EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA AND

17th EU - New Zealand Interparliamentary Meeting 29 March - 1 April 2010

Christchurch and

REPORT BY RICHARD JAMES ASHWORTH, ACTING CHAIR OF THE DELEGATION

FdR 822913 1 PE 442.289 INTRODUCTION

The Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand held the 17th EU - New Zealand Interparliamentary meeting on 29 March - 1 April 2010 in and Wellington. The Delegation of the European Parliament was led by Mr Richard Ashworth (ECR, UK) and was composed of the following Members: Michael Cramer (Greens, Germany), Giles Chichester (ECR, UK), Emilio Menendez del Valle (S&D, Spain), Jose Manuel Garcia – Margallo y Marfil (EPP, Spain), Hannu Takkula (ALDE, Finland) and Petru Luhan (EPP, Romania).

The programme of the visit and the list of participants are included in the annex to this report.

CHRISTCHURCH - Monday 29 March 2010

Working breakfast with Dr Therese Arsenau, political commentator and Senior Fellow, School of Social and Political Sciences,

The discussion focused on NZ constitutional and electoral issues; Ms Arsenau explained the process of the electoral reform and in particular the MMP (mixed- member proportional) system.

In 1993 New Zealanders voted in a referendum to change their voting system from the traditional first-past-the-post (FPP) method to Mixed Member Proportional representation (MMP).

The origins of electoral reform lay in the gradual breakdown of public trust and confidence in politicians and Parliament. This process began in the 1950s and 1960s and gathered momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, decades marked by economic uncertainty and the emergence of new social and political movements.

Criticism of the voting system intensified after the 1978 and 1981 elections. On each occasion the Labour opposition actually secured more votes overall than National, but the latter won more seats in Parliament and remained in government.

Both National and Labour Parties entered the 1990 election campaign promising to hold referenda on electoral reforms. The Labour government was defeated in the 1990 election, but the National Party did not keep its election promises. Due to this fact, public support for radical electoral reform began to grow.

The first referendum, of a non binding nature, took place in 1992 with a turnout of 55% and 85% voted to change their electoral system, with 70% in favour of the MMP system. MMP representation system means that each elector would get two votes, one for an electorate MP and one for a party. The size of Parliament would increase to 120 MPs: half would be elected in single-member constituencies (as before); the other half

FdR 822913 2 PE 442.289 would be selected from party lists so that in general each party's share of all 120 seats corresponded to its share of the overall vote.

The binding referendum was held at the same time as the 1993 general election. The turnout was much higher, 85%, and the result much closer than in 1992.

The next three years, before the first MMP election in 1996 was a period of transition and uncertainty. The main parties tried to re-position themselves in this new environment and a number of new parties emerged. At the 1996 elections, Parliament had become much more diverse and representative of modern New Zealand society. Following the 2006 elections, the Parliament has in its composition also 39 women, 21 Maori, four Pacific Islanders, and two Asian MPs among the 121 MPs.

Many Members of The European Delegation [Mr Ashworth, Mr Chichester, Mr Luhan, Mr Menendez, Mr Takkula and Mr Cramer ] explained the electoral system at European level and at national level (e.g. United Kingdom and Germany) and asked for more details about the parliamentarian life in New Zealand.

Ms. De Arsenau also elaborated about the accessibility of the MPs to the Prime Minister, who is very visible and in permanent contact with people, the constitutional right of the citizens to initiate a referendum, the differences between the MPs elected through the parties' lists, so-called "zombies" and those elected in each constituency, the role of the women in New Zealand politics and the Maori presence in political life.

Visit at the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE), University of Canterbury

Professors and students participated at the meeting with the European delegation. The discussions were led by Mr Martin Holland, Director, and with the participation of a series of important figures of the Centre such as Dr Rod Carr - Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Town - Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve Weaver - Dean of Post-Graduate Studies, Gina Deerness-Plesner - FRENZ Project Representative.

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 2002, following its forerunner, the Centre of Research on Europe, established in 2000. The NCRE remains the only EU dedicated tertiary level centre in New Zealand. The NCRE has developed significantly in both academic and outreach activities, involving a variety of roles and mechanisms. It has also established an effective form of collaboration with 4 other NZ universities (, Victoria, and Lincoln) and one Australian university (Melbourne). The NCRE is a member of many academic networks both nationally and internationally. Two of the major academic networks that the Centre belongs are also administered by the NCRE office. These are Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence Asia - pacific and European Union Studies Association - New Zealand.

