Futures Forecast: A “Guarded” Democracy in Fiji. Paul G. Buchanan Change of Guard Ceremony, Government House, Suva. Republic of Fiji Military Forces hand over guardship to Republic of Fiji Police. Photo: Republic of Fiji Military Forces (http://www.rfmf.mil.fj/news/Change%20of%20Guards.html) . Revelations that the Fijian military-bureaucratic regime has rejected important aspects of the draft constitution submitted by [...]
Futures Forecast: A “Guarded” Democracy in Fiji.
Written by Paul Buchanan on Thursday, January 17th, 2013
RNZ Interview: Paul Buchanan IVed On Radio New Zealand On An Investigation Into The GCSB
Written by Selwyn Manning on Tuesday, September 25th, 2012
RNZ Interview: Paul Buchanan IVed On Radio New Zealand On An Investigation Into The GCSB RNZ Report: With Paul Buchanan – Security and Intelligence Analyst, and Nicky Hager – Investigative Journalist and Author, whose 1996 book “Secret Power – New Zealand’s role in the international spy network” detailed the surveillance system, ECHELON, used at the [...]
Radio Australia Interview: Paul Buchanan On US looks to NZ to help counter China
Written by Selwyn Manning on Monday, September 24th, 2012
This week the United States’ Defence Secretary Leon Panetta visited New Zealand after holding bilateral meetings with the People’s Republic of China and Japan. Panetta met with New Zealand’s Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman and announced how the US and NZ are progressing their military and defence ties. Panetta also raised how the US is willing [...]
Analytic Brief: A Romney Foreign Policy and the Southwestern Pacific.
Written by Paul Buchanan on Friday, September 21st, 2012
Analytic Brief: A Romney Foreign Policy in the Southwestern Pacific. Analysis – By Dr. Paul G. Buchanan. Introduction: 36th Parallel Assessments Founding Partner Dr. Paul G. Buchanan has been traveling in the US for a month. He has had an opportunity to observe the US election campaign from both coasts, and in this brief discusses the [...]
Interview: Opposition Grows Against New Zealand Government’s Anti-Boat People/Asylum-Seeker Deterrent Legislation
Written by Selwyn Manning on Tuesday, September 11th, 2012
Opposition Grows Against New Zealand Government’s Anti-Boat People/Asylum-Seeker Deterrent Legislation TriangleTV Interview: Selwyn Manning With Tracey Barnett – Asylum Seeker Laws – September 10, 2012. The New Zealand National-led Government has initiated legislation that, if passed through its final stages of Parliament, will detain asylum-seekers should they arrive at the nation’s borders in groups of [...]
Afghanistan: Beefing Up In Order To Leave
Written by Paul Buchanan on Thursday, August 23rd, 2012
Afghanistan: Beefing Up In Order To Leave Analysis – By Dr Paul G. Buchanan. In the wake of the most recent NZDF deaths in Bamiyan Province, the New Zealand Prime Minister has decided to accelerate the timetable for withdrawal of NZDF from the Bamiyan Provincial Reconstruction Team to April 2013. After that the PRT will [...]
Analysis: A different sort of BRIC (Australia in comparative perspective).
Written by Paul Buchanan on Tuesday, August 14th, 2012
Analysis: A different type of BRIC (Australia in comparative perspective). In this installment of the 36th Parallel series of analytic briefs, the focus is on Australia compared to other rising middle powers, including three of the BRICs: Brazil, Russia, India. Analysis – By Dr. Paul G. Buchanan. Although it may irk the okkers, Australia can [...]
Selwyn Manning Interviews Coalition For Democracy In Fiji’s Nik Naidu on Fiji’s Slow Walk Back To Democracy
Written by Selwyn Manning on Tuesday, August 7th, 2012
Fiji: Selwyn Manning Interviews Coalition For Democracy In Fiji’s Nik Naidu on Fiji’s Slow Walk Back To Democracy This Week: Selwyn Manning interviews Nik Naidu on Fiji’s Slow Walk Back To Democracy – Beatson Interview, Triangle TV, August 6 2012. Nothing is ever very predictable about the political situation in Fiji – except its unpredictability. [...]
