Prime Minister Bill English has announced funding to kickstart a major upgrade of the electricity network in the Tongan capital.

New Zealand’s early commitment is expected to assist Tonga to attract other investors for the project.

“Our $5 million support will help provide safe, reliable electricity to around 8,500 households and businesses in Nuku’alofa and save around $1.1 million a year through reduced line losses,” Mr English says.

“This builds on New Zealand’s previous energy investments in Tonga, which include Tonga’s first large-scale solar farm in 2012, and other significant network upgrades.

“Access to clean, reliable energy is essential for businesses to thrive and to reduce reliance on fossil fuels used by diesel generators.

“We recognise this, and we are working with Tonga to help it achieve its energy goals.”

The Prime Minister made the announcement while in Tonga as part of the 2017 Pacific Mission.

| A Beehive release  ||  June 16,  2017   |||

Trade Minister Todd McClay says his visit to Washington for high-level trade talks with the Trump Administration has been a success and that the U.S. has indicated it is open to a free trade agreement (FTA) with New Zealand when the time is right.

Mr McClay met with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, newly appointed U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Congressman David Reichert, Special Advisors to the President and members of the US Chamber of Commerce.

Mr McClay says Secretary Ross has indicated that he is open to a trade deal with New Zealand and did not see any major issues, as our relationship was in good shape.

"It's clear the U.S. will take time considering its trade strategy. They're likely to have a considerable workload over next couple of years with NAFTA renegotiations and some big bilateral deals to do. However, I've welcomed their interest in an FTA as a demonstration of the good shape our trading relationship is in," Mr McClay says.

"Trade Agenda 2030 sets an ambitious target of 90 per cent of our goods trade being covered by FTAs by 2030. The U.S. will be an important part of achieving this goal and my discussions this week in Washington are encouraging."

USTR Robert Lighthizer also told Mr McClay he was keen to work with New Zealand on international trade policy issues.

"This was my 3rd meeting with Ambassador Lighthizer since his confirmation just over a month ago. I have a great deal of respect for Robert and believe that New Zealand will be able to work closely with him on trade."

Mr McClay says there is significant interest in New Zealand's approach to trade policy. Congressman Reichert and members of the U.S. business community said they had admiration for how we had opened our markets and made the most of the opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.

"They recognise we are number one in ‘ease of doing business' and were impressed with the strong performance of our economy,” Mr McClay says

Mr McClay says there is considerable scope to grow trade and investment with the U.S.

"Two-way trade with the U.S. reached $16 billion in 2016. This is an incredibly wealthy market with huge opportunity for New Zealand businesses. Trade Agenda 2030 means the Government will increase efforts to help New Zealanders do more in countries like the U.S.," Mr McClay says.

|  A Beehive release  ||  June 19,  2017   |||

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges has today launched a new guide for potential investors highlighting opportunities in the Māori economy.

Speaking at the He kai kei aku ringa – E RERE Māori economy conference in Rotorua, Mr Bridges told the audience that Māori have huge potential to lift the New Zealand economy.

“Māori are a young and growing population who will form a large part of our future workforce. Māori control over $15 billion in assets, with significant land holdings, and are diversifying in to other high value sectors,” Mr Bridges says.

“Investors are interested in partnering with Māori, and global consumers are interested in their intergenerational outlook and underpinning cultural values of taking care of people, building strong relationships, and looking after the environment.

“The Māori Economy Investor Guide will help investors understand the Māori economy, culture and people. It offers insights as to how and where potential investors can engage with Māori enterprises, embrace the distinctive global advantages of the Māori economy, and forge strong partnerships for the future.”

Produced by KPMG, the Māori Economy Investor Guide was funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as part of their commitment to He kai kei aku ringa – the Crown-Māori Economic Growth Partnership.

The Guide can be found at www.mbie.govt.nz. Further information about investing with Māori can be found at www.nzte.govt.nz.

| A Beehive release   ||  June 16,  2017   |||

Both leader new to politics and both invented their own parties

A French election transposed on New Zealand would result in a victory for Gareth Morgan's new political party..

Interest in election outcome transfer has so far covered the British general election.

But a scrutiny of the result of the French presidential election won outright by Emmanuel Macron and then of the ensuing French parliamentary election also won outright by his party demonstrates a dream that on face value could only be achieved by Gareth Morgan.

Here now are the similarities:-

*President Macron had never stood before as a party political candidate – Neither has Mr Morgan

*President Macron invented his own polltical party, En Marche. Mr Morgan has also created his own party, the Opportunities Party

*President Macron’s background is in high finance. So is Mr Morgan’s

*En Marche is liberal centrist. So is Opportunities

*President Macron launched himself into the presidential election which he won, and the legislative election which he also won claiming that no existing political party was in a position to effect any positive change. Mr Morgan is saying the same thing.

