New Zealand reveals Dh194.7m pavilion design for Dubai Expo 2020

The design was shown to Sheikh Abdullah - who is in the country on an official visit - by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

A rendering of the New Zealand pavilion for Dubai Expo 2020. Courtesy New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

New Zealand revealed its pavilion design for Dubai Expo 2020 to Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed on Wednesday.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation is in the island country this week to meet with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to discuss bilateral relations.

On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters showed a rendering of the pavilion to Sheikh Abdullah, during a meeting to discuss strengthening the countries' relationship. They discussed a range of areas to strengthen cooperation, such as trade and investment, energy and renewables, and food security.

The two then signed a partnership agreement between the governments of New Zealand and the UAE.

The $53 million (Dh194.7m) pavilion will be in the expo's sustainability district and tell the story of New Zealand's kaitiakitanga - the care and connection between land and people.

It was inspired by waka taonga, receptacles made by Māori to safe-guard items of considerable intrinsic value.

The 2000 square metre pavilion features an exhibition space, restaurant, design store and hosting facilities. The carved containers include waka huia and papahou - important cultural symbols for protection and the maintenance of values and practices.

Sheikh Abdullah also met with National Party leader Simon Bridges, Trade Minister David Parker, Defence Minister Ron Mark and Education Minister Chris Hipkins.

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Dubai Expo 2020: All you need to know