Rt Hon Winston Peters
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Boost for New Zealand's international presence
Budget 2007 provides extra funding for New Zealand to expand its international presence, Foreign Minister Winston Peters
said today.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will receive additional funding of $104.9 million over the next four years:
$14.9 million in 2007/08, rising to $30 million in 2008/09.
This will fund some new staff positions and cover offshore cost pressures. Staff numbers will be finalised after further
evaluation.
“New Zealand needs to be positioned to meet the ever-increasing challenges and opportunities of the international trade
and political environment. This funding will help MFAT reinforce its diplomatic network so it can better respond to the
expanding agenda it faces,” Mr Peters said.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation will receive $1.8 million for its 'Seriously Asia' work programme in 2007/08.
“This work will focus on educational, community, cultural and business initiatives aimed at increasing our engagement
with Asia; raising knowledge of Asia and its peoples; and assisting New Zealand’s Asian communities."
The Pacific Cooperation Foundation will receive $900,000 in 2007/08 to extend their baseline for another year and
Antarctica New Zealand will receive a total of $5.9 million over the next four years to boost its contribution to the
joint New Zealand/United States Antarctic logistics pool. Antarctica New Zealand will receive $1.1 million of this
funding in 2007/08.
“As we celebrate 50 years of cooperation with the US in Antarctica, it’s appropriate that we commit more resources to
our key Antarctic relationship."
ENDS