The Pacific Fibre Issue – Has The US Gone Too Far?
Written by Selwyn Manning on Thursday, August 2nd, 2012
The Pacific Fibre Issue – Has The US Gone Too Far? Analysis – By Selwyn Manning. On Thursday morning Interest.co.nz‘s Alex Tarrant reported that the Kiwi Pacific Fibre cable project was sunk by US fears about Chinese investment, and espionage. Interest.co.nz‘s main contact was New Zealand-based invester Rod Drury who said: “It was made clear [...]
Deconstructing New Zealand Foreign Policy
Written by Paul Buchanan on Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
Deconstructing New Zealand Foreign Policy. Analysis – By Dr. Paul G. Buchanan. Introduction: New Zealand’s post-Cold War foreign policy has been characterized by a pragmatic orientation in which matters of principle are balanced against objective assessments of interest. In recent years the commitment to the “principled but pragmatic” foreign policy has come into question, as has [...]
Alleged Canadian Spy Breached Five Eyes Echelon Intelligence
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, July 26th, 2012
Alleged Canadian Spy Breached Five Eyes Echelon Intelligence Major Intelligence Breach: News reports have revealed that a Canadian naval officer has been arrested on security charges where it is alleged he sold military-related signals intelligence to Russian spies. The intelligence is believed to include information circulated between the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand [...]
Parliamentary Network on Nuclear Disarmament (PNND) Visit to North Korea (DPRK) – Post Visit Report
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Parliamentary Network on Nuclear Disarmament (PNND) Visit to North Korea (DPRK) – Post Visit Report Report by and courtesy of Matt Robson. See Also: Speech to Korea Association of New Zealand. ******* REPORT FROM MATT ROBSON- REPRESENTATIVE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS NETWORK FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT (PNND) and BOARD MEMBER OF AOTEAROA LAWYERS FOR PEACE (ALP) ON: FACT-FINDING [...]
Parliamentary Network on Nuclear Disarmament Visit to North Korea – Post Visit Speech
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Parliamentary Network on Nuclear Disarmament (PNND) Visit to North Korea (DPRK) – Post Visit Speech Speech by and courtesy of Matt Robson. See Also: Post North Korea Visit Report. ******* HON MATTHEW ROBSON, FORMER MINISTER OF DISARMAMENT AND ARMS CONTROL OF NEW ZEALAND SPEECH TO KOREAN ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND FAIRWAY LODGE TAKAPUNA AUCKLAND 05 [...]
Analytic Brief: Managing Policy Fade
Written by Paul Buchanan on Thursday, July 19th, 2012
Analytic Brief: Managing Policy Fade* From time to time 36th Parallel Assessments offers analytic briefs on subjects of diplomatic, geopolitical and strategic interest. This week’s topic is policy fade. Analysis – By Paul G. Buchanan. Deployment of Fijian soldiers and police as UN peacekeepers after the 2006 military coup in that country is a good [...]
TriTV Interview – Selwyn Manning IVs Matt Robson on Foreign Affairs and the Value of Aid
Written by Selwyn Manning on Tuesday, July 17th, 2012
TriTV Interview – Selwyn Manning IVs Matt Robson on Foreign Affairs and the Value of Aid Beatson Interview – Selwyn Manning IVs Matt Robson on foreign affairs, New Zealand’s independent brand, and the value of development aid. Matt Robson is a former New Zealand Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a minister responsible for NZAid [...]
Fiji’s Military Regime Deploys More Personnel To UN Ops Than Australia, Canada, New Zealand Combined
Written by Selwyn Manning on Friday, July 13th, 2012
Fiji’s Military Regime Deploys More Personnel To UN Ops Than Australia, Canada, New Zealand Combined Dispatch/Forecast – by Selwyn Manning. Since the 2006 Fiji coup Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama’s military-led government has remained fully engaged with the United Nations while incrementally increasing the number of troops and police it contributes to UN peacekeeping operations to [...]
Analytic Brief: Political Learning and the PNG Elections.
