Parliamentary luncheon

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language. Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign)

May I the specifically greet you: Hon Sir Dr Puka Temu, Deputy Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, and Lady Temu; Ministers of the Crown and members of Parliament; Distinguished guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

In the context of this gathering, may I add the greetings: Apinun olgeta (afternoon everyone).

Sir Dr Puka, on behalf of my wife Susan and myself, I thank you for the invitation to attend this luncheon at the National Parliament House here in Port Moresby. 

New Zealand greatly values its good relationship with Papua New Guinea and wishes to see it develop further to our mutual benefit.
I spoke last night at the State Dinner hosted by Governor-General, Grand Chief Rt Hon Sir Paulias Matane, and Lady Matane, and in that address outlined the depth and breadth of ties between our two nations. 

As our meal awaits, I do not intend to re-iterate those remarks, but as I stand here in the National Parliament House of Papua New Guinea, it seems appropriate that I should emphasise the Westminster parliamentary heritage which our countries share.

Like almost all members of the Commonwealth, both New Zealand and Papua New Guinea were once British colonies.  The British Empire, on which it was said the sun would never set, has gone.  Colonialism left a mixed legacy.  Many nations, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea included, have continued to struggle with some aspects of the legacy of that time.

Colonialism also left behind legal, parliamentary and democratic traditions and values.  Those customs, largely born in a civil war in England more than 300 years ago, have continued to develop and have been adapted to meet local conditions.  Despite the different ground in which they have been sown, the similarities remain.   

The ground here in Papua New Guinea for those values has proven highly fertile. While many challenges remain, in the 34 years since independence, the traditions and values of democratic government have taken root strongly.   With an independent judiciary, a respected Ombudsman Commission and an active civil society, your country has an unbroken record of democratic government.

The people of Papua New Guinea and their Members of Parliament should take pride that their society is marked by robust political debate that is actively reported upon by an independent local media. 

But most importantly, PNG's people should take pride in being a community who have an active sense of their rights and a determination to participate in the democratic process.

The people of this land have more reason than some to see the value of democracy over its alternatives.  As I mentioned at last night's dinner, the ties between our two nations began in the calamity of the Second World War.   While many Papuan and New Zealand lives were lost in that conflict, this land also suffered from invasion and occupation.

The tragedy of that time was brought home to us this morning when we toured the Bomana War Cemetery to the north of Port Moresby.   While there I laid a wreath to honour the thousands of Commonwealth soldiers, including those from Papua New Guinea and six New Zealanders,  who lie buried there. 

Each year now sees a reduction in the number remaining alive who fought to defend democratic values and tradition more than 60 years ago.

Since that time, Papua New Guinea has gained independence and now plays a leading role in a number of international institutions, in particular the Pacific Forum.   As the region's unchallenged elder statesman, Sir Michael Somare with whom I have had a memorable 30 minute encounter following his arrival back from New York has played a key role in the Forum and has been a friend to several New Zealand Prime Ministers.  His more than 40 years' service as a Member of this Parliament and its predecessor  reflects his commitment to his people and this country.

As the home to a large proportion of the South Pacific's population, and many of its natural resources, Papua New Guinea can be described as the region's power house.   That great potential is symbolised in a number of major natural resource projects, most notably the Exxon-Mobil and Interoil LNG projects.  If they proceed as planned, they seem set to make a major and positive impact on Papua New Guinea. 

Even so, as the elected representatives of the people of Papua New Guinea I am sure you are also very conscious of the significant developmental challenges you face. With a fast growing population, I understand the government is working assiduously at extending essential services to a largely rural population, much of which is very difficult to reach.  

New Zealand is committed to working with Papua New Guinea in these and a number of other areas, assisting it in education and health services and in fostering ongoing economic development.  As a friend of Papua New Guinea, we assisted in bringing peace to, Bougainville now getting on for a decade ago, and New Zealand is committed it assisting in its ongoing stability. 

Other important bilateral linkages exist between our respective military organisations; through sport, and through a steady though modest stream of visitors in both directions. We have a useful trade relationship, and I  hope this visit of mine may encouraging increased interest in New Zealand in its potential.  

In conclusion, I wish to thank you the Government for inviting us to visit your country and for the hospitality in hosting us to this luncheon.  My visit marks a reconfirmation of our long and warm bilateral relationship. I greatly look forward to seeing something more of this remarkable country.

And on that note, I seek to close in New Zealand's first language Māori, offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours.  No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.