The inaugural Pacific Parliamentarians Forum in Wellington concludes this morning, with a New Zealand MP saying the event has helped forge greater understanding between elected representatives in the region.
The event saw nearly 70 delegates gather over several days in Wellington to debate issues including climate change, media freedom, service delivery and gender issues in parliament.
The government MP Sam Lotu-Iiga says this forum, along with the recent Pacific energy summit in Auckland demonstrate how New Zealand is playing a
leading role in helping Pacific islanders confront their biggest challenges.
"You know, acknowledging climate change was a big part of that and Pacific people are taking that on board, and we're working with them. It's not just about the money, it's about the relationships. On the forum, I said this is about building relationships between people, between leaders, as well as in the background, we have aid and funding as part of that."
