National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Otago It is such a pleasure to be here in Dunedin, and to have this chance to talk with you about key issues within my disarmament and arms control portfolio. It was one of my objectives in taking on this role that the Government should increase its engagement on disarmament issues. These are issues with a long whakapapa in our country, but also significant implications for the future. It is important, then, that you see yourselves in our work too - New Zealand's credibility in this area relies on it Can I please also take this opportunity to acknowledge Professor Richard Jackson and the work of the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies for your valuable contributions to the discourse on peace and security studies, the work you do makes a difference and it serves us well.