Written by Paul Buchanan on Friday, July 6th, 2012
Analytic Brief: Political Learning and the PNG Elections. From time to time 36th Parallel Assessments publishes broadly conceptual or theoretical essays as in-house background that can be used to guide assessments. These are not meant to be detailed or comprehensive. Instead, they are designed to frame analysis of the subjects under discussion.In this analytic brief the [...]
Assessment: Partners But Not Allies – New Zealand and the US Sign The Washington Declaration
Written by Paul Buchanan on Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
Assessment: Partners But Not Allies – New Zealand and the US Sign The Washington Declaration Assessment/Analysis – By Dr Paul G. Buchanan. On June 20 New Zealand Defense Minister Jonathan Coleman and US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta signed the Washington Declaration, which specifies priority areas of cooperation between the militaries of both countries.The Washington Declaration [...]
Intelligence Analytics: Conceptualizing Foreign Aid as an Instrument of Policy
Written by Paul Buchanan on Thursday, June 21st, 2012
Intelligence Analytics: Conceptualizing Foreign Aid as an Instrument of Policy Analysis – By Dr Paul G. Buchanan. Announcement that the European Union will direct another 19 million Euros on top of the 785 million Euros (NZ$ 1.3 billion) already allocated to climate change adaptation in the Pacific serves as a good reference point for discussion [...]
Interview: 95bFM’s Simon Maude IVs Selwyn Manning On The Washington Declaration
Written by Selwyn Manning on Thursday, June 21st, 2012
Interview: 95bFM’s Simon Maude IVs Selwyn Manning On New Zealand Signing the USA’s Washington Declaration Military Pact 95bFM The Wire Counter-Clockwise Bulletin – Recorded live on 21/06/12: Main Points – On Wednesday June 20, New Zealand’s Minister of Defence Jonathan Coleman met with the United States’ secretary of defense Leon Panetta at the Pentagon in [...]
Interview: Selwyn Manning IVs Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Phil Goff On NZ’s UN Security Council Bid
Written by Selwyn Manning on Tuesday, June 12th, 2012
Interview: Selwyn Manning IVs Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Phil Goff On NZ’s UN Security Council Bid Triangle TV, LiveNews.co.nz: Important Points – New Zealand’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff reveals that Australia’s former PM Kevin Rudd, abandoned a pledge agreed in 2004 between Canada, New Zealand and Australia, that New Zealand would be next [...]
State of the Nation Brief: Samoa at 50
Written by Paul Buchanan on Tuesday, June 12th, 2012
State of the Nation Brief: Samoa at 50 Analysis – By Dr Paul G. Buchanan. Samoa (also known as Western Samoa) celebrated 50 years of independence from New Zealand last month. Located between 13.35 degrees and 14.9 degrees South and 169.35 and 172.20 degrees West and consisting of nine islands, it is the oldest of [...]
Interview: 95bFM’s Simon Maude IVs Selwyn Manning On The Implications Of New Zealand Signing A NATO Security Pact
Written by Selwyn Manning on Thursday, June 7th, 2012
Interview: 95bFM’s Simon Maude IVs Selwyn Manning On The Implications Of New Zealand Signing A NATO Security Pact 95bFM’s The Wire – Recorded live on 7/06/12: Selwyn Manning & Simon Maude discuss the implications of New Zealand signing a NATO security pact titled Individual Partnership Cooperation Programme (IPCP). Background: This week New Zealand Prime Minister [...]
Analysis: New Zealand’s United Nations Security Council Bid
Written by Paul Buchanan on Thursday, May 31st, 2012
Analysis: New Zealand’s United Nations Security Council Bid. 36th Parallel Assessments – Analysis By Dr Paul G. Buchanan Introduction:On May 24, 2012the foreign ministers of the United States of America and New Zealand met for bilateral meetings after the conclusion of the NATO Summit in Chicago. Afghanistan, Syria and Myanmar were topics of discussion, but [...]
