Molesworth & Featherston (Bonus Edition) April 20

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Bonus

It’s a short week, Parliament isn’t sitting and half the country seems to be on holiday...so instead of cancelling this week’s edition altogether this edition is a free update for all subscribers. Never say we don’t share the love.

The Week and the Week Ahead
Cabinet

Cabinet on Monday resolved to tell the Gulf Cooperation Council that New Zealand wants to start negotiating a free trade agreement.

It also agreed to publish the five-year stock take of the national plan of action against the sexual exploitation of children.

Defence and Trade Minister Phil Goff is off to the United States for meetings with defence and trade reps and will attend a US-NZ partnership forum. National leader Don Brash will also be there.

On the official data front, work stoppage statistics and on Friday, external migration numbers.

The walking access group will release its consultation document soon.

On Wednesday, a delegation of most of the Government's front bench descended on the business and economic forum in the Hawke’s Bay, led by Prime Minister Helen Clark and including Michael Cullen, Steve Maharey, Trevor Mallard and Parekura Horomia.

Next week Cabinet will meet on Wednesday after Tuesday's Anzac Day holiday.

Ministers have also finalised the dates for the hand-over of the governor-generalship. The formal state farewell for Dame Silvia Cartwright will be at Parliament on August 2, before she officially finishes her term on August 4.

Judge Anand Satyanand will be sworn in on August 23.

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