Live blog: Pacific Parliamentary and Political Leaders Forum

Thursday, 18 April 2013, 8:54 pm
Article: Pacific Media Centre

Thursday 09:00: Almost 70 MPs from 18 Pacific nations have arrived in Wellington. The Pacific Parliamentary and Political Leaders Forum - organised by the New Zealand Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee - will provide Pacific leaders with the opportunity to gender equity, environmental issues, service delivery, Parliamentary politics, healthcare, economic development, job creation, seasonal work of Pacific migrants in New Zealand, and other issues. They have received a welcome from Wellington City Council.

Thursday 13:00: Some of the Pacific delegates have spent the morning observing select committee meetings, and taking a tour of the Parliamentary buildings. Before lunch, they received an official powhiri welcome to Parliament.

Thursday 15:05: Pacific delegates were in the Public Gallery, as New Zealand Parliamentarians had a heated debate no mostly Pacific issues during a special session of Question Time. Questions covered temporary visas, living costs, Pasifika achievements and climate displacement.

Thursday 16:40: Many political party leaders have now addressed the Pacific delegates, noting that Pacific development is and should be a key foreign policy of the New Zealand government.

Thursday 16:42: NZ First leader Winston Peters has referenced his whakapapa and his experience as Foreign Affairs Minister in his delivery to delegates. He has also told delegates to tell their relatives to vote for his "people's party" at the next election.

Thursday 16:45: National MP Asenati Lole-Taylor has talked about the importance of strong ties between Pacific nations, and says the Pacific needs more female Parliamentarians and leaders. National colleague Alfred Ngaro followed up with a passionate speech about the importance of pride and personal responsibility. And another National colleage - MP and Paseta, Sam Lotu-liga - also addressed delegates.

Thursday 17:05: Former broadcaster and Labour MP Kris Faafoi has spoken of his proud Tokelau heritage and the importance of media freedom. He says he is proud of the passing Louisa Wall's marriage equality bill, but believes he understands why people disagreed with the bill. He also says Pacific values are important.

Thusrday 17:10: Indo-Fijian New Zealander Rajan Prasad spoke on the need for a more democratic system in Fiji and Te Ururoa Flavell stressed the importance of tikanga and tradition across the region.

Thursday 18:05: Kennedy Graham has made a significant apology about climate inaction, Jan Logie raised reproductive health access and Jo Goodhew discussed gender

Thursday 18:30: Delegates have left the house, to join dignitaries at a barbeque dinner hosted by Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Hekia Parata.

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