by Anthony Micallef

   
Early in 2002 the Association had the opportunity to host the Then High Commissioner from Malta to New Zealand Mr Ives Debarro and his wife at St Gerard's Monastery in Wellington. At this meeting we were informed of the appointment of Dr Carmen Dalli as Honory Consul for Malta in New Zealand for Wellington.

In August 2002 the Maltese Association was again called to participate in and organise functions for a Delegation from Malta which included The Right Honourable Prime Minister Dr Edward Fenech Adami and his wife ,The Right Honourable Dr Laurence Gonzi The Deputy Prime Minister and his wife and Mr Debarro and his wife.

It was during an official state luncheon at Parliament in Wellington that Dr Edward fenech Adami expressed his wish To The Right honourable Prime Minister of New Zealand Miss Helen Clark to open up and ease migration from Malta to New Zealand in the near future and Miss Clark replied that New Zealand policy on this subject is open to professionals who choose to pursue their career in this country.

From these meetings in New Zealand promises of signing the long awaited agreement between Malta and New Zealand were also made by both dignitaries of both countries especially in the Portability Scheme in Pensions.

In early 2003 we received The new High Commissioner for Malta in New ealand Dr Ivan Fsadni and his family at the residence of The Honory Consul for Wellington Dr Carmen Dalli.Again the members present were promised all the assistance required in the future .

This help included procuring the 50th Anniversary medal of Malta earning the George Cross medal to Mr Jesse Freeman Steel who missed receiving it in 1992.Eventually the handing of the medal ceremony was carried out at Pukerua Bay in July by The Honory Consul of Wellington.

In September the Maltese ssociation managed to arrange a function at Parliament with the Assistance of The Minister of Ethnic Affairs Mr Chris Carter a Handing in Ceremony of a ribbon of hand made Gozo lace for The Ethnic Rock in Parliament an unforgettable occasion attended by many of its members from all over New Zealand.This ribbon was kindly made for us by Mrs Pauline Attard of Gozo a returned Australian migrant herself.

For further information please contact Mr Anthony Micallef at malta_assn@hotmail.com