Contents Editorial

03 Tok Talanoa: future pathways for Welcome to the last issue of Pacifi c Connection for 2008. In Issue 17 we Melanesia–NZ foreshadowed our Melanesia Symposium Tok Talanoa – Pathways to the Future for Melanesia and New Zealand, which was held on 29–30 04 Not just talking and walking September. We were fortunate to attract key fi gures from Melanesia to 05 A ‘promising and bright’ future address issues of concern to Melanesian peoples and discuss the state of New Zealand–Melanesia relationships. 06 Melanesia–NZ ‘partnership for development’ The quality of the presentations was superb and combined with an exhibition of stunning artworks from Melanesia to make the event a huge success. Former Papua New 08 The challenges of confl ict Guinea Prime Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu set the tone for the symposium: he commended us for including talking and walking together in the symposium’s title, but gently chastised us by asking, “Where is the 10 ‘Fiji needs an elected parliament’ reference to working together?”. Many subsequent speakers returned to this question, and by the end we 11 Spearhead steps up with permanent had a long list of possible follow-up proposals and issues – so many that we could probably work on these base alone for the next six months and still not tackle them all! We have included in this Pacifi c Connection edited versions of the addresses by some of the key speakers. Eventually the proceedings of the symposium 12 Urgent need to protect IP will be printed and distributed widely. 13 Organics: key to success? As always there is plenty happening around the region and here at the Pacifi c Cooperation Foundation (PCF). 13 20 years in the Pacifi c for TVNZ There are new governments in Vanuatu and New Zealand. Although minor by comparison, change is also afoot at the PCF. My fi ve years is up – there will be a new chief executive in the new year and I will have moved on. 14 Climate change: action desperately My time at the PCF has been fi lled with the challenges of establishing a new organisation. It has been frustrating needed at times, because we have wanted to do so much more. But it is satisfying to look back on a number of modest 15 Forum grapples with global crisis successes – not the least being Pacifi c Connection. I will ask for my name to be put on the mailing list! I wish the PCF board and staff all the very best as you go from strength to strength in the future. 15 Focus on economy for broader social gains Aku mihi nui ki a koutou.

16 ‘Ramping up’ NZ focus on Pacifi c Islands

17 New MP ex-islands’ ambassador Vince McBride, Chief Executive 17 NZ voters elect six Pacifi c Island MPs

18 Vanuatu election: looking for a change Founding Partners:

19 Foundation CEO moves on

The Pacifi c Cooperation Foundation, a registered charitable trust, is an independent public/private partnership that acts as a catalyst to increase understanding and strengthen relationships between New Zealand and its Pacifi c neighbours.

Patron: His Excellency, the Honourable Anand Chief Executive Tel: +64 4 931 9380 Satyanand PCNZM, Governor-General of Vince McBride Fax: +64 4 931 9382 New Zealand Email: [email protected] Programme Managers Web: www.pcf.org.nz Board of Trustees David Vaeafe, Tina McNicholas Level 2, 79 Boulcott Street Chair: Neil Plimmer Administration Manager PO Box 10 467 Deputy Chair: Graham Walshe Florence Aiono Wellington, New Zealand Trustees: Tony Butler, Giff Davidson OBE, Administration Support Offi cer Pacifi c Connection Isabel Evans, John Henderson, Marilyn Kohlhase, Pamela George Manager: David Vaeafe Gerald McGhie, Simon Murdoch, Fa’amaatuainu Email: pacifi [email protected] Tino Pereira, Meg Poutasi, Yvonne Underhill-Sem. Enquiries: +64 4 931 9390 The information contained in this magazine may be reproduced with permission from, ISSN 1176-7278 (Print) and appropriate acknowledgement of, the Pacifi c Cooperation Foundation. ISSN 1172-336X (Online)

Cover: Look Within #2 2007, 2000 x 1500mm acrylic on canvas by Daniel Waswas, Papua New Guinea, price $18,000. Painting can Produced by Context Ltd on behalf of the be viewed at Okaioceanikart Gallery, 65 Karangahape Rd, Auckland, ph (09) 379 9051, www.okaioceanikart.com. Pacifi c Cooperation Foundation.

2 ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 Tok Talanoa: future pathways for Melanesia–NZ

Tok Talanoa: Pathways to the Future for Melanesia and New Zealand was the fi rst in a series of Pacifi c Cooperation Foundation (PCF) initiatives aimed at fostering better understanding between Melanesia and New Zealand. The purpose of the two-day symposium, held in Wellington 29–30 September, was to look at how New Zealand could improve its engagement with Melanesia, and to hear from Melanesian people about what they see as key issues affecting their region and how New Zealand might respond. Summaries of keynote speeches follow this page. For all the full speeches, see www.pcf.org.nz.

