Newsletter May 2026

News item | 06-05-2026 | 23:19

Check out our May newsletter featuring a message from our ambassador and a look back at another successful Dutch Week. There is also a small community outreach in aid of De Molen in Foxton and a reminder about our consular pop-up dates for the rest of the year.

Message from the Ambassador

​​​​​ Dear Dutch community and friends,

From orange parties to stronger ties, Dutch Week showed also this year the power of community in action. 

Across New Zealand, 10 orange bike rides and a vibrant lineup of events brought people together, from King’s Day celebrations in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown to business events, local markets and community gatherings.

At its heart is the Dutch–Kiwi community, whose dedication continues to move our relationship with New Zealand forward.

More than a celebration, Dutch Week is also a reminder that community efforts keep our culture alive and connections are still growing. I am grateful to the clubs and organisations, but also to the many individuals who stepped up and made a real difference during another successful Dutch Week. 

Please, stay connected and let us know if you and your friends would like to organise a Dutch Week event close to you next year in 2027. Kindly email us at wel@minbuza.nl if you are interested in getting involved.

Your Ambassador 

Ard MM van der Vorst

A Successful Dutch Week 2026

Dutch Week was, yet again, a resounding success! With 4 amazing King’s Day parties, including one in Fiji, 3 fun vrijmarkten, 2 well attended business networking events, and 10 fantastic orange bike rides across the country, we sure celebrated all things Dutch!

Thank you to all the volunteers from our Dutch community and beyond for making it such a great event! All your great effort definitely paid off!

We look forward to an even bigger Dutch Week in 2027.

  

 

Community Outreach: De Molen Foxton

Maintenance is necessary from time to time to ensure De Molen in Foxton will continue to operate beyond the next 300 years, as the mill is designed to do. The salt laden winds of Foxton have caused parts of the mill to require attention sooner than expected and they need your help. 

Read more about how you can assist.

 

Consular Pop-Up Dates

A reminder about our upcoming consular pop-up desk dates and locations.

08-09 July - Invercargill

05-07 October - Christchurch

18-19 November - Napier

Further info and appointments will be available approximately one month prior to each date on our website and social media pages.

 

Netherlands WorldWide Contact Center

For all your Dutch government related questions, call our 24/7 Netherlands World Wide contact center on +64 4 471 6390 or +31 247 247 247. Alternatively you can visit netherlandsworldwide.nl.

 

Embassy Closing Days

The embassy will be closed omn the following days:

Day Date   Occasion
Monday 25 May   Whit Monday/Pinksteren             
Monday       1 June   King's Birthday
Friday 10 July   Matariki
Monday 26 October   Labour Day
Friday 25 December   Christmas Day
Monday 28 December   Boxing Day (observed)