FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pre-Election Foreign Policy Forum
The Minister of Defence and Trade, Hon Phil Goff and spokespeople from four other parties will outline their vision for
New Zealand's foreign policy during a pre-election public forum on Wednesday 8 October.
"Over the last nine years, the Labour-led Government has strengthened New Zealand's reputation internationally as a
country which thinks independently, has strong values and, despite its small size, makes a significant contribution to
the world community as a good international citizen," says Mr. Goff. "I look forward to the NZIIA Forum which will allow
parties to debate past track records and future visions."
Brian Lynch, Director, the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) will chair the forum.
"New Zealand has no choice but to make its own way in a challenging international environment," says Mr. Lynch. "On the
eve of a general election it is timely that those who aspire to lead the country in uncertain times should have the
opportunity to explain where their priorities offshore would lie and why."
Most parties currently present in parliament will be represented at the forum.
Each speaker will have time to outline their party's message before addressing questions from the floor.
"I have worked during my time as National Party spokesman on Foreign Affairs to try to achieve a bi-partisan framework
for foreign policy in this country," says Hon Murray McCully, National Party. A "small nation, heavily dependent on
trade, should attempt to achieve consistency in its policies, rather than seeing dramatic changes in position according
to the vagaries of the electoral cycle."
"Impending global warming, the credit crash and rising food and oil prices are not things New Zealand can escape
from,"says Mr Keith Locke, Green Party. "Though a small nation we can show moral leadership and a way forward amid the
global crises of our time. Our nuclear free status gives us a hearing on the world stage on peace, environmental and
human rights issues."
Hon Jim Anderton, Leader Progressive Party and Peter Tashkoff, ACT Candidate, Te Tai Tokerau will also be representing
their parties at the forum.
The NZIIA's Auckland Branch and The University of Auckland Political Studies Department are hosting the forum, which
will take place at 6:15pm on Wednesday 8 October at the University of Auckland Business School's Fisher and Paykel
Appliances Auditorium in the Owen G. Glenn Building near 12 Grafton Road.
"This forum will be an excellent opportunity to introduce anyone interested in New Zealand foreign affairs to the
NZIIA," says Dr Jian Yang, chairperson, Auckland Branch, NZIIA and Political Studies senior lecturer, The University of
Auckland.
The forum is free and open to all. There is paid parking at the Owen G. Glenn Building.
ENDS