The visit focused on strengthening defence ties between the Netherlands and New Zealand. A series of high-level meetings with Vice Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Mat Williams, Chief of Army Major General Rose King, and Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Commodore Pete Gibson highlighted the strong and practical nature of our cooperation, alongside engagements with senior policy and strategic leaders across the New Zealand Defence Force and the Ministry of Defence.

Part of the programme included a reception at the Residency, where Colonel Verhaaf shared his reflections during a fireside conversation on translating strategic ambition into practical cooperation. The discussion explored the realities behind defence policy: how building real capability takes time, how Defence Attachés increasingly act as connectors between diplomacy, policy and the military, and how enduring operational trust between partners ultimately makes future cooperation possible.

Alongside these engagements, a particularly meaningful moment was the posthumous presentation of the Mobilisation War Cross to the family of a Dutch veteran from Rotorua. Being able to honour service and sacrifice together with multiple generations of a family present was a powerful reminder that defence cooperation is also built on shared history and remembrance.

Although geographically distant, the Netherlands and New Zealand remain closely aligned in values, maritime outlook and commitment to the international rule of law. Our forces have stood alongside each other in past operations and continue to exchange expertise in support of regional stability and shared security interests. This cooperation is further reflected in the Joint Cooperation Statement between the Netherlands and New Zealand, which outlines shared priorities across security, defence and economic resilience.

A truly inspiring visit and a strong reminder that meaningful partnerships are built through dialogue, shared experience and continued engagement.