FdR 822913 3 PE 442.289 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 (Mr Ashworth, Mr Cramer, Mr Chichester, Mr Luhan, Mr Menendez and Mr Takkula) and the invited students subsequently took place. The main topics were the Lisbon Treaty, the Enlargement process of the European Union, the European Neighbourhood Policy, climate change and energy, integration of minorities in Europe.

Site visit to sheep and beef farm at Middle Rock hosted by Meat & Wool New Zealand

The European Parliament Delegation was welcomed by the owners of the farm, M. Bruce and Lyn Nell. Lyn and Bruce Nell are third generation, owner operator, NZ farmers farming 8,000 sheep, with over of 15 years experience. The Delegation was taken on a tour of the property and the hosts explained the farming activities.

WELLINGTON - 30 March - 1 April

Tuesday 30 March 2010

Call on the Honourable Dr , Speaker of the House of Representatives

Dr Smith welcomed the delegation and stressed the importance of links between the European Parliament and the New Zealand House of Representatives. He stressed the need to continue such exchanges.

The topics for discussions were: EU - New Zealand Science and Technology Agreement, WTO and Doha Round, New Zealand’s participation in the Transatlantic Partnership, New Zealand - China relations, the global financial crisis, agriculture, farming, security issues (New Zealand - NATO relations), New Zealand’s participation in conflict areas such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and its impact on public opinion, New Zealand - Fiji relations, climate change, environment, and EU - USA relations.

FdR 822913 4 PE 442.289 The following took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Cramer, Mr Chichester, Mr Luhan, Mr Menendez and Mr Takkula.

The Speaker pointed out: the importance of the relationship with Asian countries; the strengthening of relations with China, a key partner, through the signature of the Free Trade Agreement in April 2008; NZ commitment to the Transpacific Partnership; the public support for the NZ external actions (e.g. Afghanistan, Iraq etc); the recent renegotiation of NZ representation to Fiji; improvement of NZ - USA relations.

Briefing with European Heads of Missions

The briefing was led by Mr George Cunningham, Chargé d'Affaires - European Commission Delegation to New Zealand and was attended by Mr Marcos Gomes Martinez, Ambassador of Spain, representing the Spanish Presidency and ambassadors or other officials from other member states.

In the briefing the EP Delegation was updated on the following topics: NZ internal situation, NZ Economic aspects, NZ - Fiji/Pacific, NZ external relations and, last but not least, EU-NZ relations: as it was underlined to the Delegation, 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the relationship. The next discussions at ministerial level between EU and New Zealand will take place on 16 June 2010 in Madrid.

Concerning FTAs, negotiations with India have been announced; a fourth round with Korea is planned for April; the CEP with Hong Kong will be signed at the end of March and the FTA with the GCC is expected to be signed in late April.

Regarding the NZ/Fiji conflict, the assessment was that Wellington was trying to find a more constructive basis on overall NZ/Fiji relations.NZ Foreign Minister McCully met his Fijian counterpart in January and February. Discussions have led to both sides appointing their first diplomats to their respective bilateral High Commissions since the NZ High Commissioner there was expelled by the interim Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, for allegedly interfering in government affairs.

PM Key announced on 1 February that NZ has joined the Copenhagen Accord. NZ 2013 - 2020 emissions reduction target of 10 - 20% less than 1990 level is conditional - NZ will commit to a binding agreement if other nations which are important emitters, will increase their commitments.

Maori issue: under the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840, Maori have a reserved roll and receive a number of reserved seats. They are represented everywhere in the society.

The financial crisis had a limited impact on New Zealand; unemployment was low, approximately 7, 2% in the first months of 2010 (however youth unemployment caused anxiety) and growth in economy was 0, 8 % in January 2010.

FdR 822913 5 PE 442.289 The MEPs expressed their interest in the following issues: Mr Ashworth - Doha Round, climate change, agriculture, farming; Mr Menendez - NZ foreign relations; Mr Chichester - energy and NZ fighting economic crisis; Mr Takkula - culture and education; Mr Cramer - transports; Mr Luhan - regional development policy, security and defence, trade.

