The Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of Viet Nam H.E. Ms Pham Thi Hai Chuyen and the New Zealand Ambassador to Viet Nam H.E. Ms Heather Riddell have signed an Arrangement to establish a bilateral Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) between Viet Nam and New Zealand. The signing ceremony took place in Ha Noi on 29 December 2011.

The New Zealand Embassy has announced that 30 Vietnamese students have been offered New Zealand ASEAN Scholar awards for the New Zealand academic year commencing in early 2012.

New Zealand and Viet Nam held a third round of our bilateral ‘Track II’ Dialogue in Ha Noi on 17 November.

“Track II” discussions involve academic and researchers from respective countries, as opposed to ‘Track I” contact between governments. New Zealand maintains a number of Track II dialogues with other countries, as a way to introduce new ideas and perspectives to our bilateral relationships. Our dialogue with Viet Nam is significant as our only formal Track II process with an ASEAN member.

Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) alumni and friends enjoyed a simple yet meaningful reception at the Ambassador’s Residence on 29 September. On this occasion, VUW Vice-Chancellor Professor Pat Walsh and Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Rob Rabel met with some 30 alumni and friends and updated them on the recent achievements of students and academic staff at VUW.