Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee

Media statement:

18 February 2013

New Zealand Parliament to host a Pacific Parliamentary Forum

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade select committee, and Parliamentary Private Secretary John Hayes is pleased to announce today that New Zealand will host a Pacific Parliamentary Forum in April 2013.

The idea for the Pacific Parliamentary meeting came from a recent Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Select Committee review of New Zealand’s relationship with Pacific states. The Committee will be leading the organisation of this forum.

The purpose of the Pacific Parliament is to provide the opportunity for Pacific Politicians and leaders, and New Zealand Members of Parliament, to strengthen their networks in the region.

“This event will bring leaders from all Pacific states and entities to Wellington for a forum focused on promoting regional cooperation, stronger governance, and helping leaders across the region to get to know one another,” said Mr Hayes.

The program will be structured around discussion groups and debates in New Zealand’s Parliament between our visitors and New Zealand MPs. The gathering will begin with a three hour debate in the New Zealand Parliament on Pacific issues on the afternoon of 18 April 2013.

“The breadth of this forum is what gives it such strength. Invited speakers will address items of regional concern such as energy, health issues, resources, job creation, interaction between the public and private sectors, environmental issues the importance of a free press, and strong transparent governance.

“While there are a number of opportunities for these sorts of exchanges at ministerial level, such occasions are rare for newer parliamentarians.

“The Government believes regional cooperation and cohesion is essential to promote links with members of the next generation of Pacific leaders. All committee members are proud to be involved with this initiative,” said Mr Hayes.

Interested observers and members of the Pacific Island community in New Zealand will be invited to attend the forum, which will run from 18 April to 22 April 2013.

ENDS

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