Delegation set to strengthen ties with Trans-Tasman neighbours

Mr Gordon Ramsay MLA, will learn and share experiences with New Zealand counterparts as he continues the push to establish Canberra as a restorative city and gathers insights from Rotorua’s Dementia-Friendly city initiative.

The delegation, which leaves today, will spend time in Wellington, Whanganui, Rotorua and Auckland and will visit the Whanganui Restorative Practices Trust, the New Zealand Glassworks, a CARE Village community, Rotorua Lakes Council Customer Centre, Rotorua Library and the Waitākere Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court.

“We have such a strong bond with New Zealand and the trip will be invaluable as we learn how they have successfully implemented a range of policies and programs,” Minister Ramsay said.

“Despite already being one of the world’s most livable cities, it’s important we continue to build on the success we have already achieved.”

The Minister will meet with the Hon Grant Robertson, Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage to discuss the implementation of New Zealand’s Wellbeing Framework and discuss arts policy issues, along with Mayor of Rotorua the Hon Steve Chadwick JP to learn how Rotorua became a dementia-friendly city.

>He will also meet with officials from Wellington City Council to discuss the success of the recent Canberra Wellington Indigenous Artist Exchange pilot and will also meet with Auckland Live to discuss the Aotea Centre expansion.

Minister Ramsay will also represent the ACT Government at an Armistice Day Ceremony on Monday 11 November at the Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington.

He will be accompanied by his Chief of Staff and the Assistant Director of Arts Policy.

The cost of the Minister’s delegation is approximately $14,000. This is met from the ACT Executive 2019-20 budget. The final cost will be released as part of the regular travel reports.

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