The Melanesia Symposium exceeded In fact, it is Papua New Guinea alone that has both Bringing all the toktok of meaningful engagement expectations and claimed a much-needed the population and natural resources to make it full circle means New Zealand sorting out what its space for the gathering of ideas and an economic force to be reckoned with. Yet its own internal Pacifi c identity is, even as it continues own economic indicators, buried under a litany to engage at many different levels on what it is to viewpoints on future pathways for the of challenges to growth, have shown that the be of this region. Granted, it is a region that also New Zealand–Melanesia relationship, pathways to success may be measured in gross needs to embrace New Zealand as a Pacifi c sibling, writes Pacific media consultant Lisa domestic product (GDP), but every inch is paved not just a developed, benevolent relative. with the impacts on the lives of people: security Williams-Lahari. External perceptions aside, it would be timely for and governance, law and order, and an HIV-AIDS New Zealand to adjust its immigration policies to Up until fairly recently, the Pacifi c focus for New epidemic fuelled by gender inequality and critical better refl ect the diversity of the region so that Kiwis Zealand has been governed by its historical and levels of violence against women and girls. can come to know Melanesia and the wider Pacifi c ongoing links with Polynesia as well as the strongly as well as Polynesia. Without this, New Zealand Polynesian demographic of its Pacifi c population. While New Zealand’s aid programme pathways are shaped by offi cial policy and strategic directions, has little hope of ever being able to foster mutual So strong has the Polynesian association been, as well as partnerships with non-gorvernmental awareness and understanding of Melanesia beyond that being ‘PI’ in New Zealand meant that organisations, new perspectives emerging from the escaping winter to holiday in Fiji or to visit New Melanesians were unable to identify with ‘Pacifi c’ sidelines of this fi rst Melanesia symposium proved Caledonia as part of a French class trip. choices on many government forms, opting for just as interesting as the scheduled presentations. As put at the symposium, Melanesia matters the ‘other’ box instead. A glance at the current Women, academics, the young and the creative because of two things – its people and its potential. assortment of domestic policy initiatives, media- were in abundance, all in support of a forum that The symposium provided a level of recognition based programmes and ‘culturally appropriate’ refl ected their view that the timing was right for from New Zealand that the better Melanesia is resources available for Pacifi c peoples confi rms Melanesia–New Zealand pathways to occur. But in at reaching its potential, the better-off its people this. A manifestation of the impact this has had which direction will the pathways go? Who will build will be. With Melanesians representing more than over time amongst mainstream New Zealanders and shape them? What needs to change? Where will three out of four Pacifi c Islanders in the region, the is the often seen, but clearly misinformed, use these lead to? Who will benefi t? And is New Zealand pathways to the future are about getting it right not of the word ‘Polynesians’ to mean all Pacifi c genuinely ready for mutually benefi cial political and just for one sub-region, but for New Zealand and Islanders. The occasional use of ‘Talofa lava’ economic engagement with Melanesia? the rest of the Pacifi c as well. to enthusiastically greet all people from the Pacifi c is another misplaced gesture of political Those questions, raised through a rich array of Lisa Williams-Lahari is a Pacifi c media consultant and trainer with a background in development work linked correctness. speakers and presenters at the symposium, are already doing their work. Talk of ‘Melanesian to gender, governance and media. She attended the But could that stereotype, unique to this country, be Melanesia Symposium as part of a media consultancy, pathways’ is doing what the keynote speakers said sending information and photos to regional and local in for a makeover? Is it timely to review and expand it should: “growing legs and walking”. media. the policy framework that defi nes, but inherently limits, New Zealanders’ awareness of things Pacifi c to only those ethnic groups that are considered statistically signifi cant here? Those hoping to grow the economic pathways to engage Melanesia’s resource-rich islands would certainly agree. As well as the millions of dollars sent home via the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, economic indicators are broadening the renewed focus on Melanesia. For example, Melanesian countries represent half of New Zealand’s trade with Pacifi c Islands Forum nations – rising from $385 million in 1987 to $600 million in 2008. In 2007, 91 percent of New Zealand imports from the region came from Melanesia. And the fi ercest advocate from the Pacifi c nations charged with protecting the region’s annual $3 billion tuna Symposium speakers and guests, from left: PCF chair Neil Plimmer, former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister the fi shing industry, other than New Zealand, is Papua Rt Hon Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Solomon Islands honorary consul Doreen Kuper and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign New Guinea. Affairs and Trade chief executive Simon Murdoch.

ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 3 MELANESIA SYMPOSIUM Not just talking and walking

The Rt Hon Sir Rabbie L Namaliu, GCL CSM KCMG, posed a rethink of the character of development cooperation among Melanesia countries and with other partners, through ‘talking, walking and working together’ to help grow a fl ourishing private sector.

