Nutritek Group, one of the leading producers of baby and specialist foods in Russia, completed its purchase of New Zealand Dairies Limited in early July.

This is the first major foreign investment in the New Zealand dairy sector. More information about Nutritek is available at www.nutritek.ru .

The newly-arrived New Zealand Ambassador to Russia, Ian Hill, presented his credentials to the Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev on 12 October 2009 in a formal ceremony in the Alexander Hall at the Kremlin. The ceremony officially marked the start of Mr Hill’s three-year assignment in the Russian Federation. The new Ambassador will also be accredited to, and have responsibility for New Zealand’s relations with Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

A recital of Russian songs and a ministerial reception was held in honour of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and the Russian Federation on 4 November in Wellington.  The recital was attended by a broad range of New Zealand officialdom, members of the New Zealand diplomatic community, and Wellington's local Russian community.