Hutchesons’ Grammar School
Model UN
Delegation Information pack
Population
With a patchwork history of Māori, European, Pacific Island and Asian cultures, New Zealand has become a melting-pot population Today, of the 4.4 million New Zealanders
69% are of European descent, 14.6% are indigenous Māori, 9.2% Asian and 6.9% non-Māori Pacific Islanders.
Geographically, over three-quarters of the population live in the North Island, with one-third of the total population living in Auckland. The other main cities of Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton are where the majority of the remaining Kiwis dwell.
Basics New Zealand is a wealthy Pacific nation dominated by two cultural groups: New Zealanders of European descent; and the Maori, the descendants of Polynesian settlers. It is made up of two main islands and numerous smaller ones: the North Island (known as Te Ika-a-Maui in Maori) is the more populous of the two, and is separated by the Cook Strait from the somewhat larger but much less populated South Island (or Te Waipounamu). Agriculture is the economic mainstay, but manufacturing and tourism are important and there is a world-class film industry. New Zealand has diversified its export markets and has developed strong trade links with Australia, the US, and Japan. In April 2008 it became the first Western country to sign a free trade deal with China. The precise date of early Maori settlement remains a matter of debate, but current research suggests that the first arrivals came from East Polynesia sometime in the 13th century. It was not until 1642 that Europeans became aware of the existence of the islands. At a glance
Politics: John Key led the National Party to victory in elections in 2008, 2011 and 2014
Economy: The country officially went into recession in September 2008, for the first time in ten years
It is currently ranked third in the world for economic freedom
International: New Zealand troops have taken part in regional peacekeeping The treaty gave rise to land claims which culminated in the "New Zealand Wars", a series of skirmishes between colonial forces and Maori in the North Island.
The landscape is diverse, and sometimes spectacular. This has fuelled tourism; visitors are drawn to the glacier-carved mountains, lakes, beaches and thermal springs. Because of the islands' geographical isolation, much of the flora and fauna is unique to the country. New Zealand plays an active role in Pacific affairs. It has constitutional ties with the Pacific territories of Niue, the Cook Islands and Tokelau. Its troops served in East Timor when violence broke out in the territory in 1999 and were part of a multinational force intended to restore order to the Solomon Islands in 2003. Further afield, New Zealand forces have backed peacekeeping and development efforts in Afghanistan. But its anti-nuclear stance - including a ban on nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed vessels from its waters - put it at odds with the US in the 1980s.
In the 1980s the government embarked on a dramatic and controversial economic reform programme, which lifted controls on wages, prices and interest rates and removed agricultural subsidies. A significant amount of New Zealand's electricity is generated by hydropower sources and the country has a range of renewable energy sources at its disposal. Migration patterns have changed, with most incomers coming from Asia and Pacific island states, rather than from the UK and Australia. Officials estimate that Asians will make up 13% of the population by 2021 from about 9% in 2009. Fact Box Prime Minister John KEY (since 19 November 2008) John Key, who has been prime minister since the end of 2008, secured a third term in office for his National Party in the elections of September 2014. His party's 2008 victory ended nine years of Labour-led government, and the 2014 election result showed a swing to conservative parties, with the liberal Labour and Green parties losing ground. Mr Key confirmed his popularity with New Zealanders, increasing his vote despite a tumultuous campaign marked by allegations of dirty tricks. His National Party won 61 of 121 seats, making him the first New Zealand leader to be able to govern in his own right since the country introduced proportional voting in 1996. New Zealand and the UN New Zealand is a founding member of the United Nations, having taken part in 1945 in the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco. Since its formation, New Zealand has been actively engaged in the organisation. New Zealand sees the UN as a means of collective security, mainly in the South Pacific region, particularly because New Zealand is a relatively small nation and has very little control over much larger countries or significant events. The UN was also seen as a way of safe-guarding New Zealand, at the time, a somewhat fledgling country. The successor New Zealand governments also felt that the United Nations was an important political and military ally to have as it was an integral part of New Zealand's "Collective Security".[1]
The New Zealand government opposed and officially condemned the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the US-led "Coalition of the Willing" and did not contribute any combat forces. However, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1483 New Zealand contributed a small engineering and support force to assist in post-war reconstruction and provision of humanitarian aid. Several New Zealanders currently serve on the following United Nations bodies:
Ms Helen Clark is the current head of the United Nations Development Programme Sir Kenneth Keith is a judge of the International Court of Justice Mr Paul Hunt is the Special Rapporteur on the right to health Mr Laurence Zwimpfer currently chairs the UNESCO Information For All Programme
New Zealand is currently represented on the following United Nations bodies:
United Nations Security Council (2015–16) World Food Programme Executive Board UNEDCO (Economic and Social Council) Joint United Nations Programme for HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Programme Coordinating Board
Fact Box “New Zealand’s term on the Security Council will place us at the heart of international decision-making for the next two years. We are committed to being independent and providing a voice for small states. We aim to achieve practical results and to make a positive impact on international peace and security. ( NZ UN website)
Follow the New Zealand Security Council Twitter feed. It gives a very hood insight into viewpoint of the NZ government on international events:
