Mexico and New Zealand first began bilateral relations in 1973. 50 years on, what does this connection mean to both the diaspora living here in New Zealand and the for Mexico?

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In this Voices episode we look at the significance of celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations between Mexico and New Zealand. Mexico is one of New Zealand's most significant trading partners in the Americas and an event marking the five decade milestone was held at the parliament in June focussing on government, academic, and people-to-people connections.

The conversation in this Voices episode features Ambassador Alfredo Perez Bravo and Matthew O'Meagher, Director, Latin America Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence who talk about why this relationship between the countries is of importance.

We also speak to Natalia Albert of The Opportunities Party(TOP). Mexico-born Natalia Albert is TOP's candidate for Wellington Central. Raised by a diplomat mother around the USA, Canada and Mexico, she's been closely connected with the Mexican and wider Latin American communities in Wellington since 2009.

In this episode she talks about the barriers she has seen the wider Latin American community and other immigrants face - both socially and professionally - from finding and staying in jobs, to making it to leadership positions.

Following her own tough experiences of job-hunting when she first arrived in New Zealand armed with a degree and international work experience, she decided to study political science aspiring to influence policy and decision-making that affects underrepresented communities. Natalia Albert makes her foray into politics this year.

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Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details