Lunch with Members of the New Zealand - Europe Parliamentary Friendship Group

The delegation had a working lunch with members of the New Zealand-Europe Parliamentary Friendship Group led by Mr Charles Chauvel MP. The discussions focused on EU - New Zealand relations, New Zealand domestic policy, New Zealand - China relations.

Meeting with Ministry of Economic Development (on energy issues)

The Delegation had discussions with Dr Richard Hawke - manager, Michael Pittams - policy analyst and Peter Brunt - manager on Emissions Trading Policy.

Around half of the energy used by New Zealand (51%) is in the form of refined oil products (petrol and diesel). These oil products are used for transports, in the construction industry and in the farms. Most of the oil used is imported. New Zealand produces some oil but most of this is exported.

The next largest source of energy is supplied as electricity (27%). Gas represents 8%, coal 5%, geothermal 2 % and other renewables 7%.

The MEPs raised issues such as the nuclear energy, solar energy, price of fuels, and impact on environment in the context of Kyoto protocol.

Nuclear energy is not seen as an attractive proposition for New Zealand. It was on the table but the public opinion was not favourable. Solar energy is not an option either, due to the high costs involved. Concerning the climate change and environment issues, the 2013 - 2020 New Zealand emissions reduction target is 10 - 20% less than 1990.

The following took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Cramer, Mr Chichester, Mr Luhan, Mr Menendez and Mr Garcia-Margallo y Marfil.

Meeting with Members of the Labour Party Caucus

The following Members of the Labour party were present: Steve Chadwick - Junior Opposition Whip, Lianne Dalzie, Carol Beaumont, Brendan Burns, Charles Chauvel, , .

FdR 822913 6 PE 442.289 The Labour Party has been one of the two main parties of New Zealand politics since 1935.

After defeat in the 2008 elections, the Labour party forms the second-largest (in terms of parliamentary seats) political party represented in the Parliament, and functions as the core of the Official Parliamentary Opposition.

Subjects discussed: electoral system in New Zealand, women representation in the Parliament (1/5 of Labour party's MPs, decreasing from ¼ in the previous term), aspects of the political life in the opposition.

The following took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Cramer, Mr Chichester and Mr Menendez.

Call on the Honourable Chris Carter MP, Labour Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs

Mr Carter congratulated the EP Delegation on the occasion of entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and inquired about the changes which could take place in the European Union foreign policy. Issues such as immigration in EU and New Zealand, Middle East conflict, Afghanistan, Balkans were debated. The main topic for discussion was the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. Both sides agreed that a solution of the conflict can be reached only through negotiations.

The following took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Chichester and Mr Menendez.

Meeting with Members of the National Party Caucus

The following Members attend it: - Senior Government Whip, Katrina Shanks, , , .

The NZ National Party is the largest party in the House of Representatives after the elections in 2008 (58 seats). The National Party formed a minority government with support from three minor parties: the right wing ACT Party, the centrist Party and the Maori Party.

The Members debated the following aspects: NZ taxes system, NZ stock exchange, employment, reform of the labour law , agriculture and farming market in Europe and in New Zealand, WTO in the context of a better outcome of the Doha Round negotiations.

The following took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Cramer, Mr Chichester, Mr Takkula, Mr Luhan.

FdR 822913 7 PE 442.289 Wednesday 31 March 2010

Meeting with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

The Delegation met Mr Jack Stephens, Group General Manager and Mr Peter Beaven, CEO Pip Fruit New Zealand,

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is the ’s national economic development agency. Through its network of offices worldwide, the agency aims to improve the international competitiveness and sustained profitability of New Zealand business by providing access to people, knowledge and opportunities.

The agency helps to boost export earnings, strengthening regional economies, and delivering economic development assistance to industries and individual businesses.

Mr Jack Stephens underlined the important achievement represented by the signature of the Free Trade Agreement with China. They are taking steps to improve their presence in Asia (India, Japan) and also very keen to further develop relations with European countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and United Kingdom, Germany (e.g. honey company Bihophar in Germany, British Telecom, kiwi companies in France, European wine market etc)

The European Delegation raised questions concerning: the impact of the financial crisis on New Zealand business sector; how the small businesses are involved in the exports; NZ exports/imports balance; measures for fighting crisis; forestry's prices; NZ wine industry.