NZ in the Security Council “ UN security Council Member New Zealand is working on a draft resolution to revive longstalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. France has begun consultations on a text that would outline the parameters of an IsraeliPalestinian peace deal, but Ambassador Jim McLay said Tuesday that New Zealand's friendship with Israel and the Palestinians means it could make a contribution. "New Zealand wants this Security Council to focus on a practical outcome -- and we have been working on a text that might serve the purpose of getting negotiations started," said McLay. The move from New Zealand, which was elected as one of the 10 non-permanent members last year, reflected growing impatience within the council over the failure to agree on a UN approach for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Fact Box: NZ removes UN sanctions against Iran Foreign Minister Murray McCully today announced that New Zealand has completed the domestic processes required to lift the United Nations sanctions against Iran. “We are pleased to support the Iran nuclear deal and the changes to our domestic regulations, which come into force today, will make it easier New Zealanders to do business with Iran. The main impact is that companies trading with Iran will no longer need to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. “Iran was formerly New Zealand’s 5th largest export market and we are well placed to take advantage of the sanctions being lifted. We have bolstered our Embassy in Tehran to help develop trade and high level exchanges between our two countries are planned later in the year. “In addition to creating economic opportunities we hope that efforts to progress the nuclear deal will create a window for Iran to reset its relationship with the international community,” UN Security Council Resolution 2231 terminates all existing United Nations (UN) sanctions resolutions against Iran and replaces them with a limited range of measures, including restrictions regarding the transfer of sensitive goods.
Law in NZ Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms we’re all entitled to, no matter what our age, ethnicity, culture, religion or sex. New Zealand is seen as one of the few countries in the world which does not have a physical document which acts as the state’s constitution. The unwritten constitution can be seen as a collective of many different acts, including the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. The highest power is given to parliament. There has been criticism of this “unwritten constitution” and much encouragement from the international community to change this. The 2009 Universal Periodic Review[127] on New Zealand, through the Human Rights Council, said it was concerned there was no overarching protection for human rights and it was recommend New Zealand took steps towards constitutional and therefore protected human rights. But generally, the international community commended New Zealand's work in upholding human rights, such as the work with the Maori peoples.
International covenants recognised by New Zealand The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is the main international treaty which lays out the right to a fair trial. It says: “All persons shall be equal before the courts and tribunals. In the determination of any criminal charge against him, or of his rights and obligations in a suit at law, everyone shall be entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law. The press and the public may be excluded from all or part of a trial for reasons of morals, public order or national security in a democratic society, or when the interest of the private lives of the parties so requires, or to the extent strictly necessary in the opinion of the court in special circumstances where publicity would prejudice the interests of justice; but any judgement rendered in a criminal case or in a suit at law shall be made public except where the interest of juvenile persons otherwise requires or the proceedings concern matrimonial disputes or the guardianship of children" New Zealand has also made a commitment to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and support the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and has put in place the Human Rights Commission to ensure this.[36] Human rights in New Zealand are addressed in the various documents which make up the constitution. Two main laws which protect human rights are New Zealand Human Rights Act 1993 New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. New Zealand has also ratified numerous international United Nations treaties. The 2009 Human Rights Report by the United States Department of State noted that the government generally respected the rights of individuals, but voiced concerns regarding the social status of the indigenous population Economy Over the past 30 years the government has tr ansformed New Zealand from an agrarian economy, dependent on concessionary British market access, to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This growth has boosted real incomes - but left behind some at the bottom of the ladder - and broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector. The economy pulled out of recession in 2009, and achieved 2% -3% growth between 2011 to 2015. key trade sectors remain vulnerable to weak external demand and lower commodity prices.
New Zealand Trade patterns
National and regional concerns
Militarisation of South China Sea and the desire to maintain good relations with China Background: China appears to have moved missile launchers to disputed islands in the South China Sea (map above) further escalating tensions with its neighbours. The dispute has become increasingly bitter in recent years in a territory claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. It is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes and is believed to be rich with natural resources. NZ and Australia have no immediate argument with China but they don’t want an escalation of regional conflict. New Zealand PM, John Key said Australia and New Zealand had been pursuing deeper economic ties with China, which could increase their opportunities to make their case diplomatically. The leaders urged all countries that claimed territory in the South China Sea to “halt land reclamation, construction and militarisation, and to take steps to ease tensions”. “Australia and New Zealand now have free trade agreements with China, we are both part of the Asian Investment Bank – we have regular contact and dialogue,” Key said. “I don’t think it’s lost .. that any blow-up of activities there would be very bad for security and both economic issues in the region, so we just have to continue to, I think, to make the case that the parties have to look to resolve that amicably and lawfully.
