Pacific women MPs

Pacific women MPs visit the Beehive

The initiative is a Commonwealth-funded programme to enhance good governance in the region and encourage more women to take up senior political roles.

Christchurch East MP Poto Williams cited Tonga and Samoa, where legislatures have changed to accommodate the participation of more women into politics.

"There are ways and means to enhance the system to encourage women in," she says. "Once they are there it's about supporting them to be the best MPs. It's about ensuring they understand the role of the select committee or writing legislation, advocating for their community."