The Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) extends an invitation to you to attend the first Symposium on New Zealand's relationship with Melanesia. PCF welcomes policy makers, academics, researchers, NGOs, private sector representatives, artists or anyone else interested in the people and cultures of Melanesia. The symposium will feature a dynamic group of speakers from the public and private sectors and from communities across the Melanesian sub-region.
Tok Talanoa will be the first in a series of PCF initiatives aimed at fostering better understanding between Melanesia and New Zealand. The purpose of this forum will be to look at how New Zealand could improve its engagement with Melanesia and to hear from Melanesian people about what they see as key issues affecting their region and how New Zealand might respond to those issues.
We expect that this event will raise important areas for future engagement, as well as identify some practical opportunities for strengthening relationships between Melanesian countries and New Zealand.
Day One of Tok Talanoa will commence with an opening reception and keynote address on Monday evening to set the scene and provide an overview of New Zealand’s relationship with Melanesia. Day Two will be a full day of plenary sessions on the four themes set for the symposium which are: Political and Regional Relationships, Economic Issues, Security & Governance, and Understanding Cultural Frameworks: Artistic & Spiritual Linkages. Each plenary will include ample time for open discussion and/or debate on the papers presented. We look forward to seeing you there and invite you to register early to take advantage of the significant early bird discount!
REGISTRATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED FOR THE SYMPOSIUM AS ALL PLACES HAVE BEEN FILLED. IF YOU STILL WISH TO ATTEND, EMAIL YOUR FULL CONTACT DETAILS TO info@pcf.org.nz WE WILL ADD YOU TO THE WAITING LIST AND CONTACT YOU IF A PLACE BECOMES AVAILABLE.
Photos and images of artwork courtesy of 'O'kaioceanikart Gallery and PCF.