Government should take urgent action to save Centre

  |  Friday, August 28, 2009 - 12:50

The Government must take urgent action to save the Centre for New Zealand Studies, Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Chris Carter says.

“I have been made aware that the centre, which is located at Birkbeck at the University of London, is expected to close on November 30 this year. This will result in New Zealand losing a centre that has been dedicated to promoting this country,” Chris Carter said.

“Since the centre opened in 2007 it has attracted more than 2000 visitors and has organised over 120 events focused on New Zealand.

“I have written to John Key asking that he makes urgent and strong representations to the University of London to keep the centre open.

“We should not sit silently by and let what is an enormous asset to New Zealand close.

“The previous Labour Government made a financial contribution to the Centre in recognition of the important role it played in promoting New Zealand.

“The centre houses an extensive collection of more than 6000 books and journals and holds copies of almost every New Zealand-made film. This is a significant resource and we must act to keep this collection of material intact,” Chris Carter said.