The MEPs found out that the impact of the global recession was not being universally felt even for New Zealand firms within the same sector. While commercial opportunities have deteriorated globally, good opportunities continue to be available for firms in all fields. Confidence is higher in firms that have medium to long term business plans and those who have moved to higher value products. The economic relation with Australia offered good opportunities for business growth. Although Australia has suffered from the effects of the global economic crisis, it has not been as negatively impacted as other developed economies. Regarding the timber market, the prices are coming down but the wood's best market is Australia, not New Zealand. They keep improving NZ wine industry which had a fantastic development over the last 30 - 40 years.

Mr Beaven made a presentation of Pipfruit NZ Inc. Pipfruit NZ Inc. represents the New Zealand pipfruit industry – primarily growers of apples, pears and nashi.

It provides growers throughout the country with technical, policy and marketing information and represents their interests locally and in export markets. This includes

FdR 822913 8 PE 442.289 providing industry information and advising the relevant authorities or other interest groups. Pipfruit NZ Inc. is 100% owned by New Zealand pipfruit growers.

The Delegation asked details about the market panel, funding system, carbon footprint.

The following took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Chichester, Mr Luhan and Mr Garcia- Margallo y Marfil.

Roundtable meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The following participated in the meeting with the European Delegation: Peter Hamilton - Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wade Armstrong - Principal Adviser, George Troup - Director Europe Division, David Pine - Director Economic, Carol Douglass - Deputy Director and Ian Brownlie - Senior Policy Officer. The topics for discussions were: New Zealand economy, pacific issues, New Zealand - European Union relations, international security issues.

The growing relations with China and India were mentioned; the crisis highlighted the necessity of the Asian markets but the EU is also considered an important partner. Regional coordination in fields such as climate change, energy, trade, fisheries represents a priority for NZ policy.

The MEPs inquired about the policy in climate change and energy field, if the solar energy could be an option for NZ, NZ public deficit, a possible option for a monetary reform, NZ government impact on prices level.

International security issues discussed: Fiji conflict, NZ participation in conflict areas such as Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor etc, relations with USA, North Korea, and NATO.

The following took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Chichester, Mr Luhan, Mr Garcia- Margallo y Marfil, Mr Cramer and Mr Takkula.

Meeting with Reserve Bank

The Delegation met with Mr Don Abel, Assistant Governor and head of Operations, Mr Dean Ford, manager Forecasting and Mr David Drage, manager Financial Market Research. They made a presentation on the role of the Reserve Bank and stressed the Bank’s independence, underlining that the Governor is obliged by legislation to assure price stability and makes decisions on monetary policy. The definition, though, of price stability is jointly agreed between the Ministry of Finance and the Governor. However, in practice, this has not happened so far and the Governor has set the target alone. The definition of price stability implies an inflation target of 3% maximum. The Governor has to report to Parliament every six months.

FdR 822913 9 PE 442.289 Referring to the economic situation he underlined that the inflation is under control and the NZ economy has not been much affected by the global crisis. Businesses demand for credit was low. New Zealand financial institutions have remained relatively strong in the face of significant economic shock. Annual average GDP growth is forecast to reach 3.2% in 2010 and 4.2 % in 2011. New Zealand benefits from solid growth in China which influences Australian economy, New Zealand's largest trading partner. Concerning the exchange rate, the NZ dollar will likely remain at current levels in 2010.

The following took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Chichester, Mr Luhan, Mr Garcia- Margallo y Marfil, Mr Cramer, Mr Menendez and Mr Takkula.

Call on the Honourable Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Issues discussed with Mr McCully: NZ presence in Afghanistan; NZ - Fiji conflict, NZ relations with the United States; Israeli - Palestinian conflict; Iraq, East Timor, China, Lisbon Treaty and the EP powers emerging from it.

The following took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Chichester, Mr Garcia-Margallo y Marfil and Mr Takkula.

Meeting with Members of the Green Party Caucus

The following Members of the Green Party participated: Metiria Turie - Co-leader, , , Gareth Hughes, , .

The Green Party of Aotearoa won its first seat in 1999: It is co-led by MPs and and its policy concerns ecological economics, progressive social policies, participatory democracy, and non-violence are topics its platform.

The discussion focused on environmental/energy issues and electoral system in New Zealand (arguments pro and against the Mixed Member Proportional representation (MMP), women participation in the NZ political life, Maori representation in the Parliament).

