Honouring New Zealand's sacrifices and promoting our economic interests

A delegation led by the Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, attended three commemorative World War One events and promoted New Zealand's economic interests in France during its recent visit.

The delegation laid a wreath and placed poppies on the headstones of New Zealand soldiers who gave their lives during the Battle of the Somme, and honoured the sacrifices of the New Zealand Tunnelling Company for their part in the Battle of Arras. It was also a privilege for the delegation to be asked to lay a wreath commemorating New Zealand and French soldiers who fought and died during the Great War, at a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

The delegation strongly advocated for New Zealand's economic interests, including seeking to gain France's support for an European Union-New Zealand trade agreement, at meetings with MPs from the French National Assembly and Senate, with the Speakers of both Houses, and also with senior Government officials.

"Having elected representatives from the New Zealand Parliament at these occasions is important, not only to continue to recognise the sacrifices that were made by our soldiers, but also because of the significance of these commemorations to all French people," said the Speaker.

"The people of France place huge importance on honouring the sacrifices of both countries, in the name of freedom and democracy. It was an honour to stand side-by-side with them for these commemorations."

The delegation also held talks with leading figures in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The Speaker added, "because of our isolation, New Zealand's parliamentarians do not get enough opportunities to engage with important international organisations, particularly for opposition MPs, and this view was also shared by OECD Deputy Secretary-General Mari Kiviniemi and the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova.”

ENDS

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