Rt Hon Winston Peters
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Foreign Affairs
12 December 2019 PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
NZ congratulates PNG and Autonomous Bougainville Government on referendum
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has congratulated the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville
Government for completing a well-conducted referendum on the future political status of Bougainville.
“New Zealand supported the referendum process by providing technical advice through the New Zealand Electoral Commission
and leading a Regional Police Support Mission that saw Australian, Fijian, Solomon Island, Vanuatu and New Zealand
Police Officers on the ground in Bougainville,” Mr Peters said.
New Zealand’s observer mission was led by Member of Parliament Mr Darroch Ball.
“New Zealand will continue to support the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government as
they conduct consultations about the future political status of Bougainville following the referendum, in line with the
2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement.”
ENDS