The following EP Members took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Cramer, Mr Takkula, Mr Chichester, Mr Luhan, and Mr Menendez.

Dr Smith, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, hosted a dinner in the honour of the Delegation and to mark the 50th Anniversary of the EU - New Zealand relations. Mr Ashworth responded on behalf of the Delegation.

Thursday, 1 April 2010

Working breakfast / round table meeting on climate change

FdR 822913 10 PE 442.289 The following NZ Parliament Members participated: (National Party), Charles Chauvel (Labour Party), Kennedy Graham (Green Party), (ACT Party). The discussion was led by Dr Jan Wright, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.

The aim of the office of Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) is to maintain and improve the quality of New Zealand's environment, particularly through promoting environmental sustainability.

Dr Wright explained that she reported to Parliament through the Speaker of the House and the Officers of the Parliament Committee. She had wide ranging powers to investigate environmental concerns and to hold the government to account for its environmental policies and actions. She provided advice to Select Committees and communicated information on environmental issues to the wider public. The office had been set up under the Environment Act of 1986 and the Commissioner was appointed for a five year term. She enjoyed considerable independence and was able to speak out freely on concerns.

Issues discussed: Copenhagen Conference - failure or not, ETS in Europe and in New Zealand, solar and nuclear energy as options for the future.

New Zealand has a unique emissions profile when compared to other first world nations. Most notable is New Zealand's high percentage of emissions from biological rather than fossil sources. New Zealand's emissions are 48.2% agricultural, 43.2% from energy use (heat, electricity, transport fuel, and other), 6.1% from industrial processes, and 2.4% from waste management.

The New Zealand side noted that the solar energy is not taken into consideration due to the high expenses involved. A global and equal approach of climate change concerns them, this involving high costs for the small nations. New Zealand emissions from carbon and oil continue to increase due to the economic growth. ETS was a very every debated in New Zealand, with a negative impact on the economy.

Mr Ashworth noted the Copenhagen Conference outcome as positive from his point of view, representing a step further in fighting climate change He underlined his commitment to this issue, also as a former Member of the EP Temporary Committee on Climate Change. He sees the EU as being the only major player in climate change context; a change would take place only with the full involvement of the United States. From Mr Cramer point of view, the Copenhagen Conference was a failure. He stressed out the necessity of a common goal in transport sector, the introduction of the aviation in the Emissions Trading System. (ETS) Mr Chichester pointed out the need for major changes in climate change policy. He considered the Clean Coal Technology (CCT), the carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a part of the solution in fighting the CO2 emissions. Regarding the nuclear energy, it is an option to be explored. The question remains on how to create better conditions of security, safety and competitiveness.

FdR 822913 11 PE 442.289 Mr Garcia noted that the actions should be more focused, avoiding the waste of funds. Unemployment represents one of the biggest concerns in Europe, with impact on climate change policy.

Meeting with Colin James, political journalist

Colin James is a political journalist of more than 35 years experience and political columnist of the year in 2003. He has correctly forecast which party would be or would lead the government in 13 of the past 14 elections.. M. James, a senior associate of the Institute of Policy Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, is also managing The Hugo Group, a forecasting panel with a membership of around 100 medium to large corporates and makes presentations on the strategic environment to companies, industry associations, government departments and other groups.

The EP Delegation learnt about the New Zealand media. Most of newspapers are owned by Australians; there is not a major national newspaper in NZ; asked by the MEPs about protection of private life issues, Mr James mentioned that high fees are charged for invasion of privacy. Other issues discussed: the relation of NZ media with the Parliament, the state of NZ economy, NZ relations with China and Australia.

The following EP Members took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Cramer, Mr Takkula, Mr Chichester, Mr Luhan, Mr Garcia and Mr Menendez.

Meeting with Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee

The Members participating: John Hayes - Chair, - Deputy Chair, Chris Carter, , Paul Hutchison, Keith Locke, Todd McClay, Maryan Street.

The system of the Select Committees: In New Zealand the legislation is scrutinized by Select Committees. The Committees can call for submissions from the public, thereby meaning that there is a degree of public consultation before a parliamentary bill proceeds into law. The strengthening of the Committee system was in response to concerns that legislation was being forced through, without receiving due examination and revision. Each Select Committee has a Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson. MPs may be members of more than one Select Committee.

