"Mr Europe" visits New Zealand

Towards the end of 2003, the New Zealand Netherlands Foundation brought one of the top, and most influential, political leaders of the European Community out to New Zealand.

Mr Wim Kok, recently retired Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Netherlands, was the only one to successfully lead a 'purple' government in Europe for over ten years. Following that, he has been advisor to the European Commission on the Enlargement of the European Union, and Chairman of the European Employment Taskforce. He has often been called 'Mr Europe' for his extraordinary efforts in helping to unify the European countries and to introduce its new currency, the 'Euro'.

During his career he sat on the Boards of many Dutch/International companies including Shell, KLM, ING, and TNT. During his time as Prime Minister, he became known for the "Polder Model" style of economic and social developments, so much admired by Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela with whom he developed important and ongoing relationships.

The Foundation arranged for Mr Kok to speak at two lunch-time venues, in Auckland and Wellington. He addressed topics surrounding the economic and social issues that are facing Europe and the world now and in the near future. Mr Kok emphasized that a strong Europe is good for New Zealand because Europe could then help to create an economic climate that would benefit smaller trading partners such as New Zealand.

The interest in Mr Kok's visit was very high, attracting large numbers at each venue. The Foundation's corporate sponsors like ABN AMRO, KLM and Shell greatly supported Mr Kok's visit to New Zealand.

Mr Kok and his wife Rita visited tourist attractions and local dignitaries in Auckland, Foxton, Wellington and Queenstown. While in Wellington, he met with the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Helen Clark, and the Minister of Māori Affairs, the Hon Parekura Horomia.