In the event, President Macron re-cast the French political scene, causing to disappear as any force at all the ruling Socialist Party.

Will Mr Morgan accomplish the same sweeping reorganisation of the political landscape here?

A problem in contrast with seeking to transpose the British general election to New Zealand is that no reading can be taken, no tea leaves read, on the disrepute in which professional career politicians were regarded by the British electorate.

This is because they were all professional politicians who had all devoted their adult careers to politics.

So in the New Zealand general election the electorate in the form of Mr Morgan will be faced with this man-of-the-hour type drawn to the fray--- out of patriotism.

President Macron in his own election, and then in the En Marche dominated legislative (Parliamentary) election broke France’s endless party political electoral conveyor belt which runs from the City councils, through the regional/departmental councils by way of the European Parliament.

It could also be added that the two party names, the one in France, and the one in New Zealand mean pretty much the same thing in being code for a break with the past.

Beyond an agricultural focus and a shared Polynesian experience, the two nations are not immediately apparent as political mirror images.

In recent years however France has followed several New Zealand structural leads. It has cut its presidential political term from seven years to five – still much longer though than New Zealand’s quick-fire three year term.

In recent weeks there has been a strong groundswell in France in favour of proportional representation.

| From the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  Friday 6 June 2017   |||

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced diplomat Carl Worker as New Zealand’s next Consul-General in Hong Kong, a role he has held previously.

“New Zealand has a close relationship with Hong Kong with thriving trade, investment and finance links,” Mr Brownlee says.

“As New Zealand’s 10th largest export market with total exports of $1.15 billion last year, Hong Kong is an important commercial and investment market for New Zealand companies.

“New Zealand has had over 39,000 visitor arrivals from Hong Kong last year.

“We also have a very successful trade agreement with Hong Kong, the Closer Economic Partnership, which has secured duty-free access for New Zealand goods into Hong Kong. It continues to support growing trade both with Hong Kong and as an important gateway to mainland China for New Zealand firms.

“New Zealand and Hong Kong have strong community links, with long established expat communities,” Mr Brownlee says.

Mr Worker is currently Principal Business Adviser with a special focus on China at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism.

He served as Ambassador to China from 2009 to 2015 following earlier assignments as Ambassador to Argentina, his first appointment as Consul-General in Hong Kong from 1994-98, and Deputy Head of Mission in Beijing from 1992-94.

| A Beehive release  ||  June 15,  2017   |||

Foreign Affairs Minister Gerry Brownlee has today named diplomat Mark Sinclair as New Zealand’s new Ambassador to Mexico.

“Mexico is an important partner for New Zealand as we look to establish a stronger New Zealand presence throughout Latin America,” Mr Brownlee says.

“Mexico has consistently been one of our largest trading partners in the region, and we share a strong commitment to trade liberalisation and regional economic integration.

“We look forward to further advancing our relationship through trade, economic, agricultural and cultural links,” Mr Brownlee says.

Mr Sinclair is currently Ambassador for Climate Change and was previously Ambassador to Japan. He has also served as Chief Negotiator, Trans-Pacific Partnership, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

| A Beehive release  ||  June 15,  2017   |||

New Zealand's next ambassador to China will be Clare Fearnley, Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee announced today.

“New Zealand’s relationship with China is one of our most important. In its 45th year, it encompasses areas as diverse as economic, trade, climate change, defence, legal, cultural and educational cooperation,” Mr Brownlee says.

“Two-way trade reached a new high of $23 billion in 2016, and both sides have set the ambitious target of $30 billion by 2020.

“Our free trade agreement has been an incredible success, with trade between our two countries tripling since 2008. Upgrade negotiations now under way promise to set the foundations for the future growth of the relationship.

“New Zealand’s diplomatic presence in China has grown significantly in recent years.

“A new, purpose-built embassy will open early next year, demonstrating our commitment to supporting high-value business, cultural and government engagement at all levels.

“I look forward to the new Ambassador advancing New Zealand’s relationship with China,” Mr Brownlee says.

Ms Fearnley is currently New Zealand Ambassador to South Korea after serving as Director-General North Asia, Director-General Asia Pacific, and Acting Director-General Legal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She was also previously Consul-General in Shanghai.

| A Beehive release  ||  June 15,  2017   |||

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced diplomat Rupert Holborow as New Zealand’s new Ambassador to Germany.

“New Zealand enjoys an excellent relationship with Germany, with extensive political, trade, scientific and tourism links,” Mr Brownlee says.

