New Zealand Embassy in Belgium

08/09/2026

Over the weekend Ambassador Jen Troup had the pleasure of attending two events with a very special 🇧🇪 - 🇳🇿 connection.

First was the book launch and opening of an exhibition of photographs by Johan Swinnen, Art Expert and Emeritus Professor of Art History and Visual Culture, who spent 3 months travelling around New Zealand earlier this year. During his time there he wrote a series of 22 insightful essays and captured beautiful images to accompany his words- which have now been bound into a book: Panorama van Aotearoa.

The exhibition runs until 30 October at Galerie Humanistisch Verbond in Antwerp:

https://be.humanistischverbond.filebuddy.be/media/uploads/activiteiten_2026/flyer_uitnodiging_vernissage_swinnen_gommé_06-09-2026-def-lr.pdf

Ambassador Troup also attended the opening of Rhythm of Lace,
a collaborative exhibition featuring artists from New Zealand and Belgium, including Honorary Belgian Consul to New Zealand Godelieve Bierque, Annemie Rager, Liz Hawker, Luca Soulos and Nan Mulder. The exhibition showcases the creativity and craftmanship that continue to inspire connections across cultures.

This exhibition runs until 27 September at the Épreuve d'artiste galerij in Antwerp:

https://www.epreuvedartiste.be/e_2026_RythmOfLace.php

19/08/2026

The Brussels Flower Carpet may have gone, but for the next two weeks, three large-scale public art installations by New Zealand 🇳🇿 design studio KA PAI will bring colour, craft and optimism to the streets of Brussels.

Three installations, From Her Hands, Street Party and Acts of Defiant Joy can be found around Brussels until 30 August.

Have you seen them? Let us know, and share pictures, in the comments below!

More information on:

KA PAI is a Brussels-based creative studio bringing floral events, public art installations, and brand launches to life with style, creativity, and wow.

17/08/2026

New Zealand Ambassador to the EU & NATO Simon Draper was delighted to see Timor Leste Ambassador Lurdes Bessa last week. As the current Chair of the ASEAN group in Brussels, it was very useful to hear about her current work.

10/08/2026

Ambassador Jen Troup had the pleasure to meet with Lieve Bierque, Belgium's 🇧🇪 Honorary Consul to New Zealand 🇳🇿 (South Island) and an accomplished artist, along with Chris Verheyen, founder of Galerij Épreuve d'Artiste in Antwerp.

Lieve's work will be featured in the upcoming exhibition Rhythm of Lace, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship that continue to inspire connections across cultures.

Ambassador Troup looks forward to attending the exhibition opening on 6 September and earning more about the works that will be featured in Rhythm of Lace.

🔗 https://www.epreuvedartiste.be/e_2026_RythmOfLace.php

03/08/2026

On 31 July, Deputy 🇳🇿 Ambassador Te Aniwa Setters joined a commemoration in honour of Lance Corporal Leslie Wilton Andrew VC.

Awarded the Victoria Cross at just 20 years old, Andrew displayed exceptional bravery and leadership during the New Zealand attack on La Basseville in 1917. His actions left a lasting impression on his comrades and earned him the highest award for gallantry.

More about his story and service: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/leslie-andrew-vc

Lest we forget 🌹 Kei wareware tātou

Thank you Francois Maekelberg for your dedication and for organising this ceremony every year. And thank you Annelies Swaenepoel for the lovely pictures 🙏

21/07/2026

Wishing all of our friends across Belgium 🇧🇪 a very happy National Day! 🎆

The Embassy and Mission are closed today. New Zealanders 🇳🇿 requiring consular assistance during this time are requested to check www.safetravel.govt.nz ✅ in the first instance, or call the 24/7 emergency duty officer on ☎️ +64 99 20 20 20 in case of urgent assistance requests.

Lost or stolen NZ passport? ➡ www.passports.govt.nz
Travelling to Europe? ➡ https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/what-is-the-ees
Visa/immigration enquiries? ➡ www.immigration.govt.nz

10/07/2026

Mānawatia a Matariki! ✨ We welcome the celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year. This is a is a time to reflect, remember, and look ahead with intent.

As we mark Matariki, we acknowledge those we have lost in the past year, celebrate the present with whānau and loved ones, and share goals and aspirations for the year ahead.

08/07/2026

This week Ambassador Jennifer Troup and Defence Attaché RNZN Captain James Barnes were honoured to join the McFarland family and all those who gathered at Passchendaele New British Cemetery to rededicate the grave of Corporal Thomas Nigel McFarland of the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps.

More than a century after he lost his life during the Battle of Passchendaele on 12 October 1917, Corporal McFarland is now commemorated by name at the place where he rests. It was a deeply moving ceremony, providing an opportunity to reflect on his service and sacrifice, and to recognise the dedication and research of the many people who made this moment possible.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this important occasion, particularly the McFarland family, whose presence made the ceremony especially meaningful. It was a privilege to stand together in remembrance and ensure that Corporal McFarland's story will continue to be remembered by future generations.

Lest we forget 🌹 Kei wareware tātou

📸 Thank you Eric Compernolle

NZ Defence Force Commonwealth War Graves Commission Last Post Ieper Genootschap Passchendaele Society 1917 Field Marshal Haig's Own Pipes & Drums Gemeente Zonnebeke Defensie - La Défense - Belgian Defence

03/07/2026

On Tuesday 7 July at 11.00am, a very special rededication ceremony will be held at Passchendaele New British Cemetery in Zonnebeke to honour Corporal Thomas Nigel McFarland of the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps.

Corporal McFarland lost his life during the Battle of Passchendaele on 12 October 1917, which would become known as New Zealand's darkest day. For more than 100 years, his sacrifice was remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, his final resting place unknown.

Following extensive research and the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Corporal McFarland's grave has now been identified, allowing him to be commemorated by name at the place where he rests.

This ceremony is an important opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of a New Zealander who gave his life during the First World War and to ensure that his story continues to be remembered by future generations.

We are honoured to join the McFarland family and Ambassador Jennifer Troup in paying tribute to Corporal McFarland at this special ceremony of remembrance.

The ceremony is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

Lest we forget 🌹 Kei wareware tātou

Learn more about the Battle of Passchendaele here: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/western-front-1917

25/06/2026

⚽ GAME ON! 🇳🇿🇧🇪

We're excited to cheer on two teams close to our hearts as New Zealand takes on Belgium in the FIFA World Cup on Saturday!

A big shout-out to the New Zealand All Whites and the Belgian Red Devils – we'll be watching and supporting both sides in what promises to be an exciting match.

Good luck to both teams, and may the best side win! 🙌⚽