Speeches

Firstly, thank you to the President of the Criminal Bar Association, Fiona Guy Kidd QC, for her invitation to attend the annual conference this weekend.

This year marks ten years since the first of these important summits were held. I congratulate you all on the perennial success and relevance that the China Business Summit enjoys.

In spite of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the nuclear disarmament obligation enshrined in Article VI, we seem as far as ever from a world without nuclear weapons, and in real danger of moving backwards.

This year marks a significant milestone in the New Zealand – China relationship.  

On Monday 25 July, Myanmar’s state-run newspaper announced the execution of four people, including political figures – Phyo Zeya Thaw, Kyaw Min Yu - known as Ko Jimmy, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw.

I acknowledge the enormous pressure that present circumstances are putting on GPs and their practices.

I am pleased to be here today to discuss the reform of the resource management system with you and in particular to update you on governance and decision making in the new system.

I want to begin with the current state of play for New Zealand, and how that extends to shared challenges with local leadership.

Good morning. It’s great to be here again and speak with you.