Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives

For release: Thursday 10 November

New Zealand hosts Pacific Parliamentary Forum

Pacific parliamentarians, recognised for their leadership potential, are coming together in New Zealand next week for a Pacific Parliamentary Forum.

The Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, noted:

"This is a great opportunity for the parliamentarians to meet with New Zealander parliamentarians on major issues in the Pacific. It will serve to share knowledge of key issues and parliamentary practices, and enhance parliamentary democracy in the Pacific."

The NZ Parliament will have a special debate on Pacific issues on Thursday 17 November. Forum delegates will debate climate change, Pacific resources, security and governance, and Parliament and the community, on Friday 18th.

The over 40 Forum delegates will come to New Zealand from 17 countries and territories.

Their Auckland programme includes community, business and MP constituency engagement.

In Wellington, in addition to the Forum debates, they will observe a re-enactment of the Cook Islands Men March to Parliament 1915, engage with select committees and hear from guest speakers on Pacific issues.

The Pacific Parliamentary Forum is being held from 14-18 November 2016 in Auckland and Wellington

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