EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA AND

12TH EP/NEW ZEALAND INTERPARLIAMENTARY MEETING

26 FEBRUARY - 5 MARCH 2006 , ,

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

The Delegation travelled to New Zealand from 26 February to 5 March. The delegation was headed by Mr Neil Parish (EPP-ED, United Kingdom). The full list of the participants is appended.

MEPs held meetings at the highest level, in particular with the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. ; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Margaret Wilson; the Foreign Minister, the Rt. Hon. ; and the Leader of the National Party, Dr .

Members also met a wide range of Members of Parliament, including the Labour Party, the National Party, the Party, the New Zealand Party and the Green Party. Meetings also took place with the Business Committee of the House of Representatives. On regular occasions during the entire visit the Delegation was accompanied by members of Parliament.

The Delegation was briefed by the Heads of Mission of the Member States to New Zealand, including the Delegation of the European Commission, and met also representatives of agriculture, academia and the press.

Key items discussed during the meetings were the EU-New Zealand relationship; Common Agriculture Policy reform; development aid to the Pacific region; New Zealand's free trade agreement with China; internal New Zealand politics, in particular the Mixed Member Proportional representation system (MMP) that has been in operation since 1996; the post-enlargement EU and the draft constitutional treaty; world affairs and global security.

The Delegation thanks its interlocutors for the excellent exchanges; it looks forward to continuing the interparliamentary dialogue during the return visit to Europe by the Parliament of New Zealand in April 2006. The Chairman of the Delegation would also like to thank all Members for their support and help during the visit.

The Chairman would also like to note that Mr Mike Fokker of the Visits and Ceremonial Office of the Department of Internal Affairs and Mrs Cheryl Ferguson of the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives were particularly helpful in dealing with all organisational aspects of the mission. The European Commission Delegation was also very supportive and assisted the parliamentarians during their time in New Zealand.

PE 372.922 1 CR/610287EN.doc .25-26 February 2006

The delegation arrived on 25 and 26 February. They held an informal meeting at 1700hrs on 26 February at which the programme was outlined.

Monday 27 February 2006

The delegation left Auckland accompanied by Mr , National MP for Piako. They were subsequently joined by Diana Yates, List Labour MP.

Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust 0930 - 1100hrs

The delegation visited the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, which seeks to re- create the environment of New Zealand before mammals were introduced by human beings during the last 1000 years. Members were briefed by David Wallace, Chairman of the Trust.

Maungatautari is a forested volcanic cone rising above the Waikato basin. The aim is to restore to the forest a diversity of endangered native flora and fauna, including the kiwi, saddleback and tuatara. NZ$ 14 million is required to build a pest-proof fence around the bush edge of Maungatautari and to create the largest restoration project and wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand. When completed the 47 kilometre fence will cover 3400 hectares. Fences have been constructed to date around two sections of 35 hectares and 65 hectares.

The delegation learned that four kiwis had been released in the enclosure, which would provide a valuable refuge for this endangered species. It was noted in particular that farmers and environmentalists were working together on the project, and that it enjoyed huge local support.

University of Waikato 1130 - 1330hrs

On arrival at the university the delegation took part in a Maori welcoming ceremony. This was followed by a briefing on the Te Kotahitanga Educational Project. The project seeks to address the problem of underachievement of Maori and minority students in mainstream schools. The professional development/research project began in 2001 and is now in its third phase. It has involved nearly 20 schools, 500 teachers and thousands of Maori and non-Maori students throughout New Zealand. There has been a statistically significant improvement in results for both Maori and non-Maori students in schools where the project has been operating.

Livestock Improvement Corporation 1400hrs - 1500hrs

The delegation attended a series of briefings at the Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) The Corporation has a unique database on dairy herds in New Zealand, which provides information on traceability, genetic improvement systems and laboratory automation solutions.

PE 372.922 2 CR/610287EN.doc LIC has an annual turnover of NZ$108 million and 26% is invested in product development. It has around 500 full time staff and 1,600 seasonal employees. It is a market leader in areas such as herd testing, milk analysis, herd recording (the "MINDA" service) and research and development.

