On May 20, a monument portraying the Armenian alphabet and symbolizing the friendship between Armenia and New Zealand was presented at the stone processing factory in New Kharberd village. Head of the Armenian community of New Zealand Noubar Yaghoubian and his wife, Ani are in Armenia to attend the presentation of the monument.

According to Hayern Aysor, the monument was the order of the Armenian community of New Zealand, and it was sculpted and carved by master sculptor Vardan Vardanyan.

The monument was “presented” through a special program. Pastor of the St. Sargis Armenian Church of Argavand, Priest Grigor Hovhannisyan said a prayer and gave a speech in which he stated that the Armenian alphabet is sacred, starts with the letter “A” as in “Astvats” (God in Armenian) and ends with the letter “Q” as in “Qristos” (Christ in Armenian). Afterwards, the facilitator of the efforts Varand Petrosyan stated that this monument serves as a strong link between the Armenian community of New Zealand and Armenia and this monument shaped in the Armenian Highland must symbolize Armenia in the best way abroad.

Among the attendees of the event were children who performed songs and recited poems devoted to Armenia and the Armenian language. In their welcoming remarks in English, Administrative Director of the AGBU Armenian Virtual College Karnig Sevoian and head of the Armenian community of New Zealand Noubar Yaghoubian expressed gratitude to everyone for their support and especially to the relevant authorities of the Mitowit District of the city of Oakland of New Zealand who allowed the placement of this monument in the public park.

Among the participants of the event were employees of the AGBU Armenian Virtual College, including Director of the Hybrid Program Arpine Tavakalian and Administrative Affairs Director Karnig Sevoian, who work with the Armenian Sunday school of the Armenian community of New Zealand, teaching Armenian language and history online.