AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
27 August 2014

Leading politicians to debate New Zealand’s role in the world

Have you ever wondered where New Zealand stands when it comes to issues beyond our borders?

Join Amnesty International's North Shore Group on Monday 1 September for a lively cross party debate and the chance to find out the answer to this question and much more.

Hosted by Radio New Zealand’s Wallace Chapman the debate will give our political leaders the opportunity to tell the New Zealand public exactly what pressing international issues matter most to their party.

As the date for New Zealand’s potential election onto the United Nations Security Council looms closer Amnesty International will be asking: So how will New Zealand take on the world if it wins the bid? And what do our political leaders really think when it comes to New Zealand’s human rights record?

“If the New Zealand government wins a seat on the UN Security Council they will have a remarkable opportunity on the world stage to take a leadership role in addressing human rights violations,” said Grant Bayldon, Executive Director at Amnesty International New Zealand.

Amnesty International’s North Shore Group coordinator Jessica Stephens said that a debate like this is the perfect opportunity for the New Zealand public to get some clarity on how our government will represent our country on the global stage.

"We have heard our politicians speak on domestic issues so now is the time for them to step up to the plate and tell us about their international priorities,” said Jessica Stephens.

The panel line up:
Conservative Party - Mr Colin Craig
Greens - Dr Kennedy Graham
Internet Party- Ms Laila Harre
Labour Party - Mr David Shearer
Māori Party - Rev Te Hira Paenga
National Party- Mr John Hayes
United Future - Mr Damian Light

WHAT: Panel debate: How will NZ take on the world if it wins a UN Security Council bid?
WHEN: Monday 1 September 2014 at 6.00 - 8.15 pm
WHERE: Takapuna Library, Takapuna, North Shore

Doors will open at 6.00pm for refreshments with a 6.30pm start.

Background: New Zealand is a candidate for election on the United Nations Security Council. If successful, it will have a non-permanent seat from January 2015 until December 2016. The election will be held in October 2014.

ENDS

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