The MEPs learned that dairy farmers in New Zealand operate in a highly competitive market with no government subsidies and that New Zealand has the world's most productive dairy farms. Currently there are 12,751 dairy farms and 3,851,302 cows. The number of farms is, however, declining as the average sizes increase - currently they are 111 hectares with 2.75 cows per hectare. 95% of dairy products are exported and the total revenue in 2004 was US$7.7 billion. The absence of foot and mouth disease and BSE are great advantages and New Zealand dairy products have an extremely high reputation in the world.

There was an additional briefing session on the effects of the recent EU Regulations for Importing Bovine Semen, which set out new rules on testing for the Infective Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus that affects bulls.

Dexcel - Greenfield Project 1505 - 1545hrs

Dexcel ("Dairying Excellence") is a commercial trust established in 2001 by the New Zealand Dairy Board. It undertakes research and education activities and is funded by a direct levy on dairy farmers who own the company.

The delegation witnessed a practical demonstration of the completely automated milking process taking place at Dexcel's Greenfield Project. The Project is located on an area of 43 hectares with 147 cows. Over 95% of the cows' foodstuff is pasture. The project involves milking 24 hours a day and the role of the staff is to monitor the process. Six to seven cows are milked every hour in each of the two paddocks.

The aims of the five year project are to reduce labour costs, to improve product quality and to ensure the health and welfare of the animals. The process is currently more expensive than the traditional method of manual milking; nevertheless the project is particularly important in the light of the reduction in the number of young people who are prepared to go into farming in New Zealand. At present the average age of farmers is over 50.

PE 372.922 3 CR/610287EN.doc Tuesday 28 February 2006

Meeting with Heads of Mission from EU member states, 0800 - 0910hrs

The delegation held a working breakfast with the EU Heads of Mission and/or their representatives where they were given an update on current developments in New Zealand. Key points were as follows:

The EU-New Zealand relationship has broadened in the last 20 years beyond a heavy concentration on agriculture. Cooperation on science and technology is now extremely important. Other important areas of cooperation include security and anti- terrorism, the fight against money laundering, and the environment.

New Zealanders do not always appreciate how much development aid is currently being provided by the EU to the South Pacific, and there are unfounded fears that the EU is turning its attention away from the region. The EU is, in fact, the second largest donor to the South Pacific after Australia.

The new Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, is likely to seek closer ties with the USA and consequently the nuclear issue will become less important. Nevertheless the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, and the Trade Minister, , are keeping a close interest in foreign policy. New Zealand is in the process of opening embassies and expanding trade with Asian countries

Although Mr Peters is not in the Cabinet he is committed to following the government line in the area of the portfolio for which he is responsible. The same is the case for the Revenue Minister, , who comes from the United Future Party.

New Zealand needs to learn more about how the EU has developed since enlargement in particular because knowledge about the new member states (apart from the Commonwealth countries of Cyprus and Malta) is limited. Nevertheless the New Zealand side are very keen to develop links.

United Future Party - 0925 - 1000hrs

Members met with Peter Dunne (Party Leader and Minister of Revenue), (Deputy Leader), and (Party Whip).

The United Future Party is in coalition with the Labour government and has agreed on a joint policy agenda of 15 points. Peter Dunne holds the Ministry of Revenue and has the right to attend Cabinet meetings when his portfolio is being discussed.

At present the arrangement is working smoothly, although there are some areas of difference between the Labour Party and the United Future Party. In particular the United Future Party is more favourable to Taiwan, which is New Zealand's ninth largest trading partner (China is the eighth). United Future recognises Beijing as the legitimate government but maintains unofficial links with Taipei.

United Future stands for the devolution of decision making to the lowest possible level. It supports the free market and wants a review of the corporate tax structure.

PE 372.922 4 CR/610287EN.doc Green Party - 0930 - 1000hrs

Mr Cramer (Greens/EFA, Germany) held a bilateral meeting with the Green Party

New Zealand First - 1000hrs - 1030 hrs

Members met with the Rt. Hon. Winston Peters (Party Leader, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Racing); Peter Brown (Deputy Leader); (Spokesperson on Health and ); (Spokesperson on Maori Affairs); Hon. Brian Donnelly (Party Spokesperson on Education among other portfolios and Chairperson of the Education and Science Committee).

New Zealand First signed a Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Labour government in November 2005. It would oppose those government policies in cases where the differences have not been resolved but try to thrash them out in advance.

The party favours the MMP system as it allows a wider range of opinion to be represented and the voice of New Zealand First voters could now be heard in government.

