Delegation from European Parliament visiting NZ Parliament

A delegation from the European Parliament is making a 3 day visit to the New Zealand Parliament from today, 30 March 2010.

Comprising members from the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Finland and Romania, the delegation represents five political groups in the European Parliament.

They will meet with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and attend question time in the House.

Meetings are planned with various government agencies, including the Ministry of Economic Development, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Delegation members will participate in a round table discussion on climate change, chaired by Dr Jan Wright, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. They will also attend special party caucus meetings.

The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee and the Primary Production Committee will also meet with the European Parliament group.

Prior to their arrival in Wellington, the delegation visited a Canterbury sheep and beef farm and held discussions at the University of Canterbury on research collaboration.

New Zealand’s relationship with Europe is important and this 17th visit by a European Parliament delegation is an opportunity to further develop the relationship.

The group departs New Zealand on Thursday 1 April.