The following issues were debated: Iraq, Afghanistan, Fiji, China, United States, climate change.

The New Zealand side briefed the Europeans on NZ involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. The contribution to Afghanistan was centred on the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Bamyan Province. Regarding Iraq, the New Zealand government opposed and officially condemned the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States and did not contribute any combat forces. However, New Zealand contributed with a small engineering and support force to assist in post-war

FdR 822913 12 PE 442.289 reconstruction and provision of humanitarian aid. The engineers returned home in October, 2004 and New Zealand is still represented in Iraq by liaison and staff officers working with coalition forces. With regard to the situation with Fiji, NZ is seeking for a consistent approach in order to find a more constructive base for their relationship.

The MEPs expressed their concerns regarding the situation of human rights in China.

Meeting with Primary Production Committee

The following MPs participated in the meeting with the European Delegation: Shane Arden -Chair, Colin King - Deputy Chair, , Brendon Burns, Ashraf Choudhary, Craig Foss, Sandra Goudie, Damien O'Conner.

The MEPs learnt that the Primary Production Committee is dealing matters relating to agriculture, bio-security, fisheries, forestry, lands, and land information. The MPs side briefed the European Delegation on the particularities of NZ agriculture: 95% of the NZ production is exported; meat and diary industries are governed by the same policy; the subsidies system, the aqua agriculture seen as an option.

The MEPs talked about the problems faced by Europe in this sector: the Common Agriculture Policy which represents 40% of the EU budget needs to be reformed, simplified; the subsidies system; need for major changes in order to cope with environmental challenges, including climate change.

The following EP Members took the floor: Mr Ashworth, Mr Cramer, Mr Takkula, Mr Chichester and Mr Luhan.

FdR 822913 13 PE 442.289 Annexes : final programma + participants list

FdR 822913 14 PE 442.289 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 2009 - 2014

Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

17TH EU-NEW ZEALAND INTERPARLIAMENTARY MEETING CHRISTCHURCH AND WELLINGTON, 29 MARCH - 1 APRIL 2010

FINAL PROGRAMME

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 March 2010 CHRISTCHURCH

INDIVIDUAL ARRIVALS OF MEMBERS AND STAFF IN CHRISTCHURCH

Accommodation : Millenium Hotel Christchurch 14 Cathedral Square Christchurch Tel. +64 3 365 11 11

Sunday 28 March 2010 CHRISTCHURCH

18.50 LEAVE BY COACH FROM HOTEL FOR

19.00 Informal dinner hosted by Dr Kennedy GRAHAM MP (Green Party) Venue : The Curator's House Restaurant 7, Rolleston Avenue, Botanic Gardens Christchurch

Dress code : smart casual

FdR 822913 15 PE 442.289 21.00 RETURN TO HOTEL

Monday 29 March 2010 CHRISTCHURCH

Dress code : smart casual

07.55 Proceed to Ridley's Boardroom, Mezzanine level, Millennium Hotel

08.00 Breakfast with Dr Therese ARSENEAU, political commentator and Senior Fellow, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Canterbury

09.00 Breakfast concludes

09.10 LEAVE BY COACH FOR UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY Corner of Arts and Forestry Roads, Ilam Campus

09.30 Visit National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE) Met by Professor Martin HOLLAND, Jean Monnet Chair ad personam Director, NCRE and EU Centre's Network

Proceed to NCRE Virtual Europe Room. Met by Dr Rod CARR, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian TOWN, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve WEAVER, Dean of Post-Graduate Studies Ms Gina DEERNESS-PLESNER, FRENZ Project Representation

09.30 Discussion on EU-NZ Collaboration on Research and Innovation

10.00 Tour of NCRE and morning tea

10.30 Introduction on NCRE/EUCN

10.45 Presentation by MEPs on Impact of Lisbon Treaty, followed by Q&A and discussion

12.00 LEAVE BY COACH FOR MIDDLE ROCK STATION, 1160 COLERIDGE ROAD, DARFIELD

Accompanied by: Gary WALTON, South Island Regional Supervisor Meat and Wool New Zealand Ltd Matthew WATSON, Trade Policy Analyst Meat and Wool New Zealand Ltd Jenny McGREGOR, Senior Analyst, International Policy Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

