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When I met with UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson a few weeks ago, one of the things he wanted to talk about was how New Zealand had managed to bounce back so strongly after the Global Financial Crisis.

I assume the title ‘Seismic Shifts’ doesn’t require me to deliver a long, detailed dissertation on what many people here in Canterbury have lived through for more than six years, or to give you a lesson on the world’s tectonic plates.

It does, however, afford an opportunity to discuss changes in the structure of the economy and the role of communications and the public relation sector in getting information and messages to affected people.

Yesterday, Steven Joyce delivered the ninth Budget from a National-led government since 2008.

Thank you to the Defence Industry Association for inviting me to open the Forum with this speech.

This is my first time attending the Forum, and I can see from the programme that you have an excellent two days of meetings and discussion ahead of you.

The Government released its second Defence White Paper in June.

So it is worth briefly reflecting on the New Zealand’s defence policy and the environment that has helped shape it.

The last 15 years has seen the international strategic environment become increasingly uncertain and unstable.

Terrorism is a global issue that affects many nations, including those in the Asia-Pacific.

It is not new to Southeast Asia – extremist groups have had an enduring presence in countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines for decades.

The increasing influence of Daesh in the region is very concerning.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

The last 15 years has seen the international strategic environment become increasingly uncertain and unstable. 

If we ever were in a benign strategic environment we most certainly are no longer.

Some of the changes have evolved more gradually, for example the resurgence of a more assertive Russia.

The growing economic might of China and its emergence as a military big power.

Good morning and thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today.

I would like to acknowledge my Parliamentary colleague the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Hon Paul Goldsmith; Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) President Chris Black; Council members and the other speakers today.

Over the past five years New Zealanders have seen the massive value of having insurance against natural disaster damage.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

May I begin by thanking the People’s Liberation Army for giving me the opportunity to speak at this historic university.

In particular, I would like to thank Lieutenant General Zhang Shibo, the President of the National Defense University, for hosting my delegation today.

It was a pleasure to have welcomed you to New Zealand last year.

This is my first visit to China as Minister of Defence.

I have visited China four times, and I feel more welcome every time I return. 

Good afternoon.

Thank you Jim for that warm welcome and for the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development’s hosting of this event.

Your invitation to address the Building Nations Symposium 2015 is both welcome and opportune.

Can I start by acknowledging Stephen Selwood, Mayor Lianne Dalziel and other local body representatives here today from around the region.