New Zealand’s Ambassador to Vietnam Tredene Dobson (left) wears an unique Ao Dai when she presents her credentials to Vietnamese State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Hanoi, June 16, 2021.

In an interviewed with the VGP, she said that wearing also comes as an early celebration of the 46th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Vietnam (June 19, 1975 – June 19, 2021).

This was extra special for Ambassador Dobson because she was able to wear the Ao Dai, painted with a design by New Zealand and Vietnamese artists.

The Ambassador commissioned the design around the theme of connectivity, bringing the culture and history of Vietnam and Maori, the ingedineous people of New Zealand, together.

The five peaks of her mountain, Mount Manaia in Te Tai Tokerau (in the far north of New Zealand, the Ambassador’s hometown) also connects New Zealand and Vietnam through the beautiful lotus flower, the national flower of Vietnam.

The Ambassador is also wearing a korowai – a traditional Māori cloak which was woven by traditional Ngāpuhi weavers.

“Wearing this beautiful piece of art – this collaboration between two amazing young female artists, one in New Zealand and one in Vietnam – it just makes me feel incredibly proud. It is a privilege to serve as New Zealand’s Ambassador to Vietnam, and wearing my Áo Dài with its stunning Māori design and korowai today – genuinely connects me to these two incredible countries” said Ambassador Dobson.

The Ao Dai has for long been an icon of Vietnamese culture, praised for highlighting the graceful beauty of local women.

Source: VGP

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosts foreign ambassadors

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on June 16 held separate meetings with ambassadors of New Zealand, Argentina, Pakistan and Romania who came to present their credentials.