“Germany is an influential member of the European Union, and we work together closely at the United Nations on global issues such as human rights, disarmament, security and climate change.

“Germany is also a major trading partner for New Zealand. Two-way trade amounts to over $3 billion per year, and Germany’s ongoing support for a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union is critical to achieving our ambitions.

“Over 96,000 German tourists visit New Zealand each year and around 4000 students travel from Germany to study here annually,” Mr Brownlee says.

Mr Holborow is currently Divisional Manager of the Economic Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Exports Work-Stream Lead for the Government’s Business Growth Agenda, as well as a Vice-Chair of the OECD Trade Committee. He was previously New Zealand High Commissioner to India.

| A Beehive release  ||  June 15,  2017   |||

They foolishly counseled the sidestepping of domestic issues especially the one of the crazed assassins active on UK streets

 From the MSCNewsWire European Correspondent- Jun 10: Failure to identify priority issues has sunk UK premier Theresa May’s objective of attaining a decisive Parliamentary majority. Chief among them was a startling inability to confront the religious fanatic murders of passers-by in British cities.

This was covered by a wooden de-personalisation spectacular even by English bureaucratic standards.

It was officially delegated to the abstract as “attacks on democracy.”

Unbelievably these assassinations invoked a policy decision by the Conservatives to cut back on the police. No compensating investment for beefing up border or IT surveillance was given. Instead the Conservatives outlined a nebulous campaign to face-down Facebook.

Knowing that its constituency is composed of those of mature years, the Conservatives backed and filled on social spending notably in regard to the housebound infirm thus easily laying themselves open to cries of imposing a dementia tax.

Much the same thing happened to the school age generation where cuts were announced and again without any balancing counter-investments. This cup-half-empty exercise was repeated throughout the campaign, writes our European correspondent.

When these election-losing examples of social spending cuts at the poles of the age spectrum were drawn to the attention of Conservative policy makers, they simply U-turned, leaving their original errors unacknowledged.

It was the most bizarre Conservative Party election campaign in living memory. Mrs May came across as more elite and out of touch than any of the Euro-loving elites so spectacularly swept away in Brexit.

In contrast Labour’s leader Jeremy Corbyn, dismissed just a few weeks before as a looney-lefty, ambled donnishly and amiably around in an everyman manner conveying an impression of informed and sympathetic populism.

Mrs May meanwhile came across as the prissy headmistress of a posh boarding school trying to explain why she felt it necessary to use the cane quite so often.

All might still have been well if most of the votes from the imploding UKIP flowed on their anticipated course which was into the Conservatives.

Instead the UKIP votes flowed into Labour.

Mrs May’s snap general election was designed to give the conservatives a Parliamentary majority of sufficient size to hammer through Brexit without let or hindrance.

Instead quite the opposite happened – a hung Parliament which will be a breeding ground for boondoggling, and compromise.

Mrs May was decisive though over the SNP’s demand for another revolving door referendum on Scotland’s independence She gave a clear cut and unequivocal no with the result that the SNP seats were recovered by the Tories.

Elsewhere the signal was anything but clear.

Whether Mrs May remains or goes as premier now becomes the dangling conversation of Westminster

There is though one certainty.

Pedestrians slaughtered by crazed assassins might be categorised as unit casualties in an “attack on democracy”.

But those who were responsible for the Conservative campaign are due to have their heads displayed on the pikes on the bounds of Westminster.

They will include the obvious and visible candidates.

Also one highly decorated and much fawned over Austro-British back-room eminence who has learned as all showboating gamblers inevitably learn that pride does go before a fall however overdue the fall. .

| From This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  ||   Saturday 10 June 2017   |||

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee today named diplomat Chris Langley as New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Brazil.

“Brazil is a global player on issues of importance to New Zealand, and we work closely together on a range of international issues including global trade, international security and climate change,” Mr Brownlee says.

“New Zealand has a strong and growing economic relationship with Brazil, which is the seventh largest economy in the world. We have significant investments in Brazil’s dairy sector and are deepening links through education and tourism.

“We recently restarted a trade dialogue with Mercosur – the Southern Common Market, which includes Brazil – aimed at developing trade ties with those countries.

“Brazilians and New Zealanders also share a passion for sport, as demonstrated during last year’s Rio Olympics,” Mr Brownlee says.

Mr Langley has had previous postings in Chile and Indonesia, and took a two-year sabbatical from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to work in the private sector in Sydney.

He recently served as trade private secretary to the Minister of Trade and is currently working in the Trade Negotiations Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

|  A Beehive release  ||  June 8 2017   |||