The party stands in particular for law and order and support to the elderly. It favours an immigration policy based on allowing entry to immigrants with skills, in good health and with no criminal record. Immigrants should also be committed to becoming New Zealanders and accepting the values of the country.

There is a cross-party consensus on foreign policy. It is important to maintain and promote democracy in the Pacific, which makes up one quarter of the world's surface. Mr Peters, in particular, argued that the United Kingdom still had post-imperial obligations in the Pacific. It was pointed out by the EP delegation that - in addition to its bilateral activity - the United Kingdom is contributing to the region through the European Union.

Meeting with the Hon. Margaret Wilson MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives - 1045 - 1115 hrs

Members held a meeting with the Hon. Margaret Wilson MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives. No member of the secretariat was present.

Meeting with journalists from the Parliamentary Press Gallery - 1120 hrs - 1220 hours

Members held an informal meeting with journalists from the press gallery under "Chatham House" rules. Subjects discussed included: the constitutional niceties of a Foreign Minister not being in the Cabinet; the policies of the New Zealand First party; the issue of integration by immigrants into New Zealand life; the prospects for the current government; and the performance to date by the opposition.

PE 372.922 5 CR/610287EN.doc Visit to Speaker's Gallery and Guided Tour of the Parliament 1400 - 1530 hrs

The delegation attended Parliamentary Question Time from the Speaker's Gallery where they were greeted. They were then taken on a guided tour of the Parliament.

Meeting with the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, Prime Minister 1530 - 1600hrs

Prime Minister Clark stated that she had particularly wanted to meet with the delegation from the European Parliament. She had enjoyed her visit to Brussels in November 2005 and underlined the extremely close nature of the EU-New Zealand relationship.

She noted that NATO was changing and was emerging as an organisation that was prepared to undertake tasks outside its traditional boundaries. She pointed to its support to Pakistan after the recent earthquake and its operations in Afghanistan. At present she was very happy with the current New Zealand-NATO relationship. The United States had not brought up the nuclear issue in its dealings with New Zealand over NATO.

Mrs Clark referred to the Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and China and argued that it would deliver benefits for both countries. The first round of negotiations had started in December 2004 and the sixth round would be taking place in March 2006. Negotiations were progressing well. In the Trade and Economic Framework New Zealand recognised that China had established a market economy system. On intellectual property rights there would be compulsory inter-state resolution procedures.

Mrs Clark noted that there had been 52,000 permanent immigrants to New Zealand in 2005 and that the United Kingdom was once again the leading country for immigrants. There was no problem with the Muslim community and the "cartoon controversy" had made little impact in the country.

The Prime Minister noted that a delegation from the House of Representatives headed by the Speaker would be travelling to Europe in April and would be in Gallipoli on ANZAC Day. It would be in Brussels from 17 to 19 April and planned to hold meetings in the European Parliament.

Reception with Labour Party 1600hrs - 1630 hrs

The delegation attended a reception with representatives of the Labour Party.

Dinner hosted by Hon. Margaret Wilson MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives 1830 - 2230 hrs

In the evening the delegation attended a dinner hosted by the Hon. Margaret Wilson MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives. A cross-party representation of MPs was also present.

PE 372.922 6 CR/610287EN.doc Wednesday 1 March 2006

Breakfast with members of the New Zealand-European Union Parliamentary Friendship Group 0800 - 0930 hrs

The delegation had a working breakfast with members of the New Zealand-European Union Parliamentary Friendship Group. Also present were members of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee. The general discussion centred on the fishing industry in New Zealand which was privatised in the late 1980s and observes strict laws on quotas and conservation. It is heavily export-focussed and uses advanced technology. Fishing rights could be sold but the permission of the New Zealand government is required for foreign owners of quotas.

Meeting with members of the National Party 0930 - 1030 hrs

Present at the meeting were Dr Don Brash, Leader of the National Party and other MPs from the party.

Discontent was expressed about the MMP system and it was claimed that it gave a disproportionate influence to smaller parties and was an obstacle to effective government. A further referendum on it had been promised but this had not materialised. Indeed de Tocqueville's "tyranny of the majority" had been replaced by the "tyranny of the minority". Under the previous "First Past the Post" system party caucuses had a wide range of views represented within them on issues such as Maori rights and Green issues. This no longer took place and the debate had been impoverished as a consequence. Scepticism was expressed about the arrangement whereby Winston Peters, the holder of the major post of Foreign Affairs Minister, was not a member of the Cabinet.