Earthquakes New Zealand lies on an active earthquake zone Fact Box: 'Severe' earthquake close to Christchurch results in injuries and cliff collapse When the ground started shaking violently below him, Brent Marriot stayed in his seat, finishing his cup of coffee. “Some people ran outside the cafe, things fell around me, but I just drank my coffee. After five years you get pretty used to these rumbles. That’s life for us now.” Paramedics responding to calls for help after 5.9 magnitude earthquake hits New Zealand’s South Island, which is still recovering from a fatal quake in 2011 Read more Marriot lives on New Zealand’s South Island in the city of Christchurch, where a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit on Sunday. The quake was a reminder for residents of the much larger 6.3 magnitude one, almost exactly five years ago, that flattened swaths of the city and left 185 people dead. . The Christchurch rebuild will cost an estimated NZ$40bn, with the New Zealand government contributing an estimated NZ$16.5bn. Although the rebuild has been dogged by criticism and controversy, residents in Christchurch say it has also given them a chance to thoroughly examine and debate what they want from their new home, and allowed creativity and innovation to flourish.
New Zealand and Nuclear Arms
New Zealand became Nuclear Free in 1987, with the passing of a strong anti-nuclear law. Our legislation encompasses our stance as a nation opposing weapons of mass destruction, supports nuclear disarmament and contributes significantly to the international discussion. It is also the legislation by which we implement our regional and international obligations under different treaties with regards to nuclear disarmament. The 'kiwi disease' which is how our legislation was sometimes referred to, was seen as threatening by some countries but also as a powerful example by others because‌ it could spread - and it has. Our nuclear free legislation is certainly not out-of-date, but a new generation of New Zealanders may need to be educated about why it's still relevant. New Zealand's legislation is a way of eliminating the risk of nuclear accidents for all New Zealanders while at the same time demonstrating our global commitment to nuclear disarmament. Having nuclear powered vessels or nuclear weapons in New Zealand raises the risk of an accident, makes us a target and also means we 'buy-in' to the philosophy that you need nuclear weapons to be 'safe'. As David Lange, the Prime Minister in 1987 said, "There is only one thing more dangerous than being attacked by nuclear weapons and that is being protected by them." They make the world a more dangerous place. The New Zealand Government controls the trade of certain goods and technology that could be used for military purposes. The export and import of all controlled chemicals and the export of strategic goods (firearms, military goods and technologies, and goods and technologies that can be used in the production, development or delivery of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons) is prohibited under the Customs and Excise Act 1996, unless a permit has been obtained from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Statement from NZ Government on biological weapons Article I New Zealand has never developed, produced, stockpiled or otherwise acquired or retained biological agents or toxins in quantities that have no justification for defence or other peaceful purposes, or the weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes in armed conflict. New Zealand implements controls on the transfer of goods which could be used for the development or production of biological weapons The New Zealand Government has alerted Government and private research laboratories to the possibility that they may receive requests from other countries for information or equipment that could be used for the production of biological weapons, and advised them of the likely characteristics of a suspicious request. The New Zealand Government will gather information for the purposes of its Confidence Building Measures Declaration to the Biological Weapons Convention. Only a small number of facilities in New Zealand deal with listed human, animal, or plant pathogens. The New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act 1987 implements the Convention in New Zealand, and specifically prohibits the manufacture, stationing, acquisition, possession or control of any biological weapon (as defined in Article I of the Biological Weapons Convention) in New Zealand. Article V ‌. New Zealand has participated fully in the confidence building measures established following the Second Review Conference, and ‌ conducts no research related to any aspect of biological warfare, including research for protective or defensive purposes, that there have been no suspicious outbreaks of infectious diseases and similar occurrences caused by biological agents or toxins, and that we have encouraged the publication of results and promotion of knowledge and contacts.
Heritage New Zealand is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Te Wahipounamu - South West New Zealand, Tongariro National Park, and the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands drawing thousands of local and international tourists every year.
