Hon Chris Carter
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson

17 November 2009
Media Statement

Labour remembers Dutch Ambassador

The Labour Party is today mourning the passing of Her Excellency Ms Annelies Boogaerdt, Ambassador for the Kingdom of the Netherlands to New Zealand.

Mrs Boogaerdt died suddenly in Wellington Hospital last night.

Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Chris Carter has paid tribute to Mrs Boogaerdt, saying “Annelies was much more than a representative for the Dutch Government. She was a passionate cheerleader for the Dutch people and culture, and a resolute champion of the cause of closer New Zealand-Dutch relations.

“In my many meetings with Mrs Boogaerdt I was always very impressed by her detailed knowledge of New Zealand and our people, of the enduring history of New Zealand-Dutch cooperation and friendship both in war and in peace.

“Labour expresses its deep sympathy to Mrs Boogaerdt’s family, to her staff, to the New Zealand Dutch community and to the people of the Netherlands.

“I am proud to say Annelies was my friend. She will never be forgotten.”

ENDS

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