There was general cross-party agreement on trade issues and support for a liberal import regime which was considered to be appropriate for a small country. There was recognition of the EU reforms of the Common Agriculture Policy and the switch from coupled to decoupled support. It was also noted that the G20 had effectively replaced the Cairns Group.

There were also few differences between the political parties on New Zealand's foreign and security policy. The agreement on excluding nuclear weapons also enjoyed cross party support. A major concern was to ensure that the Pacific - "New Zealand's backyard" - was stable. The aid programme was being privatised through NGOs. There was also a desire that there should be a reduction in tension between China and Taiwan. The National Party supported the "One China" policy, although there were non-diplomatic contacts with Taipei. The arms embargo on China was purely an academic issue for New Zealand as it did not have a significant arms industry.

The delegation subsequently divided according to interests and went to two meetings.

PE 372.922 7 CR/610287EN.doc Meeting with representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade 1030 - 1215 hrs

A group of members headed by Mr Parish met with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Also present were representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture. The MEPs received an update on New Zealand's perspective on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) summit in December 2005 in Hong Kong. In general it was noted that, despite the general unhappiness with the results in Hong Kong, there had been a mood shift (notably at the recent Davos meeting) and there was more optimism about a deal. Failure to reach agreement would be deeply detrimental to world trade and it was essential for all sides to show flexibility.

New Zealand would have preferred EU export subsidies to have been removed by 2010 but they were impressed with the reforms of the CAP to date and the changes implemented by Commissioner McSharry through Agenda 2000.

The MEPs noted that single farm dairy payments in most member states would be fully decoupled by 2007 and fewer cereals would be produced. Marginal land in the EU would be used for other purposes and the size of farms would generally increase, while others became "hobby farms".

Restrictions on market access to the EU for New Zealand's products were of concern to Wellington and needed to be reduced. It was recognised that there were differences between the member states on this issue.

Other issues under discussion included the following: fisheries; the free trade agreement with China; global security; and the linking of trade and foreign policy in the same ministry.

Meeting with officials from the Ministry of Economic Development

At the same time a separate meeting was held with government officials of the Ministry of Economic Development. Mr Giles Chichester, Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, headed this group. Discussion centred transport infrastructure, water and energy issues.

The issue of the infrastructure is one of the most important matters facing society. No concrete decision has been taken to date by the new government on how the infrastructure should be developed.

Transport policy changed in 2003 when the criterion of sustainable development was applied. Since that date public expenditure on transport has been doubled. There is no private public partnership in place at present to finance expenditure on transport (unlike Australia). The railway infrastructure exists but needs to be renewed and expanded. There are no internal waterways, although coastal shipping is used as a form of transport.

The production of electricity is largely hydro-based (60-70%) and the stock of natural gas fields is declining. Good quality coal is exported to China, and poorer quality

PE 372.922 8 CR/610287EN.doc coal is imported. The use of wind energy is increasing thanks to the favourable weather conditions in this country. New Zealand has signed the Kyoto Protocol, however the plan to introduce a carbon tax has been abandoned.

The post, telecommunications and oil sectors, which were formerly state-owned, have been privatised.

Meeting with the Finance & Expenditure Committee 1230 - 1300hrs

The Finance & Expenditure Committee is made up of 13 members and deals predominantly with the Treasury. MEPs updated their counterparts on issues of mutual interest.

On reform of the CAP it was noted that export subsidies would be phased out by 2013 with the move to single farm payments. This would permit greater access to markets to evolve in the course of time.

China's dramatic growth had significant implications for the rest of the world and it was particularly important to address the issue of intellectual property rights.

The EU could draw on the experience of New Zealand in the provision of development aid to the Pacific. It was also clearly not in Wellington's interest for "failed states" to emerge in the region and trade was essential to boost their economies.

N.B. The members of the EPP-ED then held a bilateral meeting with their political counterparts in the National Party. The delegation then travelled to Christchurch where there were no official engagements until the following day.

PE 372.922 9 CR/610287EN.doc Thursday 2 March

Visit to the International Antarctic Centre 0850hrs - 1045 hrs

The delegation was briefed on the New Zealand programme on Antarctica and the work of the New Zealand Antarctic Institute.

