MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
Monday 21 June 1999

McKinnon To Lead New External Relations Ministerial Team

Prime Minister Jenny Shipley has appointed Foreign Affairs Minister
Don McKinnon as the Chair of a new External Relations Ministerial Team.

The other members of the team include:
· Bill English
· John Luxton
· Max Bradford
· Lockwood Smith
· Simon Upton
· Tuariki John Delamere

"The team will be charged with the responsibility of lifting New Zealand's performance in the international arena," Mrs Shipley said.

"It will focus on how we can improve our international effort, in both strategic and operational terms, for our country's long term benefit.

"There is a need to encourage better co-ordination between public sector agencies carrying out operations offshore in areas such as education, immigration and trade and investment promotion.

"All departments involved in our international affairs must co-ordinate on policy and operational issues to enable a seamless and effective approach to our external effort.

"We need to ensure New Zealand Inc remains on the leading edge to enhance our country's prosperity and security.

"I am very pleased that we have someone of the calibre of Don McKinnon to lead this team. He has immense standing in the international community and here in New Zealand. He is the perfect choice as Chair," Mrs Shipley said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media