Former Prime Minister Helen Clark visited her old stomping ground today when she briefed a parliamentary committee about the work of the United Nations Development Programme which she now heads."It feels like you've never been away. You walk in and s
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark visited her old stomping ground today when she briefed a parliamentary committee about the work of the United Nations Development Programme which she now heads.
"It feels like you've never been away. You walk in and see so many familiar faces and surroundings. It's been good."
Miss Clark was greeted by a group of boys who performed an impromptu haka on her way into the building and she told them they made her miss home.
"When I was in New Zealand out on the road there'd be days when you would see a group of young people greeting you like that maybe three, four, five times. Obviously it's something you do miss when you are in a major metropolitan environment like New York."
Yesterday was big day for Miss Clark -- she was invested with New Zealand's highest honour as a Member of the Order of New Zealand and in the evening the University of Auckland conferred on her an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Miss Clark was prime minister for nine years, from 1999 to 2008.
She said the ceremonies were an amazing experience. "It was really wonderful."
During today's appearance before Parliament's foreign affairs committee, Miss Clark briefed MPs about the work the UNDP was doing and what projects New Zealand funds were being used for.
This afternoon she will catch up with Prime Minister John Key in Auckland.
"It's a chance really to tell him about the work we are doing," she said, adding she expected Mr Key to be also interested in wider international issues and politics she had contact with.
At the weekend an early birthday party is being held for Miss Clark who turns 60 on February 26.
