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Good morning everyone, it’s a pleasure to be here today.

I just want to start by acknowledging Madeleine Wright, Fiona Driver and Gary Taylor, I really appreciate the invitation to come and speak to you.

You know if you told me when I first became an MP that in just a few years I’d be going all over New Zealand and in fact the world talking about climate change, I don’t think I would have believed you.

But now that I’ve had the portfolio for 10 months, I’ve got to say I am really loving it.

(Delivered Friday 22 April 2016, Eastern Standard Time, New York City)

Tihei mauri ora!

E ngā mana

E ngā reo

E ngā rangatira o ngā hau e wha

Tenā koutou, tenā koutou, tenā koutou katoa.

It’s a great honour to be here today, representing New Zealand at the Signing Ceremony of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

I stand here speaking on behalf of 4 and a half million New Zealanders, proud that we are joining with all of you and your citizens to make history.  

Good afternoon everyone, it’s great to be with you all at my first Bluegreen conference!

I want to start by first acknowledging my predecessor Tim Groser. 

He’s someone I know our party and in fact all New Zealanders should be immensely proud of, from global leadership in Climate Change and trade, right through to his unique and encyclopedic knowledge of 18th Century Prussian military leaders.

I’d also like to acknowledge my Bluegreen colleagues, many of whom you have or will hear from this weekend. 

Good morning everyone.

Transitioning to a low carbon economy and making the most of technology are significant themes in both my energy and transport portfolios.

New Zealand faces transport and energy challenges.  We want to continue to grow our economy and help New Zealanders to prosper. This means we need secure and affordable energy, and a transport system that meets people’s needs. At the same time, we have to reduce our carbon emissions.

Address to the Institute of International and European Affairs Leadership Forum on Climate-Smart Agriculture, 16 July 2015

It is a great pleasure to be in Dublin – it always is. I have visited Dublin regularly since my first visit in the early 1980s and my visits are always focussed on agriculture.

I would like to thank our two co-chairs, the Hon Simon Power, Chair of the NZ-US Council and Stu Van Soyoc, President of the US-based counterpart organisation for assuming joint responsibility for the Partnership Forum. I think it is a great idea for us to get together once a year with Government, media, business and other stakeholders to take a helicopter view of the relationship.