FdR 822913 16 PE 442.289 Site visit to sheep and beef farm, hosted by Meat and Wool New Zealand - farm owners/operators : Bruce and Lyn NELL 13.30 ARRIVE AT MIDDLE ROCK Barbecue lunch

14.20 Farm tour, seasonal farming activities, small muster/dog trial

16.00 LEAVE BY COACH FOR CHRISTCHURCH

17.00 RETURN TO HOTEL

Free time

17.50 LEAVE BY COACH FOR

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve 60, Hussey Road Harewood

18.15 ARRIVE

18.30 Ko Tane - Maori Cultural Experience (includes dinner), accompanied by Ms MP

21.30 RETURN BY COACH TO HOTEL

21.45 ARRIVE AT HOTEL

Tuesday 30 March 2010 WELLINGTON

Dress code : business

Breakfast (own arrangements)

06.40 CHECK OUT AND LUGGAGE COLLECTION (PLUS ANY ITEMS LEFT AT HOTEL RECEPTION)

07.05 LEAVE BY COACH FOR CHRISTCHURCH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, DOMESTIC TERMINAL

07.30 Arrive at Christchurch International Airport and proceed to the Koru Lounge

08.10 DEPART FOR WELLINGTON ON FLIGHT NZ 422

08.55 Arrive at Wellington International Airport, Domestic Terminal

FdR 822913 17 PE 442.289 Following collection of luggage LEAVE BY COACH FOR Parliament Buildings [via the Weta Cave or Mt Victoria - weather depending]

09.55 Arrive at Main Steps, Parliament Buildings and proceed to Speaker's Suite, Level 1, Parliament House

10.00 Call on the Honourable Dr Lockwood SMITH, Speaker of the House of Representatives

10.30 WALK TO THE EU DELEGATION Address : Level 6, Sybase House 101 Lambton Quay

10.45 Briefing with European Heads of Missions

12.15 WALK TO

12.30 Lunch with hosted by Charles CHAUVEL MP, Chair of the New Zealand-Europe Parliamentary Friendship Group Venue : Backbencher Pub and Café 34, Molesworth Street Thorndon

13.30 Short break

13.50 Proceed to the Speaker's Gallery, Level 2, Parliament House

14.00 Introduction to the House and observe

14.40 WALK TO

14.50 Meeting with Ministry of Economic Development (on energy issues). Dr Richard HAWKE, Manager, Energy and the Environment Group Mr Michael PITTAMS, Policy Analyst, Energy and the Environment Group Mr Peter BRUNT, Manager, Emissions Trading Policy Venue : 33 Bowen Street

15.50 WALK TO PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS and proceed to labour caucus room, 3.034 parliament house

16.00 Meeting with members of Labour Party Caucus

16.25 Meeting concludes. Proceed to 3.029 Parliament House

16.30 Call on the Honourable Chris CARTER, Labour Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs

17.00 Proceed to Government Caucus Room, level 1, Parliament House

FdR 822913 18 PE 442.289 17.10 Meeting with members of the National Party Caucus

17.40 WALK TO HOTEL

17.45 ARRIVE

Free time

18.45 DEPARTURE BY COACH FOR

19.00 Dinner hosted by H.E. Mr Marcos GÓMEZ MARTÌNEZ, Ambassador of Spain in New Zealand, and Señora Doña Cristina GÓMEZ DE LA TORRE Y CURT Venue : Ambassador's Residence 6, Hauraki Street Karori approx. 21.00 RETURN BY COACH TO THE HOTEL

21.15 ARRIVE

Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Corner Bolton and Mowbray Streets 6011 Wellington tel. +64 4 472 99 66 fax +64 4 472 99 55

Wednesday 31 March 2010 WELLINGTON

Dress code : business

Breakfast (own arrangements)

08.55 LEAVE BY COACH FOR

09.00 Meeting with Mr Jack STEPHENS, Group General Manager New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Venue : Majestic Centre - Level 15 100 Willis Street

10.00 LEAVE BY COACH FOR

10.15 Roundtable meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Address: 195 Lambton Quay - Level 12

Mr Peter HAMILTON, Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Chair) Mr Wade ARMSTRONG, Principal Adviser, Trade Policy