Organ Donation New Zealand's organ donation rate remains among the lowest in the world, with just 38 deceased donors last year - the same as the previous year and unchanged from a decade earlier. Donor reform campaigners say the lack of progress is disappointing after a boost in money for education and the Government should consider new ways of encouraging families to donate their loved one's organs. New Zealand had only 8.7 deceased organ donors per million people in 2010, compared with 13.5 per million in Australia and 16.4 in Britain. Latest figures from Organ Donation New Zealand, which coordinates deceased organ donations, show there were 174 transplant operations using organs from live and deceased donors last year. The number of deceased donors was unchanged from a decade earlier, despite the population growing by about half a million. The Government is looking for ways to increase the deceased organ donation rate. It last year announced an extra $4 million organ donation funding, including $2m to train intensive care professionals on identifying potential donors and giving greater support to their families. Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has announced terms of reference for a review, to “consider features of higher performing organ donation systems overseas and identify issues within New Zealand that may be impacting on donation rates�
Foreign Aid
New Zealand Statement: Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Besieged Areas in Syria Made by Gerard van Bohemen, Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations
This gives an indication of how diplomats present their case, and the kind of language and protocol to be used.
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Thank you Mr President. I too thank Assistant Secretary Kang for her briefing.
New Zealand is pleased that since this Council met on Monday, a second series of aid convoys have been able to enter Madaya, Foua and Kefraya yesterday and a third series of convoys is planned in the next few days. However, as others have said, this is just scratching the surface. That gets aid through to about 62,000 people. Humanitarian workers need safe, unimpeded and sustained access to the nearly 400,000 people trapped in besieged areas throughout Syria. It has now been confirmed that many of these people are suffering through conditions as horrific as we have seen recently in Madaya and elsewhere. The Syrian Government is responsible for besieging some areas; but others such as various opposition groups and ISIL are also using siege tactics. We demand all those using siege tactics immediately to meet their international legal obligations to allow humanitarian access. Tit-for-tat granting of humanitarian access is unacceptable. Civilians should not be used as pawns, as has been happening in Madaya, Foua and Kefraya. Only 25 kilometres outside of Damascus, people in Madaya have been waiting since Monday to be evacuated so they can receive the medical care they urgently need. There’s a complex situation and the facts are still becoming clear. But what is clear enough, is that the need is urgent. While we are pleased that humanitarian agencies have received approval for the entry of mobile clinics and medical teams to support treatment, we cannot understand the Syrian Government’s unwillingness to grant permission for people to be evacuated. We call on the Syrian authorities immediately to grant requests for medical evacuations of the sick. Mr President, New Zealand and many others, including the Secretary General, have emphasised numerous times that the Syrian Government must approve, without delay, requests for inter-agency convoys.
As my Spanish Colleague has just said, in Security Council Resolution 2258, adopted only last month, this Council expressed its concern at the decline in convoy approvals by the Syrian authorities and requested that they respond expeditiously – and positively - to all requests for cross-line deliveries. We cannot accept that administrative delays continue to block humanitarian assistance from reaching those in need. As Ms Kang has said, the approval procedures must be simplified and must be much quicker. Delivering aid in Syria is extremely complex and dangerous for the people delivering the aid. It would be unsafe to try to deliver aid without government consent and risk attacks. Over 80 humanitarians have lost their lives since the conflict began. We do not want to see this number rise. Mr President, Intentionally starving civilians as a method of warfare has happened repeatedly during the Syrian conflict. What we are seeing today in Madaya is an alarming echo of the siege and starvation of civilians in Homs in 2014. The deliberate starving of civilians is not a natural, collateral effect of conflict. It is a conscious decision made by the besieging parties. It violates international humanitarian law. It violates this Council’s resolutions. It may constitute a war crime. New Zealand and Spain intend to invite the World Food Programme to brief on access to food in besieged areas at the next Syria Humanitarian consultations on Syria on 27 January. In the meantime, New Zealand demands that the Syrian Government and other parties to the conflict immediately lift all sieges in Syria and allow the free movement of civilians and life-saving goods. We also call on countries with influence, with responsible parties, and I say parties plural, to use that influence for the lifting of the sieges. If they stand by and do nothing, they too are complicit. Mr President, The situation is so desperate that all forms of aid delivery should be considered. In this respect, we would be interested in OCHA’s view on the potential operational advantages and challenges of delivering assistance via airdrops. Lifting the sieges and parties abiding by their obligations under international humanitarian law would help build trust and momentum ahead of the upcoming talks in Geneva. We look forward to discussing these matters in more depth with Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura on Monday. We all know that only a political solution will end the suffering of the Syrian people. Let me conclude by commending the bravery and tireless work of the humanitarians working on the ground, including the United Nations, led by Humanitarian Coordinator Yacoub El Hillo, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Red Crescent. Thank you.
Flag Referendum
References CIA World Fact Book, New Zealand https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/nz.html Index of Economic Freedom (very helpful!) http://www.heritage.org/index/country/newzealand New Zealand on the Security Council http://nzunsc.govt.nz/ New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/ New Zealand Education http://enz.govt.nz/ Alternative flag http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/15/new-zealand-confirms-alternative-flag