Antarctica New Zealand was established in 1996 and has the task of managing and developing New Zealand's activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, particularly the Ross Sea region. It is responsible for enhancing New Zealand scientific research and providing sound environmental stewardship. It also has responsibility for the year-round management of Scott Base in Antarctica which provides services and accommodation for the research parties that visit the region. Close international cooperation in Antarctic matters takes place within the framework of the Antarctic Treat of 1959 to which New Zealand is a signatory.

Antarctica New Zealand is located close to Christchurch airport which is the main base for the seven to ten hour flight to Antarctica. The possibility of the European Parliament delegation travelling to Antarctica during its next visit to New Zealand was raised.

National Centre for Research on Europe, 1100hrs - 1215 hrs

The National Centre for Research on Europe at the University of Canterbury is the only Centre in New Zealand dedicated to the study of the EU and the EU-New Zealand bilateral agenda. It was established in 2000 and is supported by the European Commission. Seven New Zealand universities are in the network.

Members were briefed on details of its activities, including the following: its research work; the bilateral student exchanges; and the visitors programme which aims to bring high profile visitors to New Zealand. Many international staff are employed in the Centre and there is a generous sabbatical system that enables them to study abroad..

A two way discussion between MEPs and the invited students subsequently took place. The main topics were the draft Constitutional Treaty, the post enlargement era and the European Neighbourhood Policy.

The meeting was followed by a lunch hosted by the Centre at the Christchurch Club.

Fonterra Farm, Rangiora 1430 - 1630 hrs

The members continued their study of the New Zealand dairy sector with a visit to the Fonterra farm Number 38698. Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd is a leading multinational dairy company that is owned by 11,600 New Zealand dairy farmers. It is the world's largest exporter of dairy products.

The owner, Brian Stokes, informed the delegation that he had bought the farm five years ago and that the land had previously been used for sheep. The price of land in

PE 372.922 10 CR/610287EN.doc the area had increased significantly as it was also much sought after by developers and speculators. The farm had a square shape which enabled it to be easily irrigated with surface water and therefore allowing it to operate with low costs. The 600 cows were milked twice a day and five people were employed on the farm. At present Fonterra purchased all the milk produced by the farm and sold it under brand names such as Anchor. The MEPs observed and participated in the milking process.

In the evening the delegation attended a dinner hosted by , Labour MP for .

3 March 2006

Villa Maria Estate 1130 - 1300hrs

The members travelled from Christchurch to Auckland where they visited the Villa Maria Winery and Vineyard Estate. On the visit they were accompanied by Ross Robertson, Labour MP for . They met with the Group Wine Maker, Alastair Mailing, who informed them that Villa Maria was founded in 1961 and is the largest privately owned winery in New Zealand. Since the 1980s it has been New Zealand's leading wine award winner, both nationally and internationally.

Mr Mailing noted that Villa Maria took its grapes from the four largest grape-growing areas of New Zealand (Auckland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Marlborough). It was a market leader in research and development of areas such as viticulture, crop loads, pruning systems, favour profiles, picking times and alcohol levels. It had four ranges of wine - premium (c NZ$15), cellar selection, reserve and single vineyard (NZ$30- 50). There was also a limited range at around NZ$100 per bottle.

The delegation learned about the technology of the wine-making and, in particular, the 100% use of screw caps since 2002. Considerable debate subsequently ensued on this particular subject (!) Mr Mailing noted that Villa Maria had been the first of the large wine manufacturers to switch to screw caps and that this had been supported by the consumers. Cork taint and oxidation had previously affected 8% of the wine production.

New Zealand had nearly 2% of the share of the United Kingdom market (compared to Australia's 19-20% share). All grapes were originally European as there had been no indigenous pool to draw upon. New Zealand reds had a poor image in the past but this was changing, thanks in particular to the development of Pinot Noir wines.

