Our MP's are on the move,  and you can read what they up to below:

PM meets China Premier Li Keqiang

18 April 2016 - Prime Minister John Key today met with China Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing for wide-ranging talks, which included the upgrade of the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

“The NZ-China FTA has been a real success for both our countries,” says Mr Key. “China is now our second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade more than doubling since the agreement came into force.

“Premier Li and I discussed our intention to upgrade the FTA, to reflect the growth in trade between our two countries and to ensure it continues to drive our relationship forward.

“We also discussed the importance of continuing to cooperate across the board, including in science and innovation, UN Security Council issues and tourism.

“We talked about the growing law enforcement and legal cooperation between our two countries, and agreed to foster increased communication on international legal issues between our two foreign ministries.

“Following our talks, Premier Li and I witnessed the signing of a number of arrangements, which reflect the significant engagement between New Zealand and China.

These include arrangements on:

• Developing an Agricultural Growth Partnership that will underpin agricultural cooperation programmes across a range of technical areas
• Promoting Trade and Investment between the New Zealand Export Credit Office and the Export-Import Bank of China which will promote greater cooperation and export credit financingChinese recognition of New Zealand halal standards for New Zealand exports
• Implementation of the Strategic Research Alliance Joint Projects which will facilitate the allocation of funds to ongoing and previously-agreed science projects.

“In addition, earlier today I was pleased to witness the signing of a cooperation arrangement between New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Chinese internet giant Alibaba.

“NZTE and Alibaba have agreed to work together to provide services aimed at helping New Zealand businesses maximise the opportunities on Alibaba’s online platform.

“This is good news for New Zealand exporters looking to grow their business through direct sales to Chinese citizens.

“Our relationship with China is increasingly broad based and these arrangements will help ensure this continues,” says Mr Key.

Joyce leads GPA Mission to the US

18 April 2016 - Economic Development and Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce leaves for the United States tomorrow to promote US-New Zealand business links, and leverage New Zealand’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).

In August 2015, New Zealand joined the GPA, providing New Zealand companies guaranteed access to US government contracts.

“The US Government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services. Federal government spending is worth more than US$600 billion per annum. New Zealand’s GPA accession improves the contracting environment for New Zealand firms. We also value the US as a key science and innovation partner,” Mr Joyce says.

“New Zealand has a strong international reputation for honesty, integrity, quality of government and reputable business practices and legal systems. This is a great “brand” for New Zealand companies to build from.”

The mission aims to attract interest in New Zealand solutions for US state and federal government and to secure the attention of key US government department leaders, buyers and influencers.

Mr Joyce leads a delegation of New Zealand exporters targeting government procurement at a two-day CEO Summit in Washington DC, organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

“US procurement is committed to transparent and competitive government procurement that delivers the best value for money. It is a very lucrative, complex market, and GPA membership gives New Zealand businesses the right to bid for government contracts,” Mr Joyce says. “There are opportunities for New Zealand businesses in almost every sector in the US.”

While there, Mr Joyce will also visit Berkeley and Georgetown universities, and call on the Assistant Secretary of State to talk about New Zealand's wide range of academic, cultural and educational flows between both countries.

Mr Joyce will also visit San Francisco and Houston. He will return to New Zealand on 22 April.

Foss to honour veterans in South Korea

18 April 2016 - Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss will travel to South Korea tomorrow to mark the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong.

The 16th Field Regiment of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery played a significant role in defeating the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army during the Battle of Gapyeong on 24 April 1951. The Regiment was awarded the Republic of Korea’s Presidential Citation.

“It is a privilege to be going to Korea for this commemoration, and attending an Anzac service in Seoul the following day makes it extra special. No matter where or when our military personnel served, they deserve to be honoured,” Mr Foss says.

“While in Korea I will pay my respects to our fallen soldiers buried in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan and visit New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed to the United Nations-controlled Demilitarised Zone (DMZ).

“It will be my honour to present five New Zealand General Service Medals — Korea, and two New Zealand Operational Service Medals to military personnel finishing their deployment to the DMZ.”

Mr Foss will also meet his South Korean counterpart, Minister of Patriots and Veterans’ Affairs Sungchoon Park, and in his role as Minister for Small Business, the Korean branch of the International Council for Small Business.

McCully to New York and Europe

15 April 2016 -  Foreign Minister Murray McCully travels to New York this weekend for UN Security Council related meetings, and will then travel to the UK, Germany and France.

Minister McCully will participate in a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East region on Monday 18 April and will undertake a series of related bilateral meetings in New York.

In London Minister McCully will be meeting with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and will be attending a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group. Minister McCully will also travel to Berlin to meet German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and will continue on to Paris for meetings in support of New Zealand’s engagement in the UN Security Council.

“My meetings in the UK, Germany and France are an opportunity to discuss how New Zealand can work with our European partners on issues of common interest on the UN Security council agenda,” Mr McCully says.

“I will also be using my time in Europe to support Helen Clark’s candidacy for UN Secretary-General, and to discuss the New Zealand/ EU Free Trade Agreement.”

In France, the Minister will represent New Zealand at centenary commemorative services in Longueval in the Somme.

“New Zealand has a long history with Europe, and our First World War centenary commemorations underline this shared history, and our shared values. I welcome the opportunity to pay my respects in this centenary year of the Battle of the Somme,” Mr McCully says.

Dunne to attend UN Special Session on Drug Policy

15 April 2016 - Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne is travelling to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS), which takes place over 19-21 April.

“Major themes of the UNGASS meeting are likely to include the death penalty, new psychoactive substances and the impact of technology,” says Mr Dunne.

Along with a number of other health ministers and heads of state from across the globe, Mr Dunne will participate in panels and policy roundtable events ranging over human rights, international cooperation and evidence-based policy.

“The Conference provides an excellent opportunity to discuss drug policy at a global level. New Zealand is one of a number of countries that have in recent years moved towards treating drug use as a health issue, rather than a criminal justice issue. While we still have work to do here in New Zealand, it is my view that we are making good progress in how we address wider drug-harm issues.

“At an international level, we often share common problems but frequently differ in our solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach as geographical, social and cultural features all play a role, but UNGASS nonetheless represents an outstanding opportunity to discuss and share ideas, views and approaches”, Mr Dunne said.