PRESS RELEASE


Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives

For immediate release 2 April 2015


Speakers’ Delegation to boost NZ – Europe ties


The annual Speaker’s Delegation is meeting this year with political leaders in France, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Poland and Germany to foster stronger bilateral relations between the New Zealand Parliament and European parliaments.

The Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter says, “the New Zealand delegation is there to exchange views on the significant economic, political and security challenges in the European Union (EU) and its near neighbourhood, as well as those affecting the Pacific.”

“The delegation will also discuss and learn each country’s perspectives on recent developments within the EU, particularly for European economies and in the area of immigration.”

“For New Zealanders, the visit also provides an opportunity to advocate for deeper economic, trade and people-to-people linkages between us and Europe.

“The delegation will also mark some important and historic commemorations, including the 98th anniversary of the Battle of Arras, the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and New Zealand, and the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

“I believe that this visit will strengthen some of our oldest, as well as most significant contemporary, relationships with European countries” the Speaker said.

The delegation is led by the Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter and it includes Hon Chester Borrows (National), Adrian Rurawhe (Labour) Dr Kennedy Graham (Green) and Fletcher Tabuteau (NZ First).

The visit takes place from 8-23 April.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:
• Updates and images will be available on @NZParliament

• Please note international time differences are 12 to 13 hours behind NZ.

The Speakers' delegation is an integral part of the New Zealand Parliament's inter-parliamentary relations programme, approved by the Speaker on an annual basis.

• The New Zealand Parliament is a member of a number of inter-parliamentary organisations and receives numerous invitations and requests for visits. The Speaker's delegation forms part of an informal global reciprocal arrangement for parliamentary diplomacy.

• On this occasion, the Speaker was invited by the parliaments of Poland and Germany to lead a NZ Parliamentary delegation to those countries, and we are taking the opportunity while in Europe to also visit France, Ireland and Northern Ireland.

• Parliaments play a role in foreign policy, promoting international cooperation and democratic values, and parliamentary diplomacy is evolving as an effective channel for fostering goodwill and understanding amongst nations by advancing people to people contacts. It is invaluable for sharing experiences, in particular in relation to strengthening parliamentary democracy.

• The New Zealand Parliament is of great interest internationally, for its open legislative system, its active select committees, and the way in which minority governments have worked. The Speaker's delegation is one effective way of sharing information about these strengths.

• Representation from different political parties adds value through reflecting the divergent views of members.

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