Transcript
The knowledge sharing continuum so eloquently described by Tamahau Rowe during the powhiri on the steps of parliament for the Pacific guests is what the triennial Pacific Parliamentary Forum is all about, according to its host, the speaker of New Zealand's Parliament Trevor Mallard.
At Parliament, the more than 30 strong delegation of Pacific MPs had the opportunity to hear from and engage with government ministers and MPs.
Fiji Opposition MP Lenora Qereqeretabua was very interested in the Finance Minister Grant Robertson's explanation of Labour's well-being budget.
The Pacific delegates also participated in technical workshops and a select committee hearing which the Cook Islands Associate Justice Minister Tingika Elikana, who is also the chair of the Cooks special select committee on bills, was particularly interested in.
During the electorate visits in Auckland, they held panel discussions with list MPs, visited the Pasifika Court and a health and social services provider, called 'The Fono', whose health promotion model greatly impressed Tongan MP Losaline Ma'asi.
But the learning is by no means one way traffic according to Trevor Mallard.
As part of achieving that increased understanding the delegates also took part in debates; one on how Pacific nations can present a united voice to the world on issues of critical importance to the region.
And another looking at how diversity can strengthen parliaments.
The next Pacific Parliamentary Forum will be in 2022.
This is Koroi Hawkins.