University of Auckland 1330 - 1600hrs

The delegation were greeted by Professor Stuart McCutcheon, Vice Chancellor of the . They were informed that the university had been founded in 1883 and currently had 40,000 students, including 30,000 full time students. The majority of the international students came from Asia, although there was a concern that the university was becoming over-dependent on Chinese students. There were 2,200 academics, of whom half were from outside New Zealand. It had strong

PE 372.922 11 CR/610287EN.doc international connections, including Pacific Rim universities and was rated the 52nd top university in the world according to the Times World University Rankings. It received only modest levels of government funding

The members then participated in a question and answer session on the theme of New Zealand-EU relations and "Europe viewed from New Zealand", with an invited audience of approximately 60 business people and academics. Subjects covered included the following: CAP reform; the Danish "cartoons controversy"; the referenda on the EU's draft constitutional treaty; the Lisbon agenda; WTO negotiations; education and lifelong learning; democracy and the future of the EU; defence and foreign policy; the EU's relations with the Pacific region. The questions provoked a lively debate within the EP delegation on the key issues confronting the EU and there was an extremely positive response from the audience.

The delegation returned to the hotel and the evening was free from official engagements.

Saturday 4 March

Manukau market and Te Whau vineyard

The delegation visited the Manukau market in the company of Ross Robertson, Labour MP for Manukau East. The market provides a vivid example of the multi- cultural nature of New Zealand society. Members were subsequently accompanied by the Hon. Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs and Auckland Issues, and , National List MP, on a visit to Waiheke Island where they visited the Te Whau vineyard.

The Director of Te Whau, Tony Forsyth, outlined the activity of the vineyard which had been in production since 1993. It had a small production of mainly red wines and 95% of the production was taken up by the vineyard's restaurant and on site sales. The wine retailed at NZ$45 per bottle and Portuguese corks were used. The vineyard was on north facing land which was very sheltered and required no irrigation (in contrast to the vast majority of New Zealand vineyards). The soil was clay based and similar to that of the Saint Emilion region. Mr Forsyth operated a "minimum intervention regime" relying on natural processes.

The delegation returned to Auckland and the final evening was free from official engagements.

Annexes

PE 372.922 12 CR/610287EN.doc Annex 1

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

12th EP/New Zealand Interparliamentary meeting 27 February - 5 March 2006 AUCKLAND, WELLINGTON and CHRISTCHURCH

PROGRAMME

Saturday 25 February 2006 Auckland Sunday 26 February 2006

Arrival of the delegation

Stay: LANGHAM HOTEL AUCKLAND 83 Symonds Street Auckland Telephone: (09) 379 5132 Facsimile: (09) 377 9367

Sunday Auckland 26 February 2006 pm 4.00 Meeting of EP/New Zealand secretariat

5.00 Briefing of MEPs on the programme of the visit followed by informal drinks for Delegation members (Venue: Winery, Ground Floor Lobby area)

Evening Free from official engagements

Stay: LANGHAM HOTEL AUCKLAND

Monday Auckland - Hamilton - Wellington 27 February 2006 am

Accompanied by Lindsay Tisch, National MP for Piako

7.15 Leave by coach

PE 372.922 13 CR/610287EN.doc 9.30 Arrive Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust assembly point, Hicks Road, Cambridge

Met by: David Wallace Chairman

Accompanied by Dianne Yates, Labour List MP

Briefing by members of the Trust and tour

11.00 Leave by coach

11.30 Arrive at the

Met by: Professor Noeline Alcorn Dean of the School of Education

Dr Angus MacFarlane Senior Lecturer, School of Education

Te Kohinga Marama Marae Maori Welcoming Ceremony

12.00 Briefing by Professor Russell Bishop on the Te Kotahitanga Project – research and development in Maori student achievement pm 1.30 Leave by coach

2.00 Visit Livestock Improvement Corporation Briefings

Met by: Dieter Adam Group General Manager, Innovation

3.00 Depart by coach

3.05 Visit Dexcel - guided tour of the Greenfield Project (a research project looking at the automation of dairy farms for the future)

Met by: Dr Jenny Jago, Scientist in charge of the Project

3.45 Leave by coach

4.05 Arrive Hamilton Airport

5.05 Depart on Air New Zealand Flight NZ 5089 to Wellington

PE 372.922 14 CR/610287EN.doc 6.10 Arrive Wellington International Airport

Leave by coach for the Intercontinental Hotel

7.30 Reception hosted by the Chairman of the Delegation for Member State Ambassadors at the Intercontinental Hotel

Stay: INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL Corner Grey and Featherston Streets Wellington Telephone: (04) 472 2722 Facsimile: (04) 495 7819

Tuesday Wellington 28 February 2006 am

8.00 Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation attend a Breakfast with Heads of Mission from Member States

9.25 Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation attend a meeting with members of the United Future New Zealand party (Venue: Bowen House)

