We are an enterprising lot, from the number 8 wire to the kitchen stove – there’s nothing we can’t solve, make or contemplate over a jug of beer and a cup of tea. From these humble beginnings have sprung the vitality and ingenuity that has propelled so many Kiwis to the world stage of invention, creativity and success.
From all walks of life come the athlete, the CEO & board member, the artisan, the Nobel Prize winner, the Gold medalist, the writer, the adventurer – these are but the beginnings of the tapestry making up Kiwi society today. Yes and in the bay! Exceptional Kiwi Legends
New Zealand is home to rich and varied array of expertise stretching from indigenous dances and traditions to modern dance performances, opera singers, pop stars, movie actors, film producers and directors, musicians in many guises, and talented artisans of many types.
New Zealand boasts an internationally competitive news, radio, print and social media network. In addition, here in the Bay Area, prominent professionals, speakers and those who have achieved well in the USA are recognized and profiled.
New Zealanders continue to excel in all areas of academia, from engaging in ground breaking research leading to higher degrees, to writing post graduate papers for publication and conference preparation. Kiwis have infiltrated the higher echelons of the university halls across the country, and are also using their talents in the cutting edge work environments leading the world in many fields.
Some of those in the bay area exemplifying this spirit…
- Sir Vaughan Jones, Keith Murdoch, Lester McKee, Ron Mayes, Anne Wein, David Teece
- Alumni of Canterbury University, Auckland University, Wellington University, Massey University, Otago University, etc.
Scroll through the photos to see who has been able to share their stories through KiaOraUSA curated or supported events.
Kia Ora USA is very proud to promote New Zealanders of excellence who come to the San Francisco Bay Area community, either business, pleasure or on the way to some where else.
No other culture is as proud of indigenous culture as are New Zealanders from all walks of life and all ages. We embrace all parts of ourselves, imbuing this sense of identity in the young and old alike, learning and experiencing our Maori language and culture at every turn.
Alistair Robinson meet
at the Mihi Whakatau
for the NZ Delegation
Over the past several years Kia Ora USA has worked alongside many other local groups to showcase renowned Kiwis to the Kiwis and friends of Kiwis in the Bay area.
Many are living right here in our midst and are bringing their expertise to bear on the US scene: others visit these shores and we embrace their time here to share their knowledge and charisma with us.
Alistair visits frequently to work with the rugby players at the SFGG Rugby Club, and Lance was here as part of a recent delegation. Dr. O’Sullivan was a member of the Maori Health and Social Services Cluster Delegation to the USA in April 2015.
A Mihi Whakatau was held at the Harvey Milk Photographic Center where an exhibition featuring Birgit Kippner’s photographic study of Tame Iti and his life style was staged. Here are more photos showing the breadth of talent that came to San Francisco to exchange views on low income and disadvantaged people and communities, to share experiences regarding the NZ Government’s Whanau Ora (Family Wellbeing) policy, as well as to foster international relationships in a variety of fields.
Taki Te Koi plays guitar, Papa meets and greets and Jim and Lesley Tilley relax with Taki and none other than Tame Iti’s image looking over their shoulders.