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The Governor of the Argentinean Province (State) of Tierra del Fuego, Fabiana Rios, visited New Zealand during 10-17 April 2011. Governor Rios was invited as a Guest of the New Zealand Government under its Latin America Strategy. Governor Rios’ visit included Wellington based meetings as well as visiting Sealords operations in Nelson, and meetings on Antarctica issues in Christchurch.
Situated at the Southern-most tip of Argentina, Tierra del Fuego is a key entry point to Antarctica and,along with Christchurch, part of the Southern Rim Antarctic Gateway City network. Tierra del Fuego is also an important province for NewZealand’s fisheries interests. Sealords owned company, Yukon, bases its operations out of the province.
Given these links between New Zealand and Tierra del Fuego, objectives for the visit included strengthening business relationships, as well as policy exchange in the areas of governance, fisheries management and Antarctica.
Governor Ríos is one of four Argentine governors who are members of the Argentine RAP (“Political Action Network”) organisation. The RAP supports politicians who demonstrate a commitment to promoting transparency, good governance, institutional strengthening and improved planning and accountability.
In Wellington the Governor learnt about New Zealand’s experience with good governance reform during meetings with Ombudsmen Beverly Wakem and Dr David McGee, the Victoria School of Government, the New Zealand chapter of Transparency International, as well as officials from the Treasury, and the Ministry of Justice.
The Governor was also keen to learn about NewZealand’s experience with fisheries quota management and discussed this during meetings with senior officials of the Ministry of Fisheries as well as Minister Heatley.
In Christchurch, the Governor discussed Antarctica Policy with Antarctica NZ, and Mayor Bob Parker, Tourism Canterbury, and Christchurch based Antarctic tourist operators who operate out of Tierra del Fuego.
