INTERVIEW WITH DR. GÁBOR TAMÁS NAGY, HUNGARY'S AMBASSADOR ACCREDITED TO WELLINGTON

dr. Nagy Gábor Tamás, Magyarország Wellingtonba akkreditált nagykövete

Aucklevél:

He arrived in Wellington on January 27 and presented his letter of credence to Governor-General Cindy Kiro. Already in the first few days, he was able to participate in several significant New Zealand events with Hungarian relevance, including the 2nd Hungarian Festival and Market held in Auckland. A few months have passed since then, giving him the opportunity to settle in and build numerous connections. What were your first impressions of New Zealand, its diverse population, and, of course, the local Hungarian communities?

Dr. Gábor Tamás Nagy:

Before the Waitangi celebrations, I presented my letter of credence on January 31, so my first experience was the anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi and the related commemoration. My first encounter with Māori traditions was very moving — it is an extremely exotic culture with deep and spiritual teachings. In many respects, it is comparable to ancient Hungarian beliefs. The defining element of New Zealand’s culture, which comes from the indigenous Māori people, can serve as an example for Hungarians as well, since the indigenous minority’s language use and its broad cultural and economic autonomy are absolutely relatable. This can serve as a point of reference internationally, something that is scarcely found in Europe. It offers a kind of model for how to relate to an indigenous population.

As for the Hungarian community, New Zealand is attractive but distant for Hungarians. Naturally, we are very grateful that New Zealand welcomed the Hungarians who emigrated in 1956, and who, now as second- or even third-generation Hungarians, preserve their identity. It was a great experience to meet elderly individuals who spoke about why they had to leave Hungary, how they made their way in New Zealand, how they started families here, and why it is important for them to preserve their Hungarian identity even after so many decades and kilometers. It was also very interesting to meet those members of the Hungarian community who arrived in recent decades to work and build professional careers. This is a very complex, interesting, diverse, and multifaceted community. It is important to Hungarians living here to preserve their identity and to pass it on to their children. The State Secretariat for National Policy pays special attention to Hungarians living in the diaspora. Shortly after my arrival, I visited the Hungarian communities in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington together with Deputy State Secretary Péter Szilágyi.

Aucklevél:

Please tell Auckletter readers what being a diplomat means to you, and what role this profession plays in your life. During your career, you have worked as a university lecturer, mayor, consul, and as a member of the Hungarian delegation to the Council of Europe. How have these experiences shaped your personal and professional development, and what guidance have they given you for your current diplomatic work?

Dr. Gábor Tamás Nagy:

I belong to the generation whose political engagement began with the regime change. We immediately felt the need to articulate what kind of Hungary we envisioned for ourselves. Over the many years I spent in politics, I was always driven by how best we could represent Hungarian national interests, whether at the level of small communities, municipalities, or broader international contexts. Being a diplomat is an immensely honorable and highly responsible profession, which means that, as the envoy of the head of state, you are the primary representative of the Hungarian state in diplomatic, economic, or even cultural matters. Of course, in such a role, one thinks about how best to serve Hungary's interests when undertaking such a task. This is by no means easy today. It’s not about receptions or simply representing something — it often requires formulating how we see the flow of world events.

When one observes Hungary from New Zealand, one sees a completely different perspective than from the Baltics, Strasbourg, or the Buda Castle. This is a peaceful world, far from conflicts, one that is very welcoming, open, and capable of listening to Hungarian viewpoints that often do not align with the majority opinion.

Aucklevél:

What plans and ideas do you have to support and strengthen the unity of the Hungarian communities in New Zealand as an ambassador? How do you intend to assist the life of local Hungarian communities, and what new initiatives are you planning for the diaspora in the coming years? What do you consider your clear professional and personal mission during your years of service in New Zealand?

Dr. Gábor Tamás Nagy:

We would like to maintain and strengthen the existing programs, to fill them with content. Another plan of ours is to bring cultural programs here. Next, the Déryné Company of the National Theatre will come from Australia to New Zealand and will take part in the commemoration of our national holiday on August 20 in Wellington, followed by a literary evening in Auckland evoking Sándor Márai. Just today, we were at the city council, received by the Deputy Mayor together with Petra Lipóth, and we raised the question of whether the Hungarian association could be granted a property where the cultural life of the Hungarian community could be held — so that we don’t always have to gather in rented premises. Our proposal was met with open ears, so the Hungarian community might find a home. Such a base could serve as a catalyst for community life. Christchurch has such an opportunity, where the largest number of Hungarians live, but Auckland does not — which is why it would be important to have one here as well.

Among our plans — although this is still distant — is to establish a Hungarian memorial site in Auckland. Using this year’s Mindszenty memorial year, we plan to erect a portrait statue of Mindszenty; we are currently in the process of finding a location for this, so I can’t say more for now. We have plans, and whether they can be realized doesn’t depend only on us, but so far, everything I’ve raised at home has been met with supportive words, and I see a high level of openness to support the local community here.

Three times already, an art exhibition called Double Bond has been organized in New Zealand, showcasing artists with Hungarian ties living in New Zealand. This year we will try to organize it in Wellington, and I would like the largest Hungarian community — the Auckland community — to organize the exhibition next year, on the 70th anniversary of the 1956 revolution. This is particularly exciting because those living and creating in New Zealand can express what dual identity means to them in this world — this is always a beautiful and inspiring challenge. Artists can participate in this showcase with a unique work or even by presenting an already completed piece.

Aucklevél:

Current global events are causing uncertainty and fear for many. In your opinion, how safe do people feel here in New Zealand — on this distant island — especially considering that their loved ones, relatives, and friends often live far away? How does the cohesion of local communities and the country’s uniquely safe atmosphere influence this?

Dr. Gábor Tamás Nagy:

Well, by now there have been articles published around the world saying that New Zealand is the safest country — jokes aside, this region is truly an island of peace, even if we do see the reflection of global tensions here as well. Nevertheless, no one has any intention of getting into conflict with New Zealand, so everyone can feel safe here. I can only draw one conclusion for myself: whoever can, should stay in close contact with their family, relatives, and friends.

Aucklevél:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. We wish you much success in your ambassadorial work, and in supporting and uniting the local Hungarian communities in New Zealand!

Áron Darvasi and Viola Vadász