Governments, banks, businesses and people around New Zealand and MSG countries can agree to a the world, he noted, were just beginning to grapple common policy in regard to transit visas, at least. with the global consequences of the collapse of This would help to reduce, even eliminate, current major banks and other fi nancial institutions in the sources of irritation, delay and cost for travellers United States. in our part of the world.” As such, “now is probably not a good time to come New Zealand’s experience as a destination, and up with ambitious and costly new proposals for in managing transit visas for people travelling to enhanced cooperation between New Zealand and and from other Pacifi c countries, might be used Former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, the Rt Hon independent countries in Melanesia, or for other, as a basis for developing a mutually acceptable Sir Rabbie Namaliu, at the Melanesia Symposium. additional offi cial expenditures”. However, there arrangement, he said. was “certainly” scope for broadening, deepening donors and recipients working together to identify Sir Rabbie saw other areas of possible cooperation and diversifying such cooperation. and develop appropriate, practical strategies. among Melanesian countries as worthy of review. Sir Rabbie said needs in the community, especially “Here, New Zealand experience and expertise “The aim should be to promote a fl ourishing among youth, were high with hopes and ambitions might provide useful precedents and advice, private sector, which provides goods and “often even higher”. including lessons learnt – both what might services at competitive prices; opportunities for be worth following, and what is best avoided. employment, contracting, sub-contracting and “As population continues to grow, so will the This might usefully include New Zealand’s own commercial trade; as well as examples on which public demand for services, and infrastructure experience of the role that Mãori land-owning others might draw.” which will enable people to realise opportunities groups can play in promoting development at the by helping themselves. Here, I believe, is both need New Zealand’s experience might provide useful local level. and opportunity for us to rethink the character of precedents – and lessons to be learnt (including development cooperation among independent “When I refl ect on the issues confronting local practices to avoid), he said. An example might be countries in Melanesia and with other partners, communities in Papua New Guinea and the New Zealand’s experience with the recruitment, including New Zealand.” challenges involved in ensuring that the revenues, employment and return home of Pacifi c Islanders mostly in the form of royalties they receive from who worked in the agricultural and horticultural The private sector, he said, had already taken mining, oil, forestry and other natural resource industries on a seasonal basis. The New Zealand signifi cant initiatives. “These include investments projects are properly managed and put to good experience was being widely cited as an example by Papua New Guinean fi rms in other Melanesian use, it seems clear that there is much we can learn worth following now that the Australian countries, especially our close neighbour, Solomon from the arrangements operating in New Zealand’s Government had decided to establish a similar Islands and Fiji.” Mãori communities,” he said. scheme, he said. Sectors in which Papua New Guinean fi rms were “In all of these areas, NZAID [New Zealand’s “Again, NZAID might assist, working directly with active in Solomon Islands included banking and International Aid and Development Agency] could individual Melanesian countries and/or the MSG fi nancial services, building construction, agriculture help to identify relevant sources and provide secretariat. In fact, I would very much like to see and hotels. In Fiji, they included banking and support.” the necessary mechanisms put in place for Papua fi nancial services. New Guineans to participate in the New Zealand Sir Rabbie reminded the symposium that Some Papua New Guinean fi rms were currently scheme. I am sure that the productivity of young development cooperation was originally intended investigating or actively developing prospects for Papua New Guineans is, at least, comparable to to be a joint effort to enable recipients to investment in Vanuatu. Fijian fi rms were, in turn, that of people from anywhere else.” build capacity to be responsible for their own active participants in the information technology, development. New Zealand, he said, continued to be relevant to communications, retail and other sectors in Papua Island countries’ needs and benefi cial to students New Guinea. “Development cooperation was not intended to in regard to scholarships and the development focus exclusively – or even primarily – on the “The potential for integrated development of of academic, technical and other skills requiring public sector, or to be open-ended (let alone tourism, combined with rising fuel costs and likely high-level education and training. for donors’ contributions to keep increasing). It economies of scale, provide good reasons for might, therefore, now be apt to review existing Cooperative arrangements between educational looking at the need and opportunity for a sub- development cooperation arrangements, and and training institutions in Melanesia and New regional airline (again). This might be an area where explore options which will facilitate economic Zealand could help build capacity in areas of New Zealand can assist.” growth and participation by encouraging the need. Sir Rabbie said independent Melanesian Spearhead private sector to play an increasing role at both New Zealand could also help to develop Group (MSG) countries already had a common visa ends of the process: delivery and use of the entrepreneurial and other business skills policy and effective procedures in place, which assistance provided. appropriate to a Melanesian environment – “so facilitated travel within the MSG area. “Partnerships between foreign and national that more of our people can take advantage of “It would help to facilitate travel between businesses could help to stimulate development. opportunities by engaging in commercial activities Melanesia and other parts of the world if Australia, There is, therefore, a strong case for foreign aid through which they can help themselves”.

4 ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 MELANESIA SYMPOSIUM

“In this and other fi elds, it might also be apt for New Papua New Guinea’s University of Vudal, with which But the real test of many other exchanges and Zealand and other foreign aid donors to consider he was associated, could be a strong candidate forms of cooperation, including the MSG, needed strategies in which they provide scholarships and for New Zealand or other foreign aid-funding of to be the practical results they produced. The other support for educational institutions in one places for Solomon Islanders and Ni-Vanuatu, in challenges involved in addressing, mitigating Melanesian country so they can provide places for particular, to study agriculture, fi sheries and other and dealing with the effects of climate change students from others.” natural resources, tourism, environmental sciences provided, for instance, an obvious focus for and management in a similar Melanesian context. cooperation among MSG countries and with For example, both the University of New Zealand. This included both Papua New Guinea and the Papua diplomatic and other forms of New Guinea University of Technology “Yumi mas toktok wantaim na wokabaut wantaim. Tasol yu support. provided places for many students mi mas wok wantaim tu [Papua New Guinean Tok Pisin] ... from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and “It is in areas like this that much We must talk together and walk together. But we must work other Pacific Island countries (10 of what I have said about talking, percent of university places are set together too.” Sir Rabbie Namaliu, September 2008. walking, and working together aside for Pacifi c region students). actually does come together.” New Zealand could give substance to “The University of Papua New Guinea’s decision The Law School and associated facilities of the offi cial statements by supporting efforts to ensure to open a campus in Honiara is a modest move University of the South Pacifi c in Port Vila, Vanuatu, that the independent countries of Melanesia towards wider, direct engagement in a neighbouring provided a useful example of such cooperation at developed the capacity to broaden, deepen and country. The aim is not to compete with other work, he said. diversify cooperation among themselves and with regional institutions but to help meet needs.” Sir Rabbie said talking and walking together others, in order to promote shared interests in Arrangements like these were of obvious benefi t could be worthwhile activities in themselves, and the security, sustainable development and future to other countries in the region, he said. government need not always be directly involved. prosperity of Melanesia. A ‘promising and bright’ future

