Equality and development will not be achieved however if peace is not understood from women's' point of view.

It is important to remember that the Pacific Ocean covers a quarter of the world's surface and that each Pacific country has its own cultural, historical and ethnic identity.

On many occasions New Zealand has spoken about the need to ensure that women's concerns are fully integrated into all aspects of the United Nations' activities and structures, not marginalised in one part of the Secretariat.

NGOs have a significant role to play, alongside governments, in improving the status of women.

Ten years ago in Nairobi we said that the participation of women in the decision-making and appraisal processes of the United Nations was essential if the organization was to effectively serve women's interests.

New Zealand's taken some very significant decisions in relation to defence in the last two years.

By and large, women in New Zealand are fortunate compared with some other countries, including many in our own region. But there is still progress to be made.