Beatson Interview – Selwyn Manning IVs Henry Yamo on Papua New Guinea Instability
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Beatson Interview – Selwyn Manning IVs Henry Yamo on Papua New Guinea Instability Text Report by 36th Parallel & Pacific.Scoop.co.nz: Peter O’Neill and his supporters have defiantly declared their caretaker government in charge in the in lead-up to next month’s Papua New Guinea general election despite his administration being declared illegal by the Supreme Court. [...]
Interview: Glenn Williams IVs Paul Buchanan on the South China Sea Territorial Tensions
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Interview: Glenn Williams IVs Paul Buchanan on the South China Sea Territorial Tensions Analysis: Geopolitics and strategic balancing in the South China Sea. China has been asserting its territorial claims very aggressively and the United States and associated South East Asian countries have responded. Most recently China and the Philippines have clashed over the Scarborough [...]
Interview: Glenn Williams IVs Selwyn Manning On NZ Govt’s Pre-Budget Announcements
Written by Selwyn Manning on Friday, May 18th, 2012
Interview: Glenn Williams IVs Selwyn Manning On NZ Govt’s Pre-Budget Announcements In the lead up to New Zealand’s budget 2012, Selwyn Manning and Glenn Williams discuss a shift in the New Zealand Government’s ideological agenda. The Government’s recent announcement that it will roll out its performance pay for teachers policy is analysed. Also discussed, is [...]
NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Announce Final Decision on its Change Programme
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, May 17th, 2012
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade announced today the final decision on its change programme. Chief Executive John Allen says the decision will enable flexibility and focus in New Zealand’s representation overseas. It will also modernise administration processes and help to develop deeper expertise and specialist knowledge. “The Ministry will be better placed to [...]
Interview: Radio New Zealand’s Chris Laidlaw IVs Paul Buchanan on Drones
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
Interview: Radio New Zealand’s Chris Laidlaw IVs Paul Buchanan on Drones Radio New Zealand intro: This week we hear from professor Noel Sharkey about the development of fully autonomous drones, blogger Yousef Aljamal about life under the drones in the Gaza strip, and defence analyst Paul Buchanan will talk us through the strategic implications of [...]
Arms Smuggling Into PNG From Indonesia As Elections Draw Close
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, May 11th, 2012
Arms Smuggling Into PNG From Indonesia As Elections Draw Close First published in the Post-Courier and Pacific Scoop (Pacific Media Centre) Report – By Frank Rai in Port Moresby. Police in Vanimo have confirmed a gun running syndicate operating between the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia is smuggling high-powered firearms into the [...]
Weekly Assessment: Intelligence Analytics
Written by Paul Buchanan on Friday, May 11th, 2012
Weekly Assessment: Intelligence Analytics Assessment – By Dr. Paul G. Buchanan. From time to time 36th Parallel Assessments will offer intelligence analytic briefs. These are quick, short-hand tools that give a rapid grasp on a given subject. The analytic brief is not meant to be a substitute for a full intelligence assessment. Instead, it serves [...]
Interview: Glenn Williams IVs Paul Buchanan On France, Greece Elections
Written by Paul Buchanan on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
The elections in France and Greece represent a watershed moment in Europe External Powers – Video and Written Analysis by Dr Paul Buchanan. Paul Buchanan is interviewed by Glenn Williams on the recent election wins for those who advocate nationalistic sovereignties in France and in Greece. What can we expect from the new governments? Will [...]
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – May 07 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Monday, May 7th, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – May 07 2012 36th Parallel Assessments France/French Polynesia: Left-wing candidate François Hollande has defeated incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in Sunday’s runoff, exit polls say, becoming the first Socialist to win a presidential election since François Mitterrand in 1988. According to Ipsos polling institute, the left-wing candidate took 51.7 percent of the [...]
NZ backs UN mission, extends refugee support
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, May 7th, 2012
Murray McCully | Defence
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced further support for international efforts in Syria, including an offer to deploy additional military observers.
