New Zealand-Canada Relationship in the spotlight
victoria-university-of-wellington
Thu Feb 04 2010 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)
New Zealand-Canada Relationship in the spotlight
Thursday, 4 February 2010, 9:56 am
Press Release: Victoria University of Wellington
New Zealand-Canada Relationship in the spotlight
New Zealand’s “little brother” complex is about to be talked about with a friend who knows how we feel.
Living in the shadow of a bigger, brasher neighbour is something New Zealand and Canada share in common. Yet the comparisons and similarities go much deeper than our shared national angst.
An international conference next week in Wellington will explore an important diplomatic relationship that often goes under the radar.
"Canada and New Zealand: Connections, Comparisons and Challenges", celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and New Zealand and brings several high profile speakers, including Justice Joseph Williams from the New Zealand High Court, to Victoria University’s Government Buildings on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Organised by Victoria University, the High Commission of Canada in New Zealand, and the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, the conference will reflect on the strong parallels between the countries, and how they interact on a global stage.
One of the conference organisers, Victoria University’s Dr Fiona Barker, says the comparisons are so striking that it’s surprising they haven’t been explored in such depth before.
“We are both moderately small countries that are often in the shadow of bigger neighbours. We share similar settler histories, and similar indigenous issues. The debates about national identity and biculturalism versus multiculturalism are also the same. This is the first conference to really explore that.”
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
Dr Barker says a highlight of the conference will be a panel led by Raymond Chrétien, former Canadian Ambassador to the United States, and Simon Murdoch, New Zealand’s recently retired Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, discussing the parallels between the Canada-US and New Zealand-Australia relationship.
Another highlight will be a public speech from the High Court’s Justice Joseph Williams on the search for national identity in Canada and New Zealand in the context of a fading Empire.
Event co-organiser, Victoria University’s Dr David Capie, says he hopes the conference will draw attention to a diplomatic relationship that is extremely productive, but largely taken for granted.
“Perhaps it goes under the radar because we have so much in common and there is very little conflict in the relationship. But given the nature of our history and our closest neighbours, we share so many of the same challenges and opportunities. I’m hoping this conference will draw attention to that.”
What: Canada and New Zealand: Connections, Comparisons and Challenges
When: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9-10 February 2010
Where: Government Buildings, Pipitea Campus, Victoria University of Wellington
For a copy of the conference programme and information about keynote speakers please see: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/nzcpl/events/e10-01.aspx
ENDS
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}
Using Scoop for work?
Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.
Join Pro Individual Find out more
Find more from Victoria University of Wellington on InfoPages.