Sir Albert R Palmer Kt, CBE, Chief Justice of Solomon Islands, in his symposium keynote address looked to building on regional connections for the way ahead.

“No one Island nation can isolate itself or try to staying connected, and working and developing cut off the rest of the region and last long; more those goals and strengths that we have identifi ed so for us in Melanesia,” he said. is the way forward for us.” “I am reminded of the African proverb in which The strength of the region, through the PIF a person shuts himself in his hut and says that communiqués and the Melanesian Spearhead Sir Albert Palmer, Solomon Islands Chief Justice. no one can see him. It is but an illusion of the Group was not so much what could be taken mind, a deception which if unchecked will not from it but what could be given, whether it was a major consultation and review exercise on a new only undermine the obvious, damage and hinder trade through the Pacifi c Islands Trade Agreement proposed Federal Constitution. Knowing what is regional relations, as we have seen so often, but (PICTA) and the Pacifi c Islands Closer Economic happening in the region and how other countries lead the nation and its people down the path Relations (PACER) paving the way for a free are addressing their problems in terms of effective of delusion and poverty. One of the fi rst things trade agreement amongst the Pacific Islands responsible and transparent government models, that normally suffers or is compromised in such countries, or in agriculture, border security, rural expansion and development, for example an environment is truth, then standards, the rule national sovereignty or regional peace or sharing in Papua New Guinea, can provide very useful of law, human rights and it just goes down and knowledge and expertise. lessons and guidance.” down. This is what shutting off the region and “Regional links and connections also act as checks isolating oneself will do. Sir Albert said that the voyaging Melanesian and balances in terms of international conventions, canoes, “despite being tossed to and fro by the “I hope our Melanesian brother and Pacific obligations and human rights issues based on strong winds and currents of lawlessness, economic neighbour, the beautiful islands of Fiji, will not their vision statements, commitments to good uncertainties, political and constitutional upheavals go down that path of isolationism under the governance, the rule of law, upholding democratic and natural disasters” had survived through stronghold of their current interim prime minister, in processes and institutions and so on.” regional links and long-standing vital connections his ‘noble quest’ to rid Fiji of the so-called endemic Sir Albert said much research with the view to with New Zealand and Australia. corruption in government, but will re-engage with reform was currently being undertaken in the the Pacifi c Islands Forum (PIF) countries. The thing “The powerful and positive change this has worked Pacific region on human rights, women and about corruption, if I may say so here, is that it is in Melanesia and other Pacifi c Islands has been gender-based violence and juvenile issues, here to stay. No one country will ever rid its state the shift in our perceptions and mindset. When economic reform, strengthening machineries of institutions or citizens, of corruption for it is part our leaders took over the reins of government at government, fi sheries and the environment. of the fallen nature of man. When we misuse our independence they had a vision and a plan for privileges, misuse government time and money, “While we may not agree with everything, the island nations. Those who stayed the course the telephone etc, we may never be charged our regional connections enable us to share chartered by their founding fathers have grown for corruption – but isn’t that corruption, our knowledge, expertise and experiences. For from strength to strength. Those who have veered consciences condemning us. No, re-engaging and example, Solomon Islands is currently undertaking off course have paid a heavy price.

ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 5 MELANESIA SYMPOSIUM

“Solomon Islands was one of those countries and this consensus) and yet respecting one another as relate to each other must be such that it makes it had to learn the hard way, that taking the law into equals (respecting one another’s sovereignty) and attractive to join but diffi cult to leave, so much so your own hands does not pay, irrespective of how not interfering in the internal affairs of the country. that wayward and rogue states will fi nd it diffi cult culturally sensitive and justifi ed in custom one’s In pidgin when someone says ‘stori lelebet’ (small to abdicate their countries’ responsibilities and grievances might be. Fiji still has not learned from story), it means that that person has something commitment to the region.” the coup mentality; that irrespective of how corrupt important to talk to you about and wants some Melanesian states, he said, were still going through a government might appear to be, not to use the time at your convenience to talk to you about it. a “vital stage of maturing or growing up” in their power of the gun to overthrow it but to allow the “So let us continue to encourage those ‘small story’ political development.“In regional politics it is normal processes and mechanisms provided in the times whether in good times or bad times, but more important this transition is understood. We can democratic institutions and the rule of law to deal so in diffi cult times, and thereby foster pathways to take a straight cut and dried stand or recognise with those grievances. resolve diffi cult issues whether within the region that a vital stage of nationhood requires that these “To that extent, regional organisations and or in member countries.” countries go through internal stresses and tensions, countries, in my respectful view, play a crucial role in for only then will the ‘diamond’ be produced; fostering trust and confi dence in those democratic anything less will be encased in glass which can “No one Island nation can isolate institutions, principles of good governance and be broken at the slightest pressure.” the rule of law by giving recognition and support itself or try to cut off the rest of the This transition stage should be seen as essential where these are due and requiring adherence and region and last long; more so for to building a better, stronger, tougher and more compliance to regional pacts and agreements. us in Melanesia.” Sir Albert Palmer, resilient national identity, and cohesive and “That change in mindset and attitudes is contributing September 2008. responsible democratic institutions. to the emergence of a vital networking and a sense “Yes, there will be things done which cannot be of belonging and community among regional In regional relations, Sir Albert considered it condoned, but sometimes there are issues which countries. Just as in Melanesia, people are seeing important to bear in mind the courtesies of linking can be better handled and a better response themselves more and more as ‘wantoks’ (one with the right people, “in particular the leadership obtained by being more tactful, courteous and people), so it is happening at the regional level. of a country, and not talking over their heads to diplomatic. Being silent does not necessarily mean “Our leaders are seeing themselves more and more subordinates”. that the action has been condoned.” as one people from the same region, and to use “Whether we like that leader or not, our regional Sir Albert saw the future in the region and the Sir Rabbie Namaliu’s title to his keynote address, obligations require that we must deal with them in way forward for Melanesia as “very promising ‘talking together, walking together and working the fi rst instance and not bypass them.” and bright”. together’ more and more.” Regional connections and ties must be strengthened “With the sort of fl exibility, understanding and Sir Albert said that through dealing in a common and consolidated, he said. “It is one thing to be a sensitivity New Zealand continues to exhibit in inclusive manner, more often than not, doorways of member of a regional organisation, it is another its dealings with Melanesia and the Pacifi c, the communication and dialogue would be opened up. to be seen to be wanted, needed and appreciated. pathways to our future for our voyaging canoes This was ‘the Pacifi c Way’, a term originated after The fact of the matter is we need each other and can only be brighter. Let us not stop with the tok the founding of the Forum in 1971 by the late Ratu cannot do without each other. On that premise, talanoa sessions but put legs on them as well. In Sir Kamisese Mara. a deeper bonding in regionalism can only result Solomon Islands there is a common phrase which “This was the idea of talking together, tok talanoa, over time and more meaningful outcomes and we say, ‘man tallem duim’. It simply means do not to fi nd a common goal, position or way out (we call commitments realised. This change in the way we stop with the talking but put action to it.” Melanesia–NZ ‘partnership for development’ Kaliopate Tavola, former Fiji Foreign Minister, advocated at the symposium for a Melanesia–New Zealand ‘partnership for development’ trade arrangement as an advance towards regional Pacifi c Islands Closer Economic Relations (PACER).

Tavola focused on economic development with cooperation. The structures, endorsed by our integration base. A global situation where the special reference to trade, exploring a case for leaders, are now in place to take cooperation to a multi-lateral trading system faced likely paralysis future Melanesia–New Zealand relations, while higher level,” he said, referring to the Pacifi c Plan, was an added incentive for the regional initiative. examining how the yet-to-be-concluded Pacifi c the Pacifi c Islands Trade Agreement (PICTA) and “It is critical therefore that the regional initiative Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the closer economic relations to bring about regional should not lose momentum.” new-look Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) economic integration. Tavola envisaged that any Melanesia–New Zealand would impact on these relations. The success of regional economic integration relationship was best seen as a Melanesia–New He explored how relations could be confi gured and amongst the Forum Island countries was “below Zealand Partnership for Development (MNZPD) applied during the PACER consultation phase that par” in that the implementation of the Pacifi c rather than a bilateral or sub-regional trade would lead to a ‘PACER Plus’ free trade agreement Islands Trade Agreement had been severely agreement under the General Agreement on Tariffs between the Pacifi c Forum Island countries and constrained. “The degree of intended economic and Trade (GATT). Australia and New Zealand. The end target, he said, integration achieved is still in its infancy.” Such a ‘partnership for development’ was similar was greater Pacifi c regionalism. The situation was worsened because the EPA was to the Pacifi c Partnership for Development (PPD) “We have had years of fairly successful regional being superimposed on top of a weak regional that Australia has signed initially with Papua

