Wednesday 6th August, 2025
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon came together on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, to remember the long friendship between their two countries and to promise a stronger partnership for the future.
The two leaders met at the New Zealand High Commission in Port Moresby, where they stood under a tree that was planted in 1983 by PNG’s founding father, late Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, and the then-New Zealand Prime Minister Hon. Mr Robert Muldoon.
This tree, which still stands tall today, represents the strong and lasting friendship between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. A plaque unveiling ceremony was held at the site to honour that history.
During the event, Prime Minister Marape said the tree is a powerful symbol of how meaningful relationships grow over time. He quoted an old proverb: “Society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.”
He said the tree planted by late Sir Michael and Prime Minister Muldoon shows their vision for a better future, and now it’s time for today’s leaders to do the same.
Prime Minister Marape said he and Prime Minister Luxon are committed to building new partnerships that will benefit the next generations.
These include plans to grow trade and investment, improve cooperation in education, health, and jobs, and make it easier for people to travel and work between both countries.
They also agreed to strengthen ties between governments and communities, support tourism and cultural exchange, and work together on important regional issues like peace, climate change, ICT and economic growth.
“As PNG celebrates 50 years of independence, we must honour our founding leaders by continuing their work,” Marape said.
“We are planting new trees of opportunity for the generations to come.”
His visit marks the start of a new chapter in the PNG–New Zealand relationship, with both countries now working under the Papua New Guinea–New Zealand Statement of Partnership 2025–2029.