New Zealand has offered the UN’s Supervision Mission…
Speech to NZ-US Council 10th Anniversary Conference, Sky City Convention Centre
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, May 4th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
The Rt Hon Jim Bolger, Ambassador Huebner, Parliamentary colleagues past and present, distinguished guests: thank you for the opportunity to talk to you today about the strong and developing partnership between our cou…
Speech to NZ-US Council 10th Anniversary Conference
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, May 4th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
The Rt Hon Jim Bolger, Ambassador Huebner, Parliamentary colleagues past and present, distinguished guests: thank you for the opportunity to talk to you today about the strong and developing partnership between our cou…
Interview: Why Australia & NZ Have Taken A Softly Approach Over Papua New Guinea’s Crisis
Written by Selwyn Manning on Friday, May 4th, 2012
Interview: Glenn Williams IVs Selwyn Manning on Why Australia & NZ Have Taken A Softly Approach Over Papua New Guinea’s Crisis Introduction: As Papua New Guinea struggles to maintain order in the face of two clashing political factions, its two southern neighbors Australia and New Zealand are compelled to tread a soft diplomatic line rather [...]
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – May 03 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – May 03 2012 36th Parallel Assessments Australia/New Zealand/Papua New Guinea: – Analysis by Selwyn Manning – As Papua New Guinea struggles to maintain order in the face of two clashing political factions, its two southern neighbors Australia and New Zealand are compelled to tread a soft diplomatic line rather than [...]
McCully to visit Middle East
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will travel to the Middle East tomorrow for a ministerial summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
“The NAM Ministerial Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, is an excellent o…
The Papua New Guinea Crisis – Australia and New Zealand’s Challenge
Written by Selwyn Manning on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
The Papua New Guinea Crisis – Australia and New Zealand’s Challenge Weekly Analysis – By Selwyn Manning. As Papua New Guinea struggles to maintain order in the face of two clashing political factions, its two southern neighbors Australia and New Zealand are compelled to tread a soft diplomatic line rather than risk destroying progressive rapprochement with [...]
Forum Ministerial Contact Group statement
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
1. The Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) concluded its visit to Fiji today.
2. The MCG thanked Fiji for making officials available for meetings. The MCG considered the exchanges and briefing useful …
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 30 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Monday, April 30th, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 30 2012 36th Parallel Assessments Fiji: Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has asked the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group to support the Bainimarama Government’s efforts to take the country to the 2014 general election. He made the comment in a statement as two foreign [...]
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 27 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Friday, April 27th, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 27 2012 36th Parallel Assessments Pacific Region: Analysis – By economist Professor Wadan Narsey – If this was a news release by a geologist, alarm bells would be ringing around the Pacific and international scientific community. But retitle it “Pacific politics tilting to PNG” and the alarm bells would [...]
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 26 2012
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, April 26th, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 26 2012 36th Parallel Assessments Australia/Solomon Islands/RAMSI: Australia’s Defence Minister Stephen Smith says an exit plan is being developed for the defence contingent of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands. Smith is in Honiara and met the Solomons Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, where the issue was discussed. [...]
McCully to join forum visit to Fiji
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, April 26th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to Suva on Monday as a member of the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group on Fiji.
Mr McCully today thanked the Fiji administration for its agreement to the MCG vi…
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 23 2012
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, April 23rd, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 23 2012 36th Parallel Assessments West Papua: More than 400 Bintang Kejora (Morning Star) flags have been flown by scores of people on a demonstration in Tanggal, Serui, West Papua, in dramatic defiance of an Indonesian law banning the public display of the pro-independence ensign. Media sources said the [...]
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 22 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Sunday, April 22nd, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 22 2012 36th Parallel Assessments Papua New Guinea: 36th Parallel Analysis & Forecast – Paul Buchanan writes the ongoing political crisis in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is what is known in comparative politics as an “impossible game:” all major political actors have the ability to veto their opponent’s projects [...]
NZ support for Fiji flood recovery
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, April 20th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced New Zealand will provide a further $1 million for recovery and reconstruction work following the severe floods in Fiji this month.
Today’s announcement brin…
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 18 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 18 2012 36th Parallel Assessments Timor Leste: Report – By Michael Bachelard in Dili – A military man recommended by the United Nations for criminal prosecution six years ago seems almost certain to become the new president of East Timor. Former commander of the armed forces Jose Maria de [...]
