New Zealand's Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Mark Gosche is to visit Samoa next week.
"It will be an opportunity for our governments to renew and strengthen our longstanding relationship," Mr Gosche said in
Wellington today.
While in Samoa he is to meet with the Prime Minister Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and other Cabinet Ministers. He
will visit various Official Development Assistance projects funded by the New Zealand Government.
On Tuesday Mr Gosche is to present a keynote address to the FAGASA international conference of Samoan language
advocates.
A New Zealand born Samoan, Mr Gosche entered Parliament in 1996 and is New Zealand's first Cabinet Minister with a
Pacific heritage. He is responsible for the Transport (including Civil Aviation), Housing and Pacific Island Affairs
portfolios.
ENDS
Itinerary for Mark Gosche
Media please note press conference on Thursday 13 April at 5.30pm.
Monday 10 April
Official calls on the Prime Minister Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and other Cabinet Ministers
Tuesday 11 April
Visit Fono (Samoan Parliament)
Official meetings
Address FAGASA conference dinner
Wednesday 12 April
Visit New Zealand Official Development Assistance Small Business Enterprise Centre Office in Savaii
Visit Mataavave Junior School (Mr Gosche will be presenting resources for the NZODA-funded school project)
Thursday 13 April
Visit South Auckland health officials
Visit National Hospital and briefing on the NZODA child health project suite (Mr Gosche will be presenting resources
for the hospital's children's ward)
Attend final session of FAGASA conference
5.30pm – Press Conference at the New Zealand Residence Suite