11 September 2003 Media Statement
Pacific environment ministers meet in Apia
Environment and Aid Minister Marian Hobbs flies to Apia Samoa tonight for the fourth ministerial meeting of Pacific
environment ministers. She will also discuss NZAID's programme with the Samoan Government and visit several NZAID
projects.
The environment ministers' meeting follows the annual meeting of the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, the
organisation responsible for assisting Pacific Island countries to protect and manage their environment in a sustainable
way. New Zealand is a member of SPREP, along with all Pacific island countries and major donors such as Australia,
France, US.
"The meeting is an opportunity for me to talk with my fellow environment ministers about key regional issues including
waste and nature conservation," Marian Hobbs said. "By attending, New Zealand will have the opportunity to contribute to
setting SPREP's priorities in the coming year. "
As Aid Minister Marian Hobbs will see NZAID's secondary schools curriculum project, a child health project and a project
that involves public and private partners developing a solid waste digester for Apia.
The minister, who will be accompanied by Luamanuvao Winnie Laban,MP for Mana, returns to New Zealand on Sunday.
ENDS