16 February 2010
Ms Jeanette Fitzsimons, MP
Dr Kennedy Graham, MP
Dear Jeanette and Kennedy,
We understand that there has been some confusion concerning whether Prime Minister John Key met with the New Zealand Youth Delegation in Copenhagen or not.
Please allow us to explain the situation fully so as to provide you with a clear understanding of the events.
As an organisation we were not granted the official meeting with Key that we requested, however there was a chance conversation held between John Key and two members of NZYD in the lobby of his hotel.
On Thursday 17th December, two New Zealand Youth Delegates saw Nick Smith at the New Zealand Delegation's hotel while delivering three letters (as part of a different NZYD initiative). They took the opportunity to ask Nick Smith whether a meeting time for NZYD with John Key had been arranged and he indicated that a response could be expected via e-mail within the next day or so.
Nick Smith then mentioned that John Key was in the hotel lobby, and suggested the delegates deliver the letters personally. A short informal conversation was held with him in passing as he accepted the letters, which largely consisted of his opinion on the conference.
No further communications were received from Nick Smith or any member of the New Zealand Delegation responding to the meeting request.
The informal conversation between Key and the two delegates was not stressed within the group because it was viewed simply as a chance meeting in a hotel lobby. The NZYD were still expecting to hear via e-mail or phone call regarding an official meeting with John Key as requested.
It is the opinion of the New Zealand Youth Delegation that this did not constitute a meeting between the delegation and PM John Key. Our official request for a meeting was not granted.
It is unfortunate that there has been confusion regarding this issue and apologise for any miscommunication. We hope this goes some way to addressing this situation.
Kind regards,
New Zealand Youth Delegation to the COP15 Conference.
