Judith Tizard to visit South Africa during Parliamentary recess

Judith Tizard will be the first Labour Minister to make an official visit to South Africa since the last Labour Government, when she arrives in Johannesburg on Sunday.

"This is a great opportunity to broaden the relationship between South Africa and New Zealand," says Judith Tizard, who is the Chair of the Parliamentary New Zealand-South Africa Friendship Group and the New Zealand-South Africa Business Council.

Judith Tizard's South Africa itinerary includes visits to projects in Soweto and Pretoria that have had developmental assistance from New Zealand, including youth, educational and women's projects, HIV/AIDS work, and aid to the most disadvantaged.

"In my role as Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, I'll be meeting with the South African Arts & Culture Minister on culture and heritage issues, and visiting various art exhibitions such as African renaissance art.

"I'll also meet with the Ministers of sport, recreation, environment and tourism in South Africa, to discuss how we can enhance our already close relationships in these areas.

"And I will attend a function hosted by Trade NZ to welcome the All Blacks to South Africa prior to the first game of the Tri-Nations series."

Judith Tizard departs New Zealand on Wednesday 11 July, and will spend time in Sydney before arriving in South Africa.

"I'll be discussing civic matters with Murray Douglas, the City Manager of Sydney. As the Minister concerned with Auckland Issues I am interested in exploring common issues between the two cities, such as transport and tourism."

Judith Tizard will also attend a performance of the five-hour play "Cloudstreet" at Sydney's Theatre Royal, and visit Bangarra Dance Theatre – a Sydney-based dance company that combines aboriginal heritage with contemporary dance.

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