Judith Tizard to visit South Africa during Parliamentary recess
Judith Tizard will be the first Labour Minister to make an official visit to South Africa since the last Labour
Government, when she arrives in Johannesburg on Sunday.
"This is a great opportunity to broaden the relationship between South Africa and New Zealand," says Judith Tizard, who
is the Chair of the Parliamentary New Zealand-South Africa Friendship Group and the New Zealand-South Africa Business
Council.
Judith Tizard's South Africa itinerary includes visits to projects in Soweto and Pretoria that have had developmental
assistance from New Zealand, including youth, educational and women's projects, HIV/AIDS work, and aid to the most
disadvantaged.
"In my role as Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, I'll be meeting with the South African Arts & Culture Minister on culture and heritage issues, and visiting various art exhibitions such as African renaissance art.
"I'll also meet with the Ministers of sport, recreation, environment and tourism in South Africa, to discuss how we can
enhance our already close relationships in these areas.
"And I will attend a function hosted by Trade NZ to welcome the All Blacks to South Africa prior to the first game of
the Tri-Nations series."
Judith Tizard departs New Zealand on Wednesday 11 July, and will spend time in Sydney before arriving in South Africa.
"I'll be discussing civic matters with Murray Douglas, the City Manager of Sydney. As the Minister concerned with
Auckland Issues I am interested in exploring common issues between the two cities, such as transport and tourism."
Judith Tizard will also attend a performance of the five-hour play "Cloudstreet" at Sydney's Theatre Royal, and visit
Bangarra Dance Theatre – a Sydney-based dance company that combines aboriginal heritage with contemporary dance.
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