6 ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 MELANESIA SYMPOSIUM

New Guinea and Samoa, and which encapsulated going to derive from this process will be most the aspirations contained in the Port Moresby valuable to regional economic integration as a Declaration of 2 March 2008. whole.” “If by going down this road, we facilitate the He said the EPA was still unfolding, with Papua attainment of our collective target of greater New Guinea and Fiji having signed an interim regionalism which, by admission, is the inevitable EPA, and both Solomon Islands and Vanuatu likely route to the incorporation of the Forum Island to follow suit. countries’ economies into the global scheme of If MNZPD was going to be the preferred pathway things, then being branded as a copycat is a small to the future for Melanesia and New Zealand, a price to pay. Furthermore, if PPD represents ‘a new new format for talks between the two parties era for cooperation between Australia and Pacifi c would be required. neighbours’, then MNZPD, I suggest, is the ‘crème de la crème’ for it proposes to uplift its sight to the “However, given the added focus for the MNZPD attainment of the goal of Pacifi c regionalism.” to be also the pathway to greater regionalism, it would imply that whilst the dialogues or A Melanesia–New Zealand Partnership for consultations that will be entered into may be Development could, for example, have multi- driven primarily by bilateral and/or sub-regional sectoral challenges to which all parties were Kaliopate Tavola, Fiji’s former Foreign Minister. considerations, they should be confi gured and committed and multi-annual commitments in directed with an eye for the bigger picture.” terms of sectoral measurable targets, and specifi c New Zealand investors would feel inclined to move individual and mutual obligations. Such a proposed The dialogue would necessarily be multi-tiered investment capital to the countries concerned. This partnership agreement was long overdue. and strictly independent of the consultations investment fl ow can be suitably incentivised in provided for under Article 6 of Pacifi c Islands “There is a perception that there is a generalised accordance with World Trade Organization rules.” Closer Economic Relations, the provisions trilateral division of labour when it comes The overall scenario could be repeated when governing consultations between Forum Island to responsibilities for Official Development it came to considerations of the Pacifi c Islands countries and Australia and New Zealand relating Assistance in the Pacifi c – Melanesia for Australia, Trade Agreement which, he believed, all MSG to free trade agreement negotiations. Polynesia for New Zealand and Micronesia for countries were implementing. “But again trade the United States (with a few exceptions such as “The independence of the two processes is under this agreement needs to be better facilitated Kiribati and Nauru). critical,” he said. “Article 6 consultations are since there was delay in the ratifi cation and the strictly for PACER Plus and free trade agreement “The proposed MNZPD will dissipate this implementation of the agreement.” considerations.” perception and will help to promote the view that Tavola said the size of the market was larger than we are one when it comes to integration of the The special dialogues on the MNZPD, on the that presented by the MSG Trade Agreement. Forum Island countries into the global economy other hand, could justifi ably address the various through Pacifi c regionalism.” “It can also be envisaged that the opportunities considerations related to PACER Plus that would for investment in the export and import sectors be part of Article 6 consultations. He said the proposed partnership agreement have expanded. This becomes an exciting should aim to address what had been described Tavola said Melanesia could be seen to hold the proposition when we take into account the as the ‘bipolarity’ in the Pacific in which the key to PACER Plus and the pathway it would create proximity of major trading partners around the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) countries to greater Pacifi c regionalism. Pacifi c rim, especially China. were characterised by confl icts in Solomon Islands, The proposed MNZPD could contribute to this coups in Fiji, raskol gangs in Papua New Guinea and “In the recent China–Pacifi c Island Countries process by way of: stagnation in Vanuatu. Economic Development and Cooperation Forum, China’s Minister of Commerce, Chen Deming, » ensuring that Article 6 consultations are The economic development and trade (including was upbeat when discussing the trade statistics conducted at the regional level and that the services) sections of the partnership agreement between China and the Pacifi c Island countries. He Pacifi c Free Trade Agreement be negotiated would be focused on situations in Melanesia said that trade between the two parties increased as a regional trade agreement that were post the existing or currently being 24.4 percent to $1.53 billion from 2006 to 2007. » facilitating the role of the chief trade adviser negotiated trade arrangements, such as the MSG By the end of 2008, this fi gure will reach $2 billion, for closer economic relations as a regional Trade Agreement and the Pacifi c Islands Trade which will increase further to $3 billion by 2010. trade adviser with regional aspirations and Agreement, and at the same time come before a He added that the list of duty free items has goals closer economic relations arrangement. increased and will continue to do so. » facilitating the role of the MSG and its “The proposed MNZPD could take into account Tavola said implementation of the Pacifi c Islands secretariat should it acquire a lead role all these, make good their defi ciencies, etc, with Trade Agreement had not allowed the degree by default on behalf of the Forum Island an eye for the bigger picture.” of integration and the accumulation of practical countries. In terms of the MSG Trade Agreement, New Zealand trading experiences and expertise to get fi rmly “Tok Talanoa can certainly create its own pathways did not qualify to be a signatory. “As a third party established in the Forum countries as a whole. to the future for Melanesia-New Zealand relations. trading partner, however, it would be in its interest The MNZPD is one pathway that can be all inclusive, However, the proposed MNZPD could address to ensure enhanced facilitation of trade under all embracing; and if confi gured in the way I have capacity building and advance implementation that agreement. With improved trade facilitation suggested to facilitating the all important Pacifi c to ensure that the lessons learned would then and considering the relative size of the Melanesia regionalism and specifi cally regional economic facilitate the implementation of the EPA. Spearhead Group market and the potential gains integration, then this exercise of creating Tok from trade, it would be expected that additional “The integration lessons and experience that are Talanoa has not been in vain.”

ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 7 MELANESIA SYMPOSIUM The challenges of confl ict Dr Alumita Durutalo, lecturer in politics and international affairs at the University of the South Pacifi c, Fiji, in her address at the symposium ‘Security and Governance in Melanesia: As Critical Survival Issues’, examined security issues in Melanesia, the most politically unstable region in the Pacifi c since the 1970s.

