Honouring New Zealand's sacrifices and promoting our economic interests
A delegation led by the Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, attended three commemorative World War One events and promoted New
Zealand's economic interests in France during its recent visit.
The delegation laid a wreath and placed poppies on the headstones of New Zealand soldiers who gave their lives during
the Battle of the Somme, and honoured the sacrifices of the New Zealand Tunnelling Company for their part in the Battle
of Arras. It was also a privilege for the delegation to be asked to lay a wreath commemorating New Zealand and French
soldiers who fought and died during the Great War, at a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the Arc de
Triomphe in Paris.
The delegation strongly advocated for New Zealand's economic interests, including seeking to gain France's support for
an European Union-New Zealand trade agreement, at meetings with MPs from the French National Assembly and Senate, with
the Speakers of both Houses, and also with senior Government officials.
"Having elected representatives from the New Zealand Parliament at these occasions is important, not only to continue to
recognise the sacrifices that were made by our soldiers, but also because of the significance of these commemorations to
all French people," said the Speaker.
"The people of France place huge importance on honouring the sacrifices of both countries, in the name of freedom and
democracy. It was an honour to stand side-by-side with them for these commemorations."
The delegation also held talks with leading figures in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The Speaker added, "because of our isolation, New Zealand's parliamentarians do not get enough opportunities to engage
with important international organisations, particularly for opposition MPs, and this view was also shared by OECD
Deputy Secretary-General Mari Kiviniemi and the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova.”
ENDS