NEW ZEALAND, LANDSCAPES FROM THE ANTIPODES New Zealanders are very proud of –and very protective of– our country’s natural beauty. And we like other people to enjoy it too. I am delighted that the New Zealand Embassy, together with Tourism New Zealand, has been able to support this exhibition of Jaume Fuster’s photographs which opens, here in Spain, a window on this natural beauty. The exhibition is Jaume’s idea. It grew out of his experiences and the images he so brilliantly captured during his time in New Zealand. The quality of his images speaks for itself. But they are also imbued with the originality and sense of discovery that Jaume’s perspective brings from New Zealand’s antipodes – Spain. I would like to add a personal word of thanks to the other parties we have worked with to make this exhibition possible, especially the management of the Valencia Botanical Gardens which is a wonderfully appropriate venue for an exhibition that highlights New Zealand’s flora and fauna, and also the Mayors of Benidorm and La Nucía, as well as CAM, who have all made it possible for the exhibition to reach a wider audience. Since Valencia won the right to host the 32nd America’s Cup, New Zealand has had a very strong presence in Valencia and we have seen a strengthening of links between the people of New Zealand and the Autonomia of Valencia and between those of Valencia city and Auckland through their common experience as hosts of the Cup. This exhibition adds another element to New Zealand’s presence in Valencia and I am sure it will inspire even more interaction and exchanges.
New Zealand Ambassador