“See New Zealand and die” – Interview with the Hungarian Honorary Consul

Predictability is essential for developing diplomatic relations and achieving long-term goals. Rezső Sárdi has been representing New Zealand for 14 years in his honorary consular role in Hungary. He played a significant role in the bilateral relations between the two countries, strengthened New Zealand’s reputation in Hungary, and supported the establishment of trade and tourism connections. In addition, he handles the daily consular tasks.

An interview by Tropical Magazine.

-Which of the recent achievements do you consider most important?

For me, the real success is when I can help a citizen of New Zealand who is in trouble, by finding a comforting solution for his problem. By the way, this is the main task of honorary consuls, which ordinary people know little about. Of course, it is also very important to strengthen the country’s visibility. The deepening relations of recent years is indicated by the fact that both countries had witnessed state visits on the highest level. Recently, the President of Hungary, the President of the National Assembly as well as the Hungarian Foreign Minister also visited New Zealand. In terms of bilateral relations, the most significant diplomatic step took place when Hungary opened its embassy in Wellington. Similar high-level visits took place by New Zealand too, including the visit of the Foreign Minister and several other ministerial delegations from the island state whose beauty is unmatched.

-How does the trade connection between the two countries develop?

In terms of the volume of trade, Hungary is New Zealand’s 74th partner on the list of the top 100. We witnessed great progress in many areas.

Several Hungarian-New Zealand joint corporations have been established, and there is a New Zealand factory in Hungary which produces roofing material. At the Embassy in Wellington, there is an attaché for commercial affairs, whose activity is very promising. The task of the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in Hamburg is supporting investments and export from New Zealand to Europe. The latest development is that a Hungarian family joined a restaurant where they promote Hungarian cuisine.

-What kind of joint educational exchange programs will support the cooperation between the two countries?

You have just asked me what I consider the greatest success of bilateral relations. Perhaps I should have started with the most important achievement, which is the success in educational mobility. The “Working Holiday Scheme” agreement was initialed, according to which hundreds of Hungarians aged between 18 and 36 can travel to New Zealand. They can stay there for one year. Meanwhile, they can study, work and travel, in accordance with their desires and financial framework. The success is indicated by the fact that all the places were taken in the first hour of the application period. The most welcoming fact is that the new generation can acquire experiences, language proficiency. Furthermore, they have the opportunity of building cross-cultural bridges. It can be said on a local level: New Zealand is a friendly country with great public security and tons of opportunities. Here, the creation of the human hand is overwritten by the all-powerful power of nature.