Pacific women MPs visit the Beehive

Recently-elected parliamentarians from Niue and Tonga are among a group of Pacific MPs who will be at the Beehive this week to see how New Zealand's system works.

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."

"Alongside of that, it's not just about the individual, it's about parliament supporting parliament."

 

 

Photo/ Facebook - Poto Williams. Caption: Poto Williams with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern