Latest posts
Visit to Jamaica
7th February 2012 by Andrew Needs, Ottawa
I am cross accredited to Jamaica, and as part of their diplomatic week I visited the capital Kingston for three days last week to meet Ministers in the newly elected government of Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller.
Early in the week the Prime Minister addressed both resident (stationed in Kingston) and non-resident Ambassadors. The Prime Minister outlined
Life, the Universe and Everything
24th January 2012 by Andrew Needs, Ottawa
Last week, together with the new Australian High Commissioner, Louise Hand, I called on Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) to discuss the joint Australia-New Zealand bid to host the Square Kilometre Array.
What on earth is that, you may ask?
For those of you, who, like me, aren’t scientists, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is the name
Taranaki revisited
9th January 2012 by Andrew Needs, Ottawa
In the lead up to Christmas I left Ottawa and was back in New Zealand for 10 days. I visited Taranaki to see family, Wellington to see friends and go into head office, Palmerston North for a small University Reunion dinner. It was all good, despite the fact that I managed to coincide most of
Farewell to the first New Zealand/ASEAN Scholars – CHÀO TẠM BIỆT CÁC ỨNG VIÊN ĐẦU TIÊN NHẬN ĐƯỢC HỌC BỔNG NIU DI-LÂN ASEAN
5th January 2012 by Heather Riddell, Ha Noi
On 21 December I bade farewell to 30 excited students, the very first Vietnamese recipients of the new New Zealand/ASEAN scholarship. In the new year these scholars fly to New Zealand to commence their studies at New Zealand universities. They will undertake post-graduate study in the various fields of business, linguistics, agribusiness, public management, education and law.
They
Strengthening the economic relationship: Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement/Hiệp Định Đối Tác Xuyên Thái Bình Dương: Tăng cường quan hệ kinh tế
21st December 2011 by Heather Riddell, Ha Noi
During the recent APEC Leaders meeting leaders announced the Broad Outlines of a Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP). They also endorsed an ambitious report from Trade Ministers which underscored the shared commitment to conclude a high quality Agreement, including comprehensive tariff elimination. These significant announcements have sparked renewed interest in the TPP negotiation both within
Blossoming Democracy – the Bali Democracy Forum Contribution/Demokrasi yang Berkembang – Sumbangan Forum Demokrasi Bali
21st December 2011 by David Taylor, Jakarta
Democracy remains the Holy Grail for political systems around the planet. The winds of freedom blowing through the Middle East over the past year and in Myanmar highlight this.
Indonesia, which itself has gone through remarkable democratic transition over the past twelve years, has for four years now hosted the Bali Democracy Forum to allow countries to
The last post
20th December 2011 by Andrew Matheson, Manila
I’m not sure that all good things must come to an end, as the proverb would have us believe, but sadly this one must. After more than three years in a satisfying, demanding, enjoyable and fascinating diplomatic assignment, the time has come for me to leave the Philippines.
The last few weeks have seen me and Sue
Constructive ideas against corruption
8th December 2011 by Andrew Matheson, Manila
‘The forum for constructive ideas’. That’s the by-line for the prominent Philippine business group the Makati Business Club, which earlier this month marked its 30th anniversary. At the ceremony to mark the occasion I heard President Aquino highlight the organisation’s role in addressing public policy issues that go beyond business, including its focus against
Halifax International Security Forum
6th December 2011 by Andrew Needs, Ottawa
I was in Halifax, Nova Scotia a couple of weekends ago to attend the Third Halifax International Security Forum.
I had heard good things about the previous two, and that, along with fora like the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore and the Berlin Security Conference, Halifax was becoming one of those “must attend” events for those wanting
Rugby tourism
2nd December 2011 by Andrew Matheson, Manila
More than a month after the event, people I meet are still congratulating me on New Zealand winning the Rugby World Cup. They realise what it means for the country — not just for the All Blacks to win this trophy, but for New Zealand to have staged such a successful tournament. As I’ve said