During the period 1987 to 2006, political confl icts long-entrenched, with some confl icts: involved four coups in Fiji (three military and » directly linked to ongoing colonialism one civilian), the Bougainville crisis spanning » the direct consequences of colonial the period 1989 to 1998 and political confl ict in rearrangements and reconstruction of Solomon Islands erupting in 2000. Melanesian societies Additionally, security took on a new international Dr Alumita Durutalo » linked to the unequal redistribution of dimension after 9/11 when the United States resources in post-colonial periods intensifi ed its security strategies, infl uencing the Security issues and challenges in Melanesia » refl ecting the highly militarised nature of global communities on the need to strengthen some Melanesian societies Dr Durutalo said that in any society, overall security security. should include sustaining and safeguarding both » ethnic in nature (while others were both “In this context ‘weak states’ or ‘failing states’ human and natural resources. Continuing political ethnic and class in nature). in Melanesia are considered as possible breeding instabilities were a threat to national and regional grounds for terrorists and would-be terrorists. “Additionally, some confl icts are deep-rooted and security. However, for Melanesian states and people, the have evolved from traditional rivalries before Ongoing political crises since 1987 “had led immediate concern about security is through the colonisation and exacerbated through the process Fiji down the path of militarism bordering on repercussions of political confl icts as negatively of colonisation.” dictatorship at times”. Fiji’s refusal to attend the affecting the long-term socio-political and Dr Durutalo said some confl icts had generated 39th Pacifi c Islands Forum meeting in Niue this economic well being and relations of people.” consequent problems leading to security threats year raised critical issues about its long-term Commentators, said Dr Durutalo, had noted that, such as human rights abuse and violence, high commitments to accountability in governance, apart from the loss of lives, political confl icts in unemployment, dislocation and poverty and high leadership transparency and commitment to Melanesia have caused social dislocation and high crime rates. regionalism. “This attitude by Fiji has threatened emigration rates, bankruptcy, corruption, intense its membership status in regional organisations “For example, the coups in the Solomons Islands inter and intra-ethnic hatred, high unemployment like the Pacifi c Islands Forum.” and Fiji have facilitated further socio-economic rates, high crime rates and poverty. Confl ict also problems. In Fiji, political confl icts have intensifi ed On the international scene, political instability involved the continued militarisation of states and violent behaviour by the security forces on could reduce a nation state’s ability to make the use of coups to rectify other coups, as with Fiji. individual citizens. rational choices in terms of its foreign policy. Here She said that a dangerous precedent emerging was Dr Durutalo instanced several Pacifi c Island nation “It becomes a crisis when those who are when legality and the rule of law become blurred governments being willing to “go with anybody” entrusted with upholding the rule of law become or were compromised for the sake of political as long as it was lucrative, and the infl uence of law breakers. A basic human rights issue that engineering, as currently seen in the case of Fiji. China and Taiwan in the region. can be highlighted here is, ‘When the state The challenges confronting Melanesian citizens becomes the criminal, who do citizens seek While pragmatic real politics might be argued, were multi-dimensional, complex and often redress from?’” “the point that should be emphasised here for

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8 ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 MELANESIA SYMPOSIUM

