Source: New Zealand Parliament
Media Release
10 July 2023
Speaker Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe is leading a parliamentary delegation to Samoa. This is the first Speaker’s delegation to the Pacific since he began his tenure as Speaker of the House.
Comprised of Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe MP (Labour), Lemauga Lydia Sosene MP (Labour), Teanau Tuiono MP (Green), Tangi Utikere MP (Labour), Todd Muller MP (National), they will arrive in Apia on Monday 10 July and will be in the country for three days.
The local and regional economy, inter-Parliamentary relations, and tourism revitalisation will be front and centre during the delegation’s visit to the South Pacific nation, and the itinerary reflects these focus areas.
Mr Speaker and the other delegates will meet his Samoan Parliament counterpart, Papali’i Li’o Oloipola Taeu Masipau, as well as several members of Samoan Parliament committees.
Members will also get the chance to gain an understanding of Samoa’s manufacturing and agricultural industries with visits to working factories and farms across the island of Upolu.
As is the case with many other Pacific Island nations, Samoa relies on tourism as a lucrative industry and the Covid-19 pandemic invariably triggered uncertainty in the region. New Zealand’s role in getting the industry back up to pre-pandemic levels and beyond will also be a focus area of the delegation.
“While in Samoa, we will look to gain insight into the economic landscape of the nation, and its region, while also looking at tourism revitalisation efforts and how New Zealand’s Parliament can provide practical and technical support to Samoa’s key industries,” said Adrian Rurawhe.
This delegation is also historically significant, as the Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe is the first indigenous Māori Speaker to visit the Pacific on a delegation.
Delegations, such as this one to Samoa, are useful to build on existing relationships with our Pacific Island neighbours. Samoa has deep cultural and historic ties to Aotearoa New Zealand and the relationship between them and New Zealand Parliament is an immensely important one.
ENDS
Further Information
This delegation includes Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene MP, Teanau Tuiono MP Tangi Utikere MP, Todd Muller MP, the delegation will arrive in Apia on Monday 10 July and will be in the country for three days.
Contact Information
For more information contact IPR@parliament.govt.nz
