Prime Ministers Marape and Luxon honour legacy of founding leaders by committing to future-focused PNG–NZ partnership
Prime Minister James Marape and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stood beneath a tree planted in 1983 by Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and then-New Zealand Prime Minister Robert Muldoon. The moment marked four decades of friendship between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
The commemorative tree stands in front of the New Zealand High Commission in Port Moresby and was the centerpiece of a plaque unveiling ceremony held during Prime Minister Luxon’s official visit to Papua New Guinea this week.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Marape reflected on the significance of the moment, drawing inspiration from an old Greek proverb: “Society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.
“Sir Michael and Prime Minister Muldoon are no longer with us, but the tree they planted now stands tall—bearing fruit in the form of a strong, enduring partnership between our two nations,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Today, Prime Minister Luxon and I reaffirm that same spirit. We commit to planting our own trees—ones that will provide shade, opportunities, and prosperity for the next generation of Papua New Guineans and New Zealanders over the next 50 years.”
During their discussions, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to; Expanding trade and investment, Strengthening cooperation in education, health, and labour mobility, Supporting a more seamless flow of people and services, Deepening government-to-government and people-to-people relations,, Promoting business, tourism, and cultural exchange and advancing shared regional priorities, including peace, climate resilience, and economic development between the two countries.
“As we mark 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s independence, it is important that we not only honour the legacy of our founding fathers but also carry forward their vision by sowing the seeds of deeper, more meaningful cooperation,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Prime Minister Luxon is in Papua New Guinea for a three-day official visit, which has included bilateral talks, an address to PNG’s Parliament, and high-level engagements with PNG’s leadership.
His visit comes at a historic moment, as the two countries enter a new phase of partnership under the Papua New Guinea–New Zealand Statement of Partnership 2025–2029.
A formal state dinner hosted by Prime Minister Marape was held Monday evening in honour of Prime Minister Luxon and his delegation.