It has been an honour to be the representative from New Zealand at this inaugural Global Summit meeting. The cloak of active peace has indeed been spread over us throughout this Summit. For all nations and regions, there has been genuine love (aroha).

New Zealand is a small, South Pacific country of 3.8 million people. We have 10 certified Imago therapists, two workshop presenters, and 44 have completed the basic training since Harville and Helen visited in 1996. Due to the sacrificial and consistent commitment of Bruce Crappuchettes and Francine Beauvoir over these last eight years, we have had about six basic training sessions, singles workshop training, and characterological growth workshops. Our workshop presenters, Peter McMillan and Brenda Rawlings, have run approximately four well-attended couples weekend workshops over the last year.

At the end of 2002, we formed a regional committee and are going through the process of forming a constitution to qualify as a non-profit organization. Our isolation, time difference, and cost of teleconferencing tend to limit our global participation, so we are keen to devise ways to minimize these difficulties. What we have to offer IRI is our initiative and commitment. As a country, we also have experience and a drive for cross-cultural consultation and reconciliation. At this Summit, there has been a genuine interest in what regions outside the United States have to say. It has been so encouraging to feel heard and validated and to celebrate our differences—a smorgasbord from which the whole if IRI can sample. Together, we create a banquet of opportunity in which all parts of the menu are vital.

We encourage trainers to visit and assist with our ongoing development—come visit our wonderful, hospitable country!