Lisburn MLA Paul Butler, the Rt Hon Jonathon Hunt New Zealand High Commisioner, Jill Mclvor Chairperson Ulster New Zealand Trust, Ex-British and Irish Lions player and President of Ballance House Ulster and New Zealand Trust Jack Kyle and Cllr Betty Campbell member of the Ballance House Managment Committee.

A KIWI style barbeque was held at Ballance House in Glenavy last week to honour the visit by New Zealand High Commissioner, Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt, to Northern Ireland. Event organiser, Margaret Lee of The Ulster New Zealand Trust, said this was the second year an outdoor event has been held at the Ballance House and it was back by popular demand.

"With the High Commissioner as our special guest this year, tickets were a sell out," said Mrs Lee.

The Ulster New Zealand Trust owns The Ballance House, which is the birth place of former New Zealand Prime Minister John Ballance. The house is a popular visitor attraction in Glenavy.

Volunteers, committee members and directors of the trust all had the opportunity to meet the High Commissioner during his three day visit to the province.

"We are delighted that the High Commissioner could visit, and we felt the barbeque seemed the most appropriate way to welcome him, as it's such an iconic kiwi tradition," said Mrs Lee.

At Ballance House there is a permanent exhibition highlighting the links between the countries and the impact the Irish have had on the nation of New Zealand.