His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to attend an official dinner in honour of His Majesty’s State Visit to New Zealand which was hosted by John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, which was held at the Premier House, Tinakori Road, Wellington.

The arrival of His Majesty was welcomed by John Key, the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Present at the official dinner were the Honourable Jonathan Coleman, Minister of Defence; Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Simon Bridges, Minister of Energy and Resources; and David Pine, the non-resident High Commissioner of New Zealand to Brunei Darussalam.

Accompanying His Majesty to the dinner were Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Education; Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the Grand Chamberlain; and Datin Paduka Tan Bee Yong, the non-resident High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to New Zealand; Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office; as well as other senior government officials.

Earlier, His Majesty consented to visit the Parliament House in Wellington. Upon arrival at the building, His Majesty was greeted by Chris Tremain, Minister of Internal Affairs.

His Majesty then consented to proceed to the Debating Chamber where His Majesty was introduced to David Carter, the Speaker of the House and consented to sit next to the Speaker.

His Majesty consented to view and listen to the debate and question time.

Accompanying His Majesty to Parliament House were Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Education; Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the Grand Chamberlain; and Datin Paduka Tan Bee Yong, the non-resident High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to New Zealand; Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office; as well as other senior government officials.

Later in the afternoon, His Majesty consented to receive in audience David Shearer MP, Leader of the Opposition who is also New Zealand’s Labour Party Leader, at the Intercontinental Wellington Hotel.

His Majesty and David Shearer exchanged view on matters pertaining to the bilateral relations, both regionally and internationally.

Present at the ceremony were Phil Golf MP, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Trade; and David Pines, the non-resident High Commissioner of New Zealand to Brunei Darussalam.

Also present at the ceremony were Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Education; Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; and Datin Paduka Tan Bee Yong, the non-resident High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to New Zealand. - Borneo Bulletin (28 March 2013)