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 17 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 17 2012 36th Parallel Assessments 36th Parallel Security Assessment – by Paul Buchanan: Announcement that the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has approved a Fijian proposal to create an armed Legion as a regional rapid response unit raises the issue of military professionalism in the South Pacific. Designed to respond [...]
NZer to head arms control arrangement
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today welcomed the appointment of New Zealander Philip Griffiths to Head of Secretariat for the Wassenaar Arrangement – one of four main international export control agreem…
McCully to attend Brussels NATO/ISAF meeting
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, April 16th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will attend a NATO/ISAF Foreign and Defence Ministers' meeting in Brussels this week to discuss the ongoing transfer of security responsibility from the international coaliti…
NZ condemns North Korea satellite launch
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, April 13th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has joined the widespread international condemnation of North Korea’s satellite launch today using ballistic missile technology.
"Despite North Korea’s claim tha…
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 12 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Thursday, April 12th, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 12 2012 36th Parallel Assessments South East Asia: The Philippines has sent a second ship to a stand-off with two Chinese ships in the South China Sea, even as both sides pledged diplomacy. A coast guard boat will join the country’s largest warship at the Scarborough Shoal, navy commander [...]
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 11 2012
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 11 2012 36th Parallel Assessments Pacific Region: 36th Parallel’s Paul G Buchanan writes that corruption can be defined in a number of ways, but whichever way you approach it the Pacific Region is suffering from its effects. Although it is unfortunate to say so, corruption is a major feature [...]
Speech to China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, April 6th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Vice President Qin
Ambassadors
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
This year is a milestone year in which we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China.
I want to take this opportuni…
NZ to assist Fiji flood victims
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced that New Zealand will make $500,000 immediately available to agencies assisting flood victims in Fiji.
"In addition to the reported deaths thousands have been forced f…
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 02 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Monday, April 2nd, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – April 02 2012 36th Parallel Assessments French Polynesia: 36th Parallel Analysis and Futures Forecast – By Paul Buchanan writes that in another post-colonial legacy, France’s budgetary cutbacks within the context of European Union crisis and austerity have had a repercussive effect on French Polynesia. This will be seen in the [...]
McCully in China for bilateral talks
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, April 2nd, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to Beijing tomorrow for an official bilateral visit.
The 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China and the launch of the New Zealand China Strate…
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – March 29 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Thursday, March 29th, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – March 29 2012 36th Parallel Assessments Audio Interview: 36th Parallel’s Paul Buchanan on Radio New Zealand discussing whether the New Zealand Public was misinformed over the real reasons NZ SAS troopers were deployed to Afghanistan. Click here to listen. + Audio Interview: 36th Parallel’s Selwyn Manning on 5AA Australia + [...]
Press Statement: New Zealand-Based South Pacific-Focused Geopolitics and Strategic Assessment Consultancy Established
Written by Selwyn Manning on Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Press Statement: New Zealand-Based South Pacific-Focused Geopolitics and Strategic Assessment Consultancy Established 36th Parallel Assessments has been established as an assessment and analysis business that focuses on geopolitical, security, and economic trends in the South Pacific. 36th Parallel Assessments is a non-governmental, non-partisan New Zealand based political risk and strategic assessment consultancy. Located at www.36th-Parallel.com, [...]
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – March 22 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Thursday, March 22nd, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – March 22 2012 New Zealand: 36th Parallel Weekly Analysis: Nuclear Iran – New Zealand’s Silence Is A Foreign Policy Shift – As one of the most conspicuous non-nuclear states in the world, New Zealand has a long history of involvement with non-proliferation and disarmament issues. It is a long-standing member [...]
NZ concerned over North Korea missile plan
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, March 22nd, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says he has serious concerns about North Korea's plans to launch a satellite next month using a long-range ballistic missile.
…read more
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – March 21 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – March 21 2012 Tonga: The body of King George Tupou V will arrive in Tonga next Monday and his state funeral and burial will be held at the Royal Tombs, Mala’e Kula, Nuku’alofa, on Wednesday, March 28, Matangi Tonga Online reports. Paula Ma’u, the Secretary for Information and Communications, told [...]
