The Political Science and International Relations programme at Victoria University of Wellington and the Canadian High Commission in Wellington are pleased to host an interdisciplinary conference on New Zealand-Canadian relations and policy challenges on 9-10 February 2010. The conference organisers welcome paper or panel proposals that either address international connections between New Zealand and Canada or comparatively explore how the two respond to key political, social, legal and public policy challenges. The following themes are of particular interest:

• the history of the Canada-New Zealand relationship
• comparative experiences of multiculturalism and managing diversity;
• the rule of law (including the development of common law) and human rights: ideas and practices
• Maori, First Nations and Inuit: experiences and connections;
• foreign, defence and security policy and issues
• politics and government, including electoral systems and political representation (including women and minority representation); and
• public policy, including environment and energy issues.

The conference will include a mix of academics and policy practitioners from New Zealand and Canada as well as other international participants. Selected conference papers will contribute to an edited volume addressing the multiple dimensions of New Zealand-Canadian relations.

Proposals for papers are due by 1 November 2009. A proposal should include the following: The title of the paper and an abstract of no more than 250 words; author(s) names, institutional affiliation and contact details; three to four keywords.

The organisers encourage panel as well as individual paper proposals. A panel should include at least three presenters and a chair. We also welcome panels that include a mix of academics, practitioners from the policy community, and representatives from civil society.

Please send proposals or expressions of interest to:

Dr David Capie

Political Science and International Relations Programme

Victoria University of Wellington

david.capie@vuw.ac.nz