THE Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives (Parliament), Rt Hon Trevor Mallard and eight members of the New Zealand Parliament met with the Speaker of National Parliament Ajilon Nasiu and Parliamentary Officials, Wednesday.
During the meeting Mr Nasiu highlights the challenges faced by the National Parliament and at the same time he thanked the New Zealand government for funding the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI) programme which the National Parliament is a beneficiary of.
In response Hon Mallard thanked the Speaker for the welcome and stated that one of the purposes of the visit was to see how the Solomon Islands had transitioned after RAMSI as well as to discuss possible linkages between both Parliaments.
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand Joy Kere was also present during the meeting at Parliament House.
The New Zealand delegation will meet with the Leader of Opposition Hon Manasseh Maelanga and the Leader of the Independents Hon. Dr Derek Sikua along with the Deputy Speaker and Committee Chairs tomorrow morning before visiting New Zealand funded programs along West Guadalcanal.
The New Zealand Parliamentary delegation consists of:
1. Rt Hon Trevor Mallard, Speaker (MP, Labour – Hutt South)
2. Hon Anne Tolley, Deputy Speaker (MP, National – East Coast)
3. Poto Williams, Assistant Speaker (MP, Labour – Christchurch East)
4. Adrian Rurawhe, Assistant Speaker (MP, Labour – Te Tai Hauāuru)
5. Hon Louise Upston (MP, National – Taupo)
6. Stuart Smith (MP, National – Kaikoura)
7. Matt King (MP, National – Northland)
8. Willow-Jean Prime (MP, Labour – list)
9. Jan Tinetti (MP, Labour – list)
10. Amy Brier, Delegation Secretary/Manager Parliamentary Engagement
11. Esther Jens, MFAT Liaison
– Parliament Media
