How it went

"I’m sure there’s no medal for event planning in the Olympics, but I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built and I think that’s the point."

These were our President’s final words at the France New Zealand Association - Association France Nouvelle-Zélande special event for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, in partnership with the New Zealand Society UK.

The vision was to welcome New Zealanders to France, and to celebrate together the friendship and history of the strong relationship between our two countries, with sport at its centre.

Guests arrived at the Marriott Hotel on the Champs-Elysées, walking through the waharoa (gateway) and were welcomed to New Zealand House, a space for New Zealanders and visitors to experience New Zealand manaakitanga (warmth and care) and hospitality, in the centre of Paris.

Our speakers, Josh Hansen from the New Zealand Liberation Museum - Te Arawhata, Peter Miskimmin, QSM, NZ Olympian and Sports Governance expert, and Ian Borthwick, legendary rugby journalist, created a moving and fascinating backdrop to New Zealand's participation in the Olympics this year.

Josh reminded us that the fern worn by our New Zealand Team is the same fern on 8000 WWI graves in France, and that the friendship forged during that war has lasted over 100 years. It was very moving to think of the generations of families who have kept the relationships alive and the incredible museum they have built in honour of their story.

Peter gave us insight into the incredible achievements of New Zealand's athletes on the world stage, especially when they have so much less funding and access to training than many - something that has only become more challenging post-Covid. It was invaluable to have this context going in to the Games, and has made it possible to understand the incredible achievement of New Zealand completing their best games ever.

Ian talked about the founding of the modern Olympics by Frenchman Baron Pierre de Coubertin, and his connection to rugby. We learned that New Zealand was the first country to play an international game against the French XV - none of the British teams would meet them! We received an understanding of the French role in establishing the modern olympic games, and thus the significance of the Paris 2024 games for France and the Olympics in general.

We were thrilled to offer goody bags to our guests, and a raffle of NZ wine, art, pottery and lollies, as well as prizes from Te Arawhata. Any New Zealander overseas know how special it is to get their hands on a Central Otago red or a packet of pineapple lumps!

It was a moving prelude to the ceremony, which we watched on the big screens while eating a delicious BBQ (thank you New Zealand Olympic Committee), and getting a bit drenched, but with our hearts full at the meeting of our two cultures. Many thanks to Clarence Tan, President of the New Zealand Society, his committee, and our Board Members Georgia Aussenac, Clément Aussenac and George Taylor for all their hard work behind the scenes. It was a night to remember!