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President of the German Bundestag visits NZ

Originally published: 6 October 2016
Last updated: 11 October 2016

11 October 2016

Prof. Dr Norbert Lammert, the President of the German Bundestag (Federal Parliament) is visiting Auckland and Wellington as a Guest of the New Zealand Parliament.

Hongi between Rt Hon David Carter and Dr Lammert Enlarge image

Hongi between Mr Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, and Professor Norbert Lammert, Speaker of the German Federal Parliament during the Mihi Whakatu in Matangireia at New Zealand Parliament. 11 October 2016.

Source: Office of the Clerk

Professor Norbert Lammert, Speaker of the German Federal Parliament, lays the wreath inside the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. 11 October 2016.

His visit coincides with the 20th Anniversary of New Zealand’s first MMP General Election, the electoral voting system used for the Bundestag and in many state parliaments in Germany.

New Zealand’s Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, is pleased to host this visit.

“Prof.Dr Lammert’s visit to New Zealand further enhances the bilateral relationship with Germany and also strengthens parliamentary relations. It will provide Dr Lammert with opportunities to learn first-hand about New Zealand and our strong links. It will enable us to discuss and exchange views on a wide range of issues affecting Germany and New Zealand.”

The visit continues the recent series of high level visits with Germany, the world’s fourth biggest economy.

Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel visited New Zealand in 2014. Prime Minister John Key visited Germany in 2015 as did a New Zealand parliamentary delegation headed by the New Zealand Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter. Seven members of the German Bundestag visited New Zealand in April this year.

Prof. Dr Lammert, a long-serving Member of the Bundestag and a former Government Minister, was elected Bundestag President in 2005 and re-elected in 2013.

The German delegation met with the New Zealand-Germany Business Council, attended the German Day of Unity celebration and visited the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre. Prof. Dr Lammert also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington.

Read more about Prof. Dr Lammert’s career and views on the Bundestag website.

Listen to the Radio on New Zealand interview - Senior German politician urges NZ to take more refugees

Wreath in front of statue in the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park Enlarge image

Wreath in the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. 11 October 2016.

Source: Office of the Clerk