Transtasman Political Letter – 13 September Digest

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Clark says APEC provided some positives
…but she was annoyed her success there was pushed off the news bulletins by Damien O’Connor’s misjudgement
…He is expected to pay for it at a Cabinet reshuffle later in the year
…A China FTA is looming closer, but despite more positive mutterings a US FTA could still be years away
…like the solution to the Doha trade round
…and who’s been hacking into the Govt’s computers?

Clark Comes Home Pleased With APEC Progress

Helen Clark went to the APEC summit in Sydney cautiously optimistic and returned this week pleased with progress on the key issues of climate change and world trade talks.

China FTA In Sight, But Greens Upset

After holding talks with President Hu Jintao at the APEC summit, Helen Clark says FTA negotiations with China could be concluded by April next year.

Plenty Of Partnership But No Promises At NZ/US Forum

A much more elusive FTA was being talked about in Auckland this week at the US/NZ Partnership Forum, where there was an abundance of goodwill and good intentions but no indications NZ’s case is making headway.

O’Connor Expected To Lose Corrections In Reshuffle

Given the problems he’s had with the Department of Corrections during the last two years, (some of which may be down to its headstrong CEO Barry Matthews), Damien O’Connor might not be upset at losing the portfolio - and this seems to be what Helen Clark has in mind for him.

CAPITAL TALK

CT’s Heather Roy says guests at the launch of an international company’s NZ branch were “left openly bemused” after being addressed by Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

Play Of The Week: Small Cabinet Reshuffle, Not Many Dead

Suddenly it’s Cabinet reshuffle time, and Wellington is alive with rumour. Well, even more rumour than usual. .

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