New Zealand Minister of Trade, Hon Tim Groser, on behalf of the nine members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, has welcomed Canada and Mexico as new participants in negotiations to conclude a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement.

The New Zealand Minister of Immigration, Hon Nathan Guy, has announced new immigration family policies which will help New Zealand attract and retain skilled migrants, and ensure that their family members can settle well and be self-sufficient.  Please read the the Minister's announcement at: www.beehive.govt.nz/release/changes-immigration-family-policies-confirmed. 

Further information on the changes is available at: www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/news/familycategorychanges.

The New Zealand and Australian High Commissions commemorated Anzac Day 2012 with a Dawn Service at Diamond Hill War Cemetery, located near Donkerhoek, some 40 kms from Pretoria.  Around 80 people attended the commmemoration, where wreaths were laid by the Acting New Zealand High Commissioner, Ms Georgina Roberts, the Australian High Commissioner, HE Ms Ann Harrap and the Turkish Ambassador, HE Mr Vakur Gokdenizler, as well as by members of the diplomatic corps and South African veterans' organisations.

Statement by Hon Murray McCully to the African Union Executive Council

Warmest greetings from New Zealand to Ministers and Member States of the African Union Executive Council as you meet to discuss the vital issues affecting the countries of Africa and their relations with the wider international community.

New Zealand followed with great interest the open debate in the UN Security Council this month under the presidency of South Africa on peace and security in Africa and the development of the strategic partnership between the African Union and the United Nations. That the Council has devoted nearly half its meetings over the past 21 years to Africa, and mandated 25 operations, underscores the importance for the entire international community in addressing security issues and conflict prevention on the continent. New Zealand has participated in a number of these as well as addressing a number of the conflicts when it last served on the Council, in 1993-1994.