9.30 to 10.00 Mr Michael Cramer meets with the Green Party Caucus members (Venue: Bowen House)

10.00 Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation attend a meeting with members of the New Zealand First Caucus (Venue: Bowen House)

10.45 to 11.15 Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation meet Hon Margaret Wilson MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives (Venue: Parliament House) (MEPs only)

11.20 to 11.50 Meet informally with Parliamentary Press Gallery representatives (Venue: Parliament House)

Luncheon - own arrangements pm

2.00 Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation are introduced to the House of Representatives and observe Question Time from the Speaker's Gallery

2.30 to 3.15 Guided Tour of Parliament

3.15 to 3.45 Meeting with Hon. Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand

PE 372.922 15 CR/610287EN.doc 3.45 Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation attend a meeting with members of the Labour Caucus (Venue: Parliament House)

4.30 Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation attend a meeting of the Business Committee of the House of Representatives (MEPs only) (Venue: Select Committee Room, Parliament House)

5.00 Leave for the Intercontinental Hotel

6.45 Leave for the Duxton Hotel

6.45 for Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation are Guests of 7.00 Honour at a dinner hosted by Hon Margaret Wilson MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives (Venue: Duxton Hotel)

9.30 Return to the Intercontinental Hotel

Stay: INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL

Wednesday Wellington - Christchurch 1 March 2006 am

7.45 Leave for Parliament House

8.00 Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation attend a Breakfast with members of the NZ/European Union Parliamentary Friendship Group. Members of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee also present. (Venue: Members and Guests Dining Room, Executive Wing)

9.30 Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation attend a meeting with members of the National Party Caucus (Venue: Parliament House)

10.30 to 12.15 Roundtable with Government officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on trade and agriculture

or

Roundtable with Government officials of the Ministry of Economic Development on energy and infrastructure in New Zealand

12.30 to 1.00 Members of the European Parliamentary Delegation attend a meeting with the Finance & Expenditure Committee (Venue: Select Committee Room, Parliament House)

PE 372.922 16 CR/610287EN.doc 2.30 Leave from the Intercontinental Hotel for Wellington International Airport

4.00 Depart on Air New Zealand Flight NZ 437 to Christchurch

4.45 Arrive Christchurch International Airport

Leave for the Crowne Plaza Hotel

Evening Free from official engagements

Stay: CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL Corner Durham and Kilmore Streets Christchurch Telephone: (03) 365 7799 Facsimile: (03) 365 0082

Thursday Christchurch 2 March 2006 am

8.35 Leave by coach

8.50 Arrive at the International Antarctic Centre

9.00 Briefing by Neil Gilbert, Environmental Manager, Antarctica New Zealand

9.45 Guided Tour of the International Antarctic Centre

10.45 Leave by coach

11.00 Arrive at the National Centre for Research on Europe, Geography Building, University of Canterbury

Met by: Professor Martin Holland Jean Monnet Chair of European Integration and Director, National Centre for Research on Europe pm

12.15 Leave by coach

12.30 Luncheon hosted by the National Centre for Research on Europe at the Christchurch Club, 154 Worcester Street

2.00 Leave by coach for Rangiora

PE 372.922 17 CR/610287EN.doc Phil Griffiths, Fonterra Milk Supply Field Representative and Geoff Stevenson, Fonterra farmer and Shareholder Councillor join the coach

2.30 to 4.30 Farm Visit Fonterra Farm #38698 (Bunnings Limited)

Proprietors: Anne and Brian Stokes

4.30 Leave by coach for the Crown Plaza Hotel

6.20 Depart on foot for the Indochine Restaurant Venue: 209 Cambridge Terrace

6.30 Dinner hosted by Tim Barnett, MP

Stay: CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

Friday Christchurch - Auckland 3 March 2006 am

8.30 Leave by coach for Christchurch International Airport and proceed to the Koru Club Lounge

9.40 Depart on Air New Zealand Flight NZ 514 to Auckland

11.00 Arrive Auckland International Airport

Leave by coach

Accompanied by Ross Robertson, Labour MP for Manukau East and Mrs Grace Robertson, on the visit to the winery

11.30 Visit Villa Maria Winery (Briefing and tour) Light luncheon at the winery

Met by: Alistair Mailing Group Wine Maker pm 1.00 Leave for the University of Auckland, Clock Tower Building (Venue: 22 Princes Street)

