MEDIA STATEMENT

FOR RELEASE 6 August 2010

New Zealand Parliamentary visit to Tonga for discussions on democracy

A New Zealand Parliamentary delegation will be visiting Nuku’alofa from 9 to 11 August to assist the Tongan Parliament in preparing for their political reform. The delegation members are Eric Roy, Hon Maryan Street, Katrina Shanks, Keith Locke, Chris Hipkins and Debra Angus (Deputy Clerk).

Delegation leader Eric Roy, Assistant-Speaker, said the objective of the visit is to enhance governance and leadership in the region through an increased understanding of the strengths of sound parliamentary practices and procedures.

“Our delegation has a wide range of parliamentary experiences, with a Presiding Officer, a Committee Chairperson, a former Minister, electorate members of Parliament, both Opposition and Government members and an experienced parliamentary official comprising the delegation. The purpose of our visit is to share some of this knowledge and experience with our Tongan counterparts.”

As part of the programme the delegation will hold a public workshop on “parliamentary process in a democracy” for current Tongan parliamentarians, potential candidates for the upcoming election, officials and the media. Topics to be discussed include support for the legislature, the select committee process, the role of members of Parliament, transparency and accountability, and free and fair elections.

During the visit, the delegation will also have the opportunity to meet with the Tongan Legislative Committee to discuss the reform of Standing Orders, and the Electoral Commission and civic education groups to discuss electoral reform.

Close collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which is funding the visit, and the Office of the Clerk has made this visit possible and is consistent with the goal of developing parliamentary capability in the Pacific region.

ENDS

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