Mary in NZ? Who knew?

So Mary's in NZ this week, who knew? I didnt. Not that the President is obligated to send a press release to me every time she leaves the country (thats the Government's role ;-p). However it would have been nice to know where Her Excellency is every now and then. Considering she was deemed elected without an election in 2004 & thus without a mandate, regardless of what she might say, I think that is the least her electorate deserves!

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New Zealand and Ireland have signed an agreement to encourage joint film productions.

Prime Minister Helen Clark, who is also arts minister, and Irish Education and Science Minister Mary Hanafin signed the agreement at Parliament today.

The New Zealand Ireland Film Co-Production Treaty would allow official co-productions to access cultural funding and incentives in each country.

Miss Clark said under such agreements, the government of each country facilitated temporary immigration and importation of equipment for the reciprocal producer.

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"I hope it won't be too long before we see the first Kiwi-Irish movie," Miss Clark said.

The signing of the agreement came during the visit to New Zealand by Irish President Mary McAleese.

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Dr McAleese flew into Auckland last night for a week long visit.

At Government House in Wellington this morning, members of the New Zealand Defence Force's Maori Cultural Group performed a traditional Maori welcome. She then placed a wreath at the National War Memorial and at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

Dr McAleese last visited New Zealand in 1998.

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4254551a10.html
Image Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/images/337163.jpg