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up – March 19 2012
Written by Selwyn Manning on Monday, March 19th, 2012
36th-Parallel Regional News Round-Up Tonga’s reformist King Tupou V dies, aged 63 Tonga: Tonga’s reformist monarch King George Tupou V, who opened the door to a transition to democracy, has died in Hong Kong. The Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka was at his hospital bedside just before the king passed away last night. In an address to [...]
NZ responds to food crisis in West Africa
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, March 14th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
New Zealand will provide $1 million to a United Nations food relief programme in the Sahel region of West Africa, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced today.
"Poor rains, crop failure and high fuel pr…
36th-Parallel Pacific Region News Round-Up – March 13 2012
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, March 13th, 2012
36th-Parallel Pacific Region News Round-Up Fiji: Ousted Fiji prime minister Laisenia Qarase has spoken out against Fiji’s current constitution reform plan, stating the next general election should be carried out under the 1997 Constitution. Qarase said if Fiji followed that path it could then pursue constitutional reform under an elected government rather than a military-led [...]
Minister welcomes constitutional talks
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, March 9th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully is welcoming today's announcement of a constitutional consultation process in Fiji.
…read more
Visit of Australian Foreign Minister designate Bob Carr
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, March 8th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Australia’s Foreign Minister designate, Bob Carr, will arrive in Auckland on Friday for a two day visit, Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced today.
“I am delighted to welcome Bob Carr on his first ove…
36th-Parallel Pacific Region News Round-Up – March 07 2012
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
36th-Parallel Pacific Region News Round-Up In Melanesia, significant instability is evident inside Papua New Guinea with Malum Nalu reporting the Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia having been arrested by PNG Police after alleged mishandling of court funds. The arrest is the latest symptom of institutional instability that has flared since former PNG prime minister Sir [...]
Interview: Paul Buchanan & Glenn Williams On China, Pacific & New Zealand’s Challenge
Written by Paul Buchanan on Tuesday, March 6th, 2012
Interview: Paul Buchanan & Glenn Williams On China, Pacific & New Zealand’s Challenge Eye on the World 36th-Parallel’s Paul Buchanan is interviewed by KiwiFM’s Glenn Williams over China’s expansion and influence in the wider Pacific and how lax communications and loose talk between New Zealand’s National Party Member of Parliament John Hayes and New Zealand [...]
Mihi Puriri consular case in Algeria
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, March 5th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Murray McCully has confirmed today that he requested late last week that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade internally review the events around the Mihi Puriri consular case in Algeria.
"I&…
Speech to the Middle East Business Council: Maximising Economic Opportunities in the Middle East
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, March 1st, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
I welcome this opportunity to speak to you about New Zealand’s trade and economic relationship with the Middle East and in particular the Gulf States, and to briefly look at the way in which we might move forward…
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade change programme
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully has described the changes proposed by the Ministry’s consultation document for staff as “a far-reaching and genuine attempt to create a Foreign Ministry that can m…
McCully to visit Cook Islands ahead of 2012 Forum
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, February 16th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to the Cook Islands today to meet with the Prime Minister and Cabinet members, and to conduct discussions regarding the Pacific Forum Leaders' meeting to be held in Rarot…
McCully condemns escalating violence in Syria
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Murray McCully has condemned the escalating violence in Syria and described the killing of 50 citizens in Homs by regime forces yesterday as “reprehensible.”
Mr McCully called for renewed a…
New Zealand support following Fiji floods
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced that New Zealand will make an initial $350,000 available to support the response to the floods in Fiji.
"Sadly six lives have been confirmed as lost and over 1,500 peo…
Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs to visit New Zealand
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov will arrive in Auckland next Monday (30 January) for a two day visit to New Zealand, Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully announced today.
“I am pleased to …
McCully to attend African Union Summit in Ethiopia
Written by 36th Parallel on Sunday, January 22nd, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Murray McCully will next week visit Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 20th Session of the African Union Executive Council on 25-26 January.
