Press release

Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives

For immediate release: Friday 29 April

Delegation of Parliamentarians from the National Assembly of France to visit the New Zealand Parliament

A delegation of Parliamentarians from the National Assembly of France are visiting New Zealand from 1 May to 5 May 2016 as official guests of the New Zealand Parliament.

New Zealand’s Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, is pleased to host this visit. “New Zealand enjoys a warm relationship with France, underpinned by shared values, historical links, and a commitment to global security, along with a mutual love of rugby. Official parliamentary exchanges of this kind are an important aspect of our diplomatic relations with France, which we have enjoyed for over 70 years now.”

The delegation, led by Mr Philippe Vitel MP, is interested in learning about New Zealand’s parliamentary system, along with New Zealand’s world renowned agriculture sector. While in New Zealand, the delegation will hold talks with the New Zealand Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, the Health Committee, and officials from the Ministries of Primary Industries, Defence, and Business, Innovation and Employment. There will also be an opportunity to observe Question Time in the House and engage with cross-party New Zealand Members of Parliament.

The delegation will also visit Auckland, where they will see a working farm in action, pay their respects at the War Memorial Museum, and take in a rugby game at Eden Park. Before heading home to France, the delegation will visit Christchurch to learn about the rebuild process post- earthquake and engage with the local French community.

ENDS

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