Annual Europa Lecture-2002. NCRE Online Paper No. 02/02

Clark, Helen. (2002) Annual Europa Lecture-2002. NCRE Online Paper No. 02/02. [Policy Paper]

Preview

PDF Download (40Kb) | Preview

Abstract

[From the Introduction]. Let me begin, however, by commenting on the establishment of this research centre. I am aware that when it was opened by Phil Goff in May 2000, it was as the University of Canterbury’s Centre for Research on Europe, funded through the Vice-Chancellor’s new initiatives fund. Following the receipt of a most welcome and substantial EU grant at the beginning of this year, it was renamed the National Centre for Research on Europe, and I understand that it has gone from strength to strength. Thanks are due especially to Martin Holland as Director for what has been achieved in such a brief time. It is indeed timely to have a research centre focused on Europe. A large majority of New Zealanders trace their ancestry to European countries, especially Britain, and we like to think we know and understand them. But Europe is changing fast, and the mass migration from there to New Zealand occurred several generations ago. If we don’t take care to nurture the relationship, we will end up being out of touch with the new developments. While the logic of our geography leads us to focus a lot of attention on the Asia Pacific region and the Americas, our ties to and interests in Europe are just too important to let go. This evening I will talk about the expansion of the Union, about its importance to New Zealand, and about the wide ranging relationships we have with the European Union

Actions (login required)