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

I can't for the life of me see that by being permissive you actually assist anyone.

The Platform for Action gives due emphasis to the fact that women globally have continued to have insufficient access to the resources necessary to achieve economic independence.

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.

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.

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