Wellington International Leadership Programme

Earlier this week we were pleased to run our first Diplomatic Dialogue seminar for 2026 featuring Ambassador Patryk Błaszczak, from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.

Ambassador Błaszczak shared insights into the current economic and political climate in Poland, also focusing on the current situation in Ukraine and Poland’s efforts to support refugees during the war.

Our WILP and Kitea students also appreciated the Ambassador’s insights into how Poland has been shaped by global events, also commenting on the proud Polish community here in Aotearoa.

A big thank you to Professor Rob Rabel for masterfully facilitating the kōrero as well.

Exchange Fair 2026

Thinking about going on exchange? Come along to the Exchange Fair and start exploring your options!

📍 The Hub
📅 18 March
⏰ 11:00am–2:00pm

Chat with:
✨ Returned exchange students
🌏 Current students from our partner universities
🏛 Representatives from partner country Embassies and High Commissions

Ask questions, hear real experiences, and find out where your degree could take you.

Your global adventure might start right here 👀✈️

What an incredible day with the team

We started our day with a walk to the Gobind Devji Temple. The space was so incredibly rich with beautiful colours, culture and music. This vibrancy created a joyful but also deeply grounding atmosphere and experience.

We then ventured through the vegetable and marigold markets, witnessing the hard work of a lively community. We finished our morning with chai and a variety of street food, before heading back to Diggi Palace for meditation.

After some relaxation, stretching and thoughtful conversation we packed our bags and headed to Jaipur Foot. This incredible organisation provides free or low cost prosthetic limbs to millions from across India and the world. Restoring mobility and dignity in a matter of days! We were all deeply moved and inspired during our time at Jaipur Foot!!

After our time at Jaipur Foot we headed to the airport to catch our flight to Mumbai!!

Day Ten was incredible!! I feel incredibly grateful and privileged to have witnessed such rich culture, vibrant communities and listened to such inspiring stories. Thank you for coming along on this journey with me today!! Thank you NZPMSA and

We’re delighted to welcome His Excellency Patryk Błaszczak, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Aotearoa New Zealand, as our first Diplomatic Dialogue guest of 2026!

Join us as he discusses Poland’s “economic miracle,” foreign policy priorities, and the growing relationship between our two countries. He will also reflect on the geopolitical landscape in Europe and his work as Ambassador in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Facilitated by VUW’s Emeritus Professor Roberto Rabel.

WILP and Kitea Impact Programme students can register now via CareerHub:
💻Diplomatic Dialogue Embassy of the Republic of Poland
🗓 Monday 9 March
🕙10.30am - 12pm
📍Hunter Council Chamber, Kelburn Campus

Exploring Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi)

We spent the day in Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad), a place that overwhelms the senses — noise, colour, movement, and smell all at once. It feels chaotic at first, yet beneath it there’s a rhythm that keeps everything moving.

Our first stop was a Jain Mandir, where we learned about Digambar Jainism and its commitment to non-violence. Some followers wear masks to avoid harming insects and follow strict diets that minimise harm to living things. Meeting a Jain saint and seeing this ethic lived so carefully was powerful.

From there we rode cycle rickshaws through Chandni Chowk toward the spice markets. The ride offered a close view of the city — packed streets, constant horns, endless commerce — yet people somehow moved together without collapse into disorder. At Khari Baoli, enormous sacks of spices were carried through narrow lanes, and from a rooftop we saw Old Delhi’s density: layers of buildings, activity, and history compressed into one space.

After Kinari Bazaar we reached Jama Masjid. As prayer echoed, the energy shifted instantly — from relentless motion to stillness and reflection.
Our final stop was the Kathika Museum in the Hamdard Building. Before anything began, Eddie unexpectedly sat at the piano and played a few soulful, jazzy pieces — an intimate and generous moment that caught everyone off guard. Inside, we watched traditional sitar and drum performances followed by Kathak dance, where rhythm and storytelling were carried through precise movement.

Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia | Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a wonderful summer holiday - relax, recharge and have a lovely time with friends and whānau! See you in 2026 🎉

Congratulations to all the recipients of the Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) Award and the Wellington Plus Programme Award for 2025!
It was such a privilege to celebrate your dedication and outstanding achievements at last Thursday’s Leadership Programmes Awards Ceremony alongside your friends and family. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you!

Yesterday, we had the honour of hosting His Excellency Afamasaga Faamatalaupu Toleafoa, High Commissioner of Samoa, for our final Diplomatic Dialogue of the year. It was a privilege to hear his insights on Samoa’s relationship with Aotearoa, New Zealand over the years—reflecting on the past, engaging with the present, and sharing aspirations for the future. A huge thank you to Dr. Iati Iati for chairing the session and for his support in organising this event.

Celebrate Eastern European Cultures at SlavFest 2025 this Saturday and earn 10 experiential points for WILP!

🎉 Celebrate Eastern European Cultures at SlavFest 2025! 🎶🥟

Looking for a vibrant, family-friendly festival this spring? SlavFest 2025 brings together music, dance, food, and traditions from Eastern Europe right here in Wellington.

📅 Saturday 6 September
📍 Te Whaea National School of Dance, Newtown, Wellington
🕙 10:00am – 6:30pm
💲 Free admission

Enjoy live performances from Ukrainian, Polish & Bulgarian dance groups, seven multicultural bands, workshops, artisan food (yes, pierogi!), and activities for all ages.

Find the full programme and details here: SlavFest

A fantastic opportunity to celebrate Eastern European communities’ contributions to life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Last week 20 WILP participants attended the 2025 Council for International Development Conference – Uniting Voices for Global Impact Through Collaboration at Te Papa.

Insightful panels to engaging workshops and a fire evacuation in the cold Wellington wind, led to a day full of learning and appreciation of how Aotearoa’s international NGOs and organisations work together in international development and humanitarian response.

Join us for our next Diplomatic Dialogue on Monday 11 August, 10.30am with His Excellency Afamasaga F. Toleafoa, High Commissioner of Samoa, as he discusses key foundations of the New Zealand - Samoa relationship and potential avenues for strengthening their ties.

Register now via CareerHub: https://careerhub.vuw.ac.nz/students/events/detail/3396507

Last Tuesday we welcomed Her Excellency Manahi Anahiro Pakarati Novoa, Ambassador of Chile, for a Diplomatic Dialogue seminar.

As the only Polynesian Rapa Nui diplomat in Chile’s Foreign Service, Ambassador Pakarati Novoa is actively working to deepen ties between Chile, Rapa Nui, Māori, and other Pacific communities.

The session gave WILP students the chance to engage directly with the Ambassador on global leadership, indigenous rights and Aotearoa New Zealand’s connections with Chile.

Thank you to everyone who joined in this rich and thoughtful discussion, and special thanks to the Victoria University of Wellington Latin American and Spanish Club for supporting this seminar!