Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives

For release 29 November 2016

MPs discuss leadership excellence in the Region

Clare Curran MP and Nuk Korako MP will represent New Zealand this week at the 34th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Australia and Pacific Regional Conference in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Rt Hon David Carter, said “the Conference is an important forum for regional dialogue to effect positive democratic change.

“The CPA Regional Conference is a valuable opportunity to discuss issues of regional importance and to enhance parliamentary cooperation,” said the Speaker. “New Zealand is an active participant in the CPA and a strong supporter of Pacific parliaments. I am pleased that our members are able to lead discussions and collaborate across the region to ensure our parliaments are inclusive, well equipped to serve the people they represent, and capable of effectively advancing solutions to regional challenges”.

This year’s Conference has an over-arching theme of Leadership Excellence for the Common Good: Share, Exchange, and Act. Delegates will be discussing and learning from colleagues on diverse issues, such as ensuring a well-informed and engaged public, ethical governance, and democratic and parliamentary best-practice.

A central focus of the workshops will be further developing progressive leadership to increase women in leadership positions and youth participation in public life, as well as addressing regional challenges, such as climate change and refugees. Clare Curran MP is presenting on the right of civil society and the media to access parliamentary information and Nuk Korako MP will present on the legislative achievements effective oversight, and congenial operation of New Zealand’s Māori Affairs Committee.

The conference runs from 27 November to 30 November 2016.

ENDS

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