Summer gathering in Ottawa
1st September 2010 by Andrew Needs, Ottawa | 3 Comments
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- Addressing the function
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- Happy team from the High Commission in Ottawa
While the focus of my role here in Canada is to engage with Canadians there is always value in keeping in touch with expat kiwis who now make Canada their home. We have the KEA (Kiwi Expats Abroad) network, which is global, and there are active chapters in Toronto and Vancouver. There is also CANZBA (Canada Australia New Zealand Business Association) based in Vancouver and other New Zealand based social clubs in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.
To get to know more of the Kiwis in the Ottawa-Montreal regions with their local and New Zealand connections and networks, Bronwyn and I had an informal function at our home recently. This provided a good opportunity to provide consular outreach and also meet Canadian partners and adult children.
Around 90 people attended included those from a range of different business pursuits such as film, pharmaceuticals, security, leisure activities, academics and those with policy connections.
Brownyn had been cooking up a storm for three days so by the time Saturday evening arrived we had a table groaning with good New Zealand tucker which brought out comments of delight at seeing long lost comfort food: lamingtons, mince pies, sausage rolls, club sandwiches, asparagus rolls, pineapple lumps ………… The weather was warm so we could all be outside and the neighbours were treated to a constant diet of kiwi music: Dave Dobbyn, Prince Tui Teka, Herbs, The Mutton Birds, Split Enz, Bic Runga, The Exponents and Hayley Westenra to name a few.
Andrew, you forgot to mention Brownyn’s great pavlovas! The best I’ve ever tasted!
We are confident that we speak for all those who enjoyed your kindness in inviting such a large crowd to the Residence. You both make fine hosts and we look forward to continuing close contact between the Commission and those Kiwis who make this part of the world their current home. Yes, the food was wonderful and brought back fond memories, especially for those who have not been ‘home’ for some time! Thanks Bronwyn (and Conchita).
I would like to echo Chico Wallis’ and on behalf of those of us from “Kiwis in Montreal” express our gratitude to you, Andrew, Browyn and Conchita for a very enjoyable evening at your residence. It was an evening of meeting old friends and very many interesting people whom I had not met before. There is nothing like free food and drink to being out a huge number of hungry and thirsty New Zealanders and their families!!! The food was truly delicous, and from my conversations with other KIM members, you can expect a bigger delegation form Montreal should you be brave enough to repeat the invitation next year.
We very much appreciate your efforts to put on this function… Thanks again for your hospitality and hard work!
Chris Thompson