Source: New Zealand Parliament
Media Release
09 May 2023
Regional strategic issues, fisheries in the Pacific, and insights into Tonga’s ongoing recovery efforts from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami will be front and centre during the New Zealand Parliament Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade select committee delegation to Tonga this month.
Comprised of committee Chair Hon Jenny Salesa, Golriz Ghahraman MP, and Todd Muller MP, the committee delegation arrives in Tonga on 9 May and will be in the country for three days.
The purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations between New Zealand and Tonga; gain an understanding of coastal fisheries management, maritime monitoring systems and invasive species control; and exchange experiences of each country’s response to natural disasters.
During their visit, the delegation will meet with the Ministry of Fisheries Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Taskforce and the commercial fishing company Pacific Sunrise, and the South Pacific Commission (SPC).
They will also meet with Fale Alea o Tonga Legislative Assembly of Tonga and its Speaker, Lord Fakafanua. These meetings will aim to provide informative insight and give valuable pieces of knowledge for the committees’ work in New Zealand.
Delegations like this are important factors in building relationships with our Pacific Island neighbours in both the foreign affairs and trade contexts.
ENDS
Further Information
The Speaker chooses a select committee to travel internationally to engage with overseas select committees and Parliaments once a parliamentary term. This delegation supports the New Zealand Parliament’s wider engagement with the Pacific.
The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee is one of New Zealand Parliament’s 12 subject select committees. The committee looks at business related to customs, defence, disarmament and arms control, foreign affairs, trade and veterans’ affairs.
This delegation includes committee Chair Hon Jenny Salesa; Golriz Ghahraman MP, and Todd Muller MP. The trip commences on Tuesday 9 May and ends Friday 12 May.
Contact Information
For more information contact IPR@parliament.govt.nz
