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

May 03, 2018

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.

A great opportunity to talk about the NZ Pavilion concept at Expo 2020 with NZ Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah al Nayhan the UAE Foreign Minister. #NZ caring for people and Place @expo2020dubai #NZatExpo. Our treasure box pic.twitter.com/i6osGEfv9C
— Clayton Kimpton (@clkimpton) May 2, 2018

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.

New Zealand has revealed its pavilion design, showcasing its unique approach to sustainability through ‘kaitiakitanga’, which tells the story of deep kinship between humans and nature. You’ll be able to discover the pavilion in #Expo2020 #Dubai’s Sustainability District.#NZatExpo pic.twitter.com/e55V7fKBB6
— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) May 3, 2018

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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