1.30 Visit the University of Auckland Presentation - "Europe viewed from New Zealand" followed by a discussion on European Union – New Zealand politics

Met by: Professor Cris Shore, Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Arts

PE 372.922 18 CR/610287EN.doc Dr Maureen Benson-Rea, Department of International Business, Faculty of Business and Economics

Programme: 1.30 Welcome and private briefing by Professor Stuart McCutcheon, University of Auckland Vice Chancellor (Venue: Council Room)

2.30 Question and Answer forum on the theme of NZ-EU Relations and “Europe viewed from New Zealand” with an invited audience of business people and academics (approximately 60 people)

4.00 pm Close and thanks followed by an informal cocktail reception

5.00 Leave for the Langham Hotel Auckland

Evening Free from official engagements

Stay: LANGHAM HOTEL AUCKLAND 83 Symonds Street Auckland Telephone: (09) 379 5132 Facsimile: (09) 377 9367

Saturday Auckland 4 March 2006 am 9.30 Visit to Manukau Market Accompanied by Ross Robertson, Labour MP for Manukau East

12 noon Leave by Fuller’s Ferry for Waiheke Island (Accompanied by Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs and Auckland Issues, and Paula Bennett, National MP)

12.35 Arrive Waiheke Island

Leave by coach for Te Whau Vineyard

1.00 Arrive Te Whau Vineyard

Met by: Tony Forsyth Director

Brief tour of the vineyard and winery/cellar. Tasting of flagship wines

Luncheon hosted by Hon Judith Tizard at Te Whau Vineyard

4.00 Tour of the island and art gallery

PE 372.922 19 CR/610287EN.doc 6.00 Leave by Fuller’s Ferry for

6.35 Leave by coach for the Langham Hotel Auckland

Stay: LANGHAM HOTEL AUCKLAND

Sunday 5 March 2006 Monday 6 March 2006

Individual departures of members

PE 372.922 20 CR/610287EN.doc Annex 2 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 12th EP/New Zealand Interparliamentary meeting 27 February - 5 March 2006 WELLINGTON, CHRISTCHURCH AND AUCKLAND

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS AND ACCOMPANYING STAFF

MEMBERS

Group Country Committees

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Mr Neil PARISH United PPE-DE Development Chairman Kingdom Committee on Fisheries

Mr Miroslaw PIOTROWSKI IND/DE Poland Committee on Foreign Affairs 1st Vice-Chair M

Mr John ATTARD- Committee on Industry Research and PSE Malta MONTALTO Energy

United Committee on Industry, Research and Mr Giles CHICHESTER PPE-DE Kingdom Energy, Chairman

Mr Philip CLAEYS NI Belgium Committee on Foreign Affairs

Verts/AL Mr Michael CRAMER Germany Committee on Transport and Tourism E

Mr Klaus HÄNSCH PSE Germany Committee on Foreign Affairs

Mr Miloš KOTEREC PSE Slovakia Committee on Regional Development

United Committee on International Trade Mr David W. MARTIN PSE Kingdom Committee on Petitions

United Quaestor Mr James NICHOLSON PPE-DE Kingdom Committee on Regional Development

Mr Reinhard RACK PPE-DE Austria Committee on Transport and Tourism

PE 372.922 21 CR/610287EN.doc Group Country Committees Mr Leopold Józef Committee on the Internal Market and NI Poland RUTOWICZ Consumer Protection

Mr Hannu TAKKULA ALDE Finland Committee on Culture and Education

Committee on International Trade, Mr Daniel VARELA PPE-DE Spain Vice-Chairman SUANZES-CARPEGNA Committee on Fisheries

PPE-DE Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats PSE Group of the Party of European Socialists ALDE Group of the Alliance of Democrats and Liberals of Europe Verts/ALE Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance GUE/NGL Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left IND/DEM Independence and Democracy Group NI Non attached members

Secretariat, Interparliamentary Delegations

Mr Tim BODEN Administrator Mr Hans-Hermann KRAUS Administrator Ms Kaija BRAID Administrative Assistant

Political group advisors

Mr Alan REID PPE-DE

Interpreters

Polish booth Ms Angniezska DURLAK-MOSKAL Mr Marcin FEDER Mr Wojciech SKRZYPCZAK

PE 372.922 22 CR/610287EN.doc