul.

Information about these events and all the other scheduled events for this month can be found on the New Zealand Embassy's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nzembassykorea/.