From Colony to Independence: Reflections on Guyana at 60
HE Linda Te Puni, NZ High Commissioner to Guyana (Caribbean)
Wednesday, 27 May 2026 5:10pm for 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Wellington
RH105, Rutherford House, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington
The NZIIA Wellington Branch in partnership with the Caribbean Council (NZ) cordially invites you to join a special roundtable discussion to mark Guyana's 60th Anniversary of Independence.
Mona Williams, a former presenter with the British Guiana Broadcasting Service (BGBS), will share her firsthand recollections of the transition from British rule to self-government when broadcasting the handover live in 1966.
Her Excellency Linda Te Puni, New Zealand High Commissioner to Guyana and New Zealand's Head of Mission to the Caribbean, will also speak about New Zealand's relationship with Guyana, including reflections from her visit to Georgetown earlier this year.
Located on the northern coast of South America, Guyana is one of the world's fastest-growing economies due to massive offshore oil discoveries which have transformed the country in recent years. Previously known as British Guiana, it is the only country in mainland South America to have English as the official language. Since 1966 it has been an independent nation known as Guyana.
Catering: Non alcoholic drinks and light catering
Dress: Smart Casual
Format: Short presentation from Mona Williams and HE Linda Te Puni NZ High Commissioner to Guyana (Caribbean). A roundtable will be moderated by Karim Dickie NZIIA Board Member and President of the Caribbean Council NZ.
Registration: by Expression of Interest (EOI) below including a short explanation why you would like to attend.
SUBMIT AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST HERE
Terms and conditions
- Expressions of interest should include a brief note why you are interested in attending this roundtable. Please click on the link above OR email info@nziiawellington.org.nz with "Expression of Interest for Guyana Roundtable" in the subject header together with your name, phone number and reason why you would like to attend this roundtable.
- Places are limited due to capacity. This event is for NZIIA Wellington Branch members or Wellington student members only.
- Please note, successful applicants will will advised on a rolling basis until 22 May 2026.
- NZIIA Code of Conduct applies and the Institute expects a high standard of behaviour from members. This event will be run under Chatham House rules. https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/chatham-house-rule.
Contact the Wellington branch
FOR ANY WELLINGTON BRANCH AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES OR WELLINGTON EVENT INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL
info@nziiawellington.org.nzThe NZIIA Wellington Branch in partnership with the Caribbean Council (NZ) cordially invites you to join a special roundtable discussion to mark Guyana's 60th Anniversary of Independence.
Mona Williams, a former presenter with the British Guiana Broadcasting Service (BGBS), will share her firsthand recollections of the transition from British rule to self-government when broadcasting the handover live in 1966.
Her Excellency Linda Te Puni, New Zealand High Commissioner to Guyana and New Zealand's Head of Mission to the Caribbean, will also speak about New Zealand's relationship with Guyana, including reflections from her visit to Georgetown earlier this year.
Located on the northern coast of South America, Guyana is one of the world's fastest-growing economies due to massive offshore oil discoveries which have transformed the country in recent years. Previously known as British Guiana, it is the only country in mainland South America to have English as the official language. Since 1966 it has been an independent nation known as Guyana.
Catering: Non alcoholic drinks and light catering
Dress: Smart Casual
Format: Short presentation from Mona Williams and HE Linda Te Puni NZ High Commissioner to Guyana (Caribbean). A roundtable will be moderated by Karim Dickie NZIIA Board Member and President of the Caribbean Council NZ.
Registration: by Expression of Interest (EOI) below including a short explanation why you would like to attend.
SUBMIT AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST HERE
Terms and conditions
- Expressions of interest should include a brief note why you are interested in attending this roundtable. Please click on the link above OR email info@nziiawellington.org.nz with "Expression of Interest for Guyana Roundtable" in the subject header together with your name, phone number and reason why you would like to attend this roundtable.
- Places are limited due to capacity. This event is for NZIIA Wellington Branch members or Wellington student members only.
- Please note, successful applicants will will advised on a rolling basis until 22 May 2026.
- NZIIA Code of Conduct applies and the Institute expects a high standard of behaviour from members. This event will be run under Chatham House rules. https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/chatham-house-rule.
Membership
NZIIA membership is open to anyone interested in understanding the importance of global affairs to the political and economic well-being of New Zealand.