FdR 822913 19 PE 442.289 Mr George TROUP, Director, Europe Division Mr David PINE, Director, Economic Division Mr Hamish COOPER, Director, International Security and Disarmament Division Ms Carol DOUGLAS, Deputy Director, Pacific Division Mr Martin WELSH, Deputy Director, Europe Division Mr Ian BROWNLIE, Senior Policy Officer, Europe Division

11.45 LEAVE BY COACH FOR

12.00 Meeting with Mr Don ABEL, Assistant Governor and Head of Operations, Mr Dean FORD, Head of Forecasting and Mr David DRAGE, Manager Financial Markets Research Financial Markets Department Venue : Reserve Bank 2 The Terrace

13.00 LEAVE BY COACH FOR

13.15 Meeting/Lunch with Federated Farmers Venue : 154 Featherston Street - Level 6

Meet with Mr Don NICOLSON, President, Mr Conor ENGLISH, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark ROSS, General Manager Policy and Advocacy

14.30 LEAVE BY COACH FOR HOTEL

14.45 Arrive at hotel - short break

15.20 WALK TO PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

15.25 Arrive and proceed to 6.1, Executive Wing

15.30 Call on Hon Murray McCULLY, Minister of Foreign Affairs

16.00 Proceed to 2.04, Executive Wing

16.15 Call on the Hon Jim ANDERTON MP, the Hon Damien O'CONNOR MP and the Hon MP, Opposition Spokesman for Agriculture and Rural Affairs

16.45 Proceed to Level 15, Bowen House

17.00 Meet with members of the Green Party Caucus

17.30 WALK TO HOTEL

17.35 ARRIVE

FdR 822913 20 PE 442.289 Free time

18.50 LEAVE BY COACH FOR PUBLIC ENTRANCE PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

19.00 Arrive and proceed to

19.15 Dinner be hosted by the Honourable Dr Lockwood SMITH, Speaker of the House of Representatives Venue : Ministerial Dining Room Level 2 Executive Wing

21.00 Dinner concludes. LEAVE BY COACH FOR HOTEL

21.10 Arrive at hotel

Thursday 1 April 2010 WELLINGTON

Dress code : business

07.25 Proceed to Bolton/Mowbray rooms, Level 1, Bolton Hotel

07.30 Working breakfast/Round Table on Climate Change, chaired by Dr Jan WRIGHT, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment

Attendees include : - Craig FOSS MP, Spokesperson, National Party - Charles CHAUVEL MP, Spokesperson, Labour Party - Dr Kennedy GRAHAM MP, Spokesperson Green Party - John BOSCAWEN MP, Spokesperson ACT Party - Andy REISINGER, Senior Resarch Fellow, Victoria University of Wellington - Dr , Research Manager, Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment - Dr Alex THOMPSON, Senior Researcher, Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment

08.45 Breakfast/Round Table concludes

08.50 WALK TO PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

08.55 Arrive and proceed to Level 20, Bowen House

09.00 Meeting with Colin JAMES, political journalist

09.45 Proceed to [Select Committee Room]

10.00 Meeting with Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee

FdR 822913 21 PE 442.289 10.30 Proceed to [Select Committee Room]

10.45 Meeting with Primary Production Committee

11.25 Meeting concludes

11.30 LEAVE BY COACH FOR ST JOHN'S RESTAURANT, 5 CABLE STREET

12.30 Informal delegation lunch

14.30 Guided tour of Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand

16.30 Visit concludes

Friday 2 April 2010

INDIVIDUAL DEPARTURE OF MEMBERS AND STAFF

FdR 822913 22 PE 442.289 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 2009 - 2014

Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

17TH EU-NEW ZEALAND INTERPARLIAMENTARY MEETING CHRISTCHURCH AND WELLINGTON, 29 MARCH - 2 APRIL 2010

FULL PARTICIPANTS LIST

Members

Mr José Manuel GARCIA-MARGALLO Y MARFIL EPP Spain Mr Petru LUHAN EPP Romania Mr Emilio MENÉNDEZ DEL VALLE S&D Spain Mr Hannu TAKKULA ALDE Finland Mr Michael CRAMER VERTS/ALE Germany Mr Richard ASHWORTH ECR United Kingdom Mr Giles CHICHESTER ECR United Kingdom

Secretariat Mr Jean-Louis BERTON, Director Ms Alida NADEJDE, Head of Secretariat Ms Emma MOLLET, Administrative Assistant

FdR 822913 23 PE 442.289