Mixing Ownership and Restructuring Diplomacy - PM Presser

Monday, 5 March 2012, 7:15 pm
Article: Mark P. Williams

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By Mark P. Williams

The PM began by discussing his visit to a Gracefield School in Lower Hutt with Amy Adams, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, to announce the rolling out of superfast broadband to a further 693 schools with around 230,000 students. He went on to discus the introduction of legislation in support of the Mixed Ownership Model by Hon. Tony Ryall, emphasising that the Govt is totally committed to meeting its Treaty obligations.

The PM also commemorated Japan's devastating earthquake of March 11th last year. He said that "Japan's determination to rebuild and recover is something that we in New Zealand can take heart from" . He also said that he had written to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to express thanks, on behalf of New Zealanders, for Japan's help during Canterbury's time of need. He noted that this year Japan and New Zealand celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Questions:

• the PM was asked whether he felt the proposed restructuring changes to MFAT would adversely affect New Zealand's ability to serve its citizens in scenarios such as the present situation in Algeria;
• The PM was pressed further on whether there was a particular dispute resolution settlement between New Zealand and Algeria;
The PM was asked whether Mixed Ownership Models were really necessary for New Zealand companies to sell their expertise overseas;
• The PM was asked his reaction to the damage to New Zealand war graves in Libya;
• The PM was asked whether the changes to the Immigration Act, coming into effect in July this year, would particularly disadvantage Pacific Island communities more than other migrants;
• The PM answered more specific questions on the regulation of Mixed Ownership Model regarding corporate responsibility and Section 9 of the SOE Act.

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ENDS

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