About the High Commission building

The New Zealand High Commission Chancery building was specifically designed and built for the New Zealand Government in approximately 1982. The Chancery was officially opened on 5 February 1983 by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Robert Muldoon, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Rt Hon Sir Michael Somare. The site includes a Haus-win/Marae “Te Amokura”.

Te Amokura

Te Amokura was conceived by Te Roopu O Te Reo O Amokura (Port Moresby Maori Culture Group) as a focal point for Maori cultural activity in Port Moresby. In 1990, as part of the 150th Anniversary Celebrations for the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the New Zealand High Commissioner, John Hayes, offered to provide a site for a Marae on the grounds of the New Zealand High Commission.

At dawn on the morning of 7 March 1992, Te Amokura was formally opened and dedicated with karakia (prayers). Te Amokura (from a mythical bird with brilliant red plumed tail feathers) is the name given to a place that is very special to us.