Packed house at Intercontinental in Wellington as party reps @DavidParkerMP @simonjbridges @dbseymour @FletcherNZFirst & Golriz* assemble to tackle the big questions around trade, aid & foreign policy. @TovaOBrien is MC. #nzpol #nzelection #NZinWorld

*She's blocked me.

Update: Golriz was a late withdrawal, replaced by @jamespeshaw

Asked where we draw the line on China's humanitarian abuses, @DavidParkerMP says "carefully", citing NZ's legacy of independent FP. "We deal with those on an issue by issue basis".

Meanwhile, @simonjbridges says China-US relationship is "deeply concerning". Promises unspecified boldness but "I don't disagree with anything @DavidParkerMP said".

@jamespeshaw: US likely to see new admin, which will see greater pushback, suggesting return to pre-Trump normal

NZF @FletcherNZFirst says we should rely on experts when it comes to Huawei issue.

@dbseymour cites pro-CCP bias in NZ, naming AUT buckling to pressure. Pivots to broader liberties argument, "China just part of it". Says WTO entry was a mistake. Need to assert liberal values.

We should be considering safe haven visa for Hong Kong, says @simonjbridges.

Bridges echoes Australia's push to build stronger bonds with smaller players like India. Says Labour dropped ball, @DavidParkerMP says "not true", downplays China risk. Blames social media (?).

While @dbseymour bashes China, Bridges says Australia has been tougher on China while simultaneously becoming more economically dependent on them.

@FletcherNZFirst stresses multilateral efforts and ties with small-medium countries.

We "hyperconcentrate" on single markets but we need to diversify, @jamespeshaw

"Why didn't you vote for TPP?" interjects @DavidParkerMP

Asked about NZ as global citizen, @jamespeshaw emphasises Govt's record on aid and, increasingly, debt relief for developing countries.

On aid, @FletcherNZFirst talks up increased govt spending. "Is is the right use of taxpayer money? Absolutely". Strong defence of aid and development agenda from NZF.

Asked about regional bubbles, "Australia wanted to have a bubble first. We thought it was appropriate to honour that wish". (Odd phrasing). May now pivot to Pacific, but clearly not imminent.

Says bubbles are not as easy as they seem.

"If it can be done safely, let's get on to bubbles," says @simonjbridges

Says Govt will announce Cook Island deal on Monday, @DavidParkerMP retorts "as usual, you know more than me".

"You gotta work out what your risk appetite is", says @dbseymour, suggesting an overreaction.

"Risk may be small but consequences huge", says @DavidParkerMP

@FletcherNZFirst says we need to invest in Niue, Cooks to ensure security.

Has aid failed the Pacific?, @dbseymour asked. Says no, but emphasises private giving. Says NZ's failed to gain leverage in region, at expense of China.

@FletcherNZFirst promotes Pacific reset. @dbseymour, snidely, repeats "lovely". Calls Pacific nations "naive" on China.

@simonjbridges essentially endorses Govt policy on aid and broader development policy.

@jamespeshaw deftly deflects question on climate change v jobs and health.

Will you expand seasonal worker scheme?

@DavidParkerMP: we have upped it anyway. Worries that Pacific nations become too dependent on that stream of income.

@dbseymour: we should lift the cap, allow multiple entries.

@simonjbridges: it's essential to NZ horticulture.

On trade, @simonjbridges says NZ punches above weight on trade. "We all believe in it, we all want more and better bilateral and multilateral trade".

@dbseymour says we should focus on deals with democracies with similar values.

@jamespeshaw: both volume and value essential.

On tourism, @FletcherNZFirst agrees it's is time to reimagine & reinvigorate sector.

"There are issues with volume tourism" says @jamespeshaw Covid offers chance to turbocharge high value end of sector.

On international students:

"We haven't killed it. Covid has", says @DavidParkerMP of the sector. Citing Aus, says contracting out quarantine services won't work, no scope to accommodate students.

Returning to trade, @DavidParkerMP says protectionism arose from people missing out. Blames investment policy.

@dbseymour: weird rant about how poor & badly dressed people were 40 years ago. "Globalisation has helped all NZers".

@simonjbridges really pushing bipartisanship.

Covid probably an accelerant for forces for protectionism, says @DavidParkerMP

"We have to allow voice to be given to those proper insecurities".

With that, @FletcherNZFirst departs to catch a plane. Warm applause for solid performance.

@jamespeshaw praises Parker's role in boosting environmental protections on TPP "even though we didn't vote for it".

(Lost concentration momentarily). @jamespeshaw still stressing importance of climate in building trade relationships. He's a strong performer, highly plausible.

@simonjbridges once again leans strongly into bipartisanship, even stressing agreement with @jamespeshaw

Mild disagreement between Shaw and Parker on the role of trade deals vis a vis environmental protections. Shaw says we need a WTO-like approach on environment. Broad scepticism ensues.

Question on Taiwan from floor to @simonjbridges.

While respecting one China policy, worried about Beijing's aggressiveness "We want to be broadly supportive of Taiwan".

@jamespeshaw, asked if he would double aid, says tough to do in current climate, but says in principle "of course". "We'll do everything we can".

Parker talks up 50 percent aid boost. Bridges defensive.

It's over.

@DavidParkerMP solid if a tad ponderous.

@simonjbridges strong, very nonpartisan.

@jamespeshaw impressively sensible.

@FletcherNZFirst very loyal to government

@dbseymour started strongly then disappeared.

No news here really.