On April 29, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan received founding member of the Armenian Association of Wellington of New Zealand, official representative of Wellington immigration agency Ara Kassabian.

Kassabian shared information about the Armenians of New Zealand and mentioned that the Armenians are mainly based in Oakland (about 200) and Wellington (about 40). Kassabian added that despite the fact that the Armenians are small in number, they are very respected as law-abiding citizens and faithful workers. The Armenians of New Zealand are also doctors, lawyers, political figures, businesspeople, high-ranking officials, etc. There are two Armenian organizations that carry out activities aimed at preserving the national identity.

Minister Hranush Hakobyan expressed gratitude to Ara Kassabian for carrying out pro-national activities in New Zealand, introduced him to the programs of the Ministry of Diaspora and urged him to find opportunities to engage the Armenians of New Zealand in those programs.

The sides also discussed issues related to the preservation of the Armenian identity and the development of Armenia-Diaspora relations.