“This summit provides New Zealand with an opportunit…
McCully to visit Solomon Islands
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, January 11th, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to the Solomon Islands today to meet with the Prime Minister and Cabinet members, and to visit key aid projects.
"This will be my first chance to meet with Gordon Darcy …
New Zealand Government welcomes lifting of regulations in Fiji
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, January 2nd, 2012
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
The announcement by the Fiji administration that the Public Emergency Regulations will be lifted on 7 January has been welcomed by the New Zealand Government.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully says the New Zealand Govern…
New Zealand to provide $500,000 to Philippines Red Cross
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
The New Zealand Government will contribute $500,000 to the relief efforts of the Philippines Red Cross, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced today.
The Philippines Red Cross is providing urgent humanitaria…
McCully names new Ambassador to Japan
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, December 19th, 2011
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Japan will be career diplomat Mark Sinclair, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced today.
"The special relationship between Japan and New Zealand was most evident…
Joint statement on whaling and safety at sea
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs
Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States call for responsible behaviour in Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary
The Governments of Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United States jointly c…
Passport (Amendment) Regulations 2011
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, October 13th, 2011
PASSPORT (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2011
PASSPORT ACT
IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 34 of the Passport
Act, the Minister of Foreign Affairs with the consent of Cabinet makes
the following Regulations:
>> View for MORE DE…
Governor-General Quentin on a 3-day visit to Tonga
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, July 30th, 2011
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July 2011 The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC visit to the Kingdom of Tonga. The
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin
Bryce AC, and His Excellency Mr Mi…
Assistant Secretary Campbell’s tour of the Pacific Islands
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, June 27th, 2011
23 June, 2011. Washington, DC. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt M. Campbell, accompanied by U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, USAID Assistant Administrator Nisha Biswal and Office of the Secretary of Defe…
Tonga to close its High Commission Office in Wellington
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, June 20th, 2011
21 June, 2011. The Tongan government has been forced to close its Wellington Office due to the current financial crisis facing.
This was announced by the Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano during discussions on the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Budget Es…
Tonga to close its High Commission Office in Wellington
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, June 20th, 2011
21 June, 2011. The Tongan government has been forced to close its Wellington Office due to the current financial crisis facing.
This was announced by the Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano during discussions on the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Budget Es…
US Embassy in Suva relocates office
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, June 10th, 2011
10 June 2011 The US Embassy in Suva has issued a public notice that by 16 June 2011 they will cease operations at its old address 31 Lotus Street and will relocate by 21 June.
The Embassy of the United States of America wishes to advise the
public…
First Korea-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting boosts cooperation and aid to the Pacific
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
02 June, 2011. The first and highest-level meeting between the Korean government and Pacific Islands Forum Countries has successfully completed and laid the groundwork for the Korean government to expand its network of diplomatic cooperation as well …
McCully to travel to Tonga and Cook Islands
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
10 May 2011 Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, is visiting Tonga and the Cook Islands this week to meet with leaders and hold talks on New Zealand’s programme of development assistance to the Pacific.
“New Zealand enjoys a strong and friendly friendsh…
Tonga celebrates Earth Day in Beijing with bamboo planting
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, May 9th, 2011
9 May 2011 H.E. Mr. Siamelie Latu, Tongan Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, was invited to attend the celebration on Earth Day at an exclusive bamboo planting event organized by the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan on Friday Apri…
Visas issued from the "Kingdom of Hawaii" INVALID FOR TRAVEL
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011
04 May, 2011. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Immigration Division (MFAID) has received information that Tongan nationals have spent monies for a visa issued by what has become known as the “Hawiiian Kingdom”.
— view Original Press Release
New Zealand’s Coming Melian Dilemma
Written by Paul Buchanan on Tuesday, September 14th, 2010
36th Parallel External Report, 14 September 2010 – Paul Buchanan writes that New Zealand’s contemporary foreign policy approach is to straddle the fence between East and West. Economically, New Zealand sees its future rooted in Asia, with China being its primary partner. A dilemma is developing… Analysis – By Paul G. Buchanan. First published at [...]