11 September 2003 Media Statement

Pacific environment ministers meet in Apia

Environment and Aid Minister Marian Hobbs flies to Apia Samoa tonight for the fourth ministerial meeting of Pacific environment ministers. She will also discuss NZAID's programme with the Samoan Government and visit several NZAID projects.

The environment ministers' meeting follows the annual meeting of the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, the organisation responsible for assisting Pacific Island countries to protect and manage their environment in a sustainable way. New Zealand is a member of SPREP, along with all Pacific island countries and major donors such as Australia, France, US.

"The meeting is an opportunity for me to talk with my fellow environment ministers about key regional issues including waste and nature conservation," Marian Hobbs said. "By attending, New Zealand will have the opportunity to contribute to setting SPREP's priorities in the coming year. "

As Aid Minister Marian Hobbs will see NZAID's secondary schools curriculum project, a child health project and a project that involves public and private partners developing a solid waste digester for Apia.

The minister, who will be accompanied by Luamanuvao Winnie Laban,MP for Mana, returns to New Zealand on Sunday.

ENDS

© Scoop Media