Melanesia and Pacific Island nations is that “Confl ict resolution must involve all stakeholders. “An in-depth understanding of causes of political limited choices through political instability do not The non-inclusion of some groups or bias towards confl icts in Fiji may ultimately determine ways only lead to irrational choices that create more some stakeholders has exacerbated and prolonged forward. This may be an area that will require indebtedness on Pacifi c Island states’ tax payers, confl icts in some parts of Melanesia, like Fiji. It is the assistance of regional and international in the long-term they perpetuate a culture of evident that since the military coups of 1987, there communities.” dependency and moral bankruptcy”. has never been any serious attempt at confl ict In conclusion, Dr Durutalo said that maintaining Confl ict resolution key to security and good resolution in Fiji, or if there were some, these were security through good governance in Melanesia governance disrupted by continuing coups. Attempts made have was a challenging task given the diverse nature of had their weaknesses in one way or another, thus Melanesian societies and the ensuing complexities Dr Durutalo said good governance or the perpetuating further instability. of political confl icts. strengthening of socio-political and economic governance could only work if resolutions rightly “It appears that since 1987, Fiji’s political leaders “In this context, maintaining security requires addressed the conflicts. Ways of addressing have been proposing their own solutions to what a multi-dimensional approach involving security threats ranged from strengthening the they perceive as problems. These have come in many stakeholders nationally, regionally and economic systems to make these more inclusive the form of a biased 1990 Constitution, divisive internationally. Perhaps, at the regional level of indigenous resource owners, restructuring policies and even vote buying. Perhaps, it is intra-regional organisations like the Melanesian political systems through the inclusion of some time that Fiji’s leaders conduct a nationwide and Spearhead Group could generate ongoing positive aspects of traditional governance inclusive consultation process with all communities ‘talanoa’ on common issues of concern and map systems, and introducing realistic and sustainable from the grass roots up, to explore possible out strategies on the way forward. Additionally, social policies. solutions to ongoing political problems. the contributions of New Zealand, Australia, PIF members, other regional and international organisations and NGOs are crucial in enhancing Confl ict resolution in Melanesia: “For example, national leaders such as prime good governance and security in Melanesia.” lessons learnt ministers and presidents must not have more than two terms in offi ce. Given the diverse Dr Durutalo said active and direct engagements nature of Melanesian societies, this will not by New Zealand, Australia and other Pacifi c only encourage competition for good leadership Islands Forum (PIF) members saw the securing but also reduce the chances for confl icts if one of peace in Bougainville. The signing of the New Zealand’s niu space person remains in power for so long.” Bougainville Peace Agreement, on 30 August representing solely 2001, had marked a long journey from violent » Economic policies must also be inclusive artists of the Pacifi c confl ict to peaceful confl ict resolution. of indigenous resource owners. Other regional conflict resolution strategies As seen in the case of Bougainville, Solomon adopted by the PIF had shown positive results Islands and Fiji, confl icts had emerged through since their implementation, for example, the the non-equitable sharing of remuneration Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands from indigenous resources. (RAMSI), arising out of the 2000 Biketawa » The role of the military in Fiji’s continuing Declaration. The same instrument was being used confl icts needed serious consideration. by PIF in the attempt to secure peace in Fiji. Fiji’s military had become a national security threat for citizens in its continuous involvement Governance, security and the way in political confl icts. “Perhaps the United Nations, forward which utilises Fiji’s soldiers in peace keeping Dr Durutalo said that given the diverse nature missions around the world, could offer solutions of Melanesian societies and the complexities to the demilitarisation of Fiji’s society.” of the confl icts encountered so far, no “one- » Adopting a more inclusive leadership system size fi ts all” resolution strategy was possible, that will also include marginalised sectors of and that Melanesian people could not solve societies such as youth and women. political confl icts on their own. “They need the The promotion of women in leadership in help of their regional neighbours, including Melanesia and throughout the Pacifi c was a Urban Connection Australia and New Zealand, in the process of need in a region where the role of women in 2008 acrylic on canvas by Ellie Fa’amauri confl ict resolution and the application of good national leadership was one of the lowest in governance processes to maintain long-term Established to promote and sell the world. the art of Pacifi c people peace and security in the region.” » Strengthening rural development in Artists are enabled to pursue life as an artist Some of the most urgent governance strategies Melanesia. that could contribute towards the maintenance Providing agricultural economic policies Langham Hotel Mall of security and political stability in Melanesia to enable land owners to utilise their land Karangahape Rd Auckland included: PO Box 67 153 Mt Eden for exports, and perhaps restructuring the Auckland 1349 » The introduction of institutional and cooperative movements in Melanesia to enable Email: [email protected] constitutional change that would modify the inclusion of indigenous entrepreneurs in the Phone: 09 379 9051 political leadership systems. business world. Open daily 11am – 7pm

ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 9 MELANESIA SYMPOSIUM ‘Fiji needs an elected parliament’

The Rt Rev’d Hon Sir Paul Reeves, the Commonwealth Secretary- General’s Special Envoy to Fiji and former New Zealand Governor- General, set out at the symposium what he described as “a background to the present situation” in Fiji, noting the need for “patience, goodwill and understanding”.

Sir Paul has been involved in the political and the guiding principle must constitutional situation of Fiji since December 2007 be the realisation by citizens and said he had always seen himself as someone that what is good for their hoping to help all stakeholders achieve their aims neighbour ultimately is good within a rejuvenated constitutional democracy in for them too. that country. “We tried to search for the Sir Paul Reeves, the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Fiji, “It is at this moment a very fl uid situation, and common good. Differences with Tia Barrett (left) and Donasiano Ruru (right). I feel somewhat constrained in what I can say. and diversities should be This statement is by more of a background to the seen not as sources of division but rather of strength two academics, Jonathan Fraenkel and Donald present situation. and inspiration. The commission emphasised that Horowitz. They’ve been engaged in discussion as these values would sustain peoples in time of to whether the Fijian electoral system has been a “We now have the text of the Commodore need and help them to adapt to rapidly changing Bainimarama’s speech of statement to the failure and not encouraged moderation. situations. So as in 1996, equally in 2008, what is United Nations (UN) of the 26th of September “The interim government of Fiji believes that the needed is patience, goodwill and understanding and we also have the concluding statement of electoral system must be changed and regards it that these needs are still there.” the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group as undemocratic because it does not provide for (CMAG), which met in New York on the 27th The Reeves Commission, as it is now known, a free and fair election.” September. CMAG expressed disappointment that advocated an electoral system called the Sir Paul said that throughout Fiji’s modern history the interim prime minister told the UN General ‘alternative vote’, which it believed would there were those, on the one hand, who believed Assembly that he would not be able to meet the encourage cooperation by offering incentives to in and advocated for an integrated non-racial March 2009 deadline for a general election and both parties to cooperate across the racial barrier. state based on individual rights and those who, CMAG continued to urge the interim government Under the system, voters rank candidates in order to adhere to the original undertaking. On the of preference. If no candidate receives a majority on the other, pushed for a political order based other hand the interim government’s decision to of votes on the fi rst count then the candidate who on ethnic communities. reengage with the Pacifi c Islands Forum (PIF) joint receives the smallest number of votes is eliminated “And norms regarding indigenous peoples’ rights working group and the PIF Ministerial contact and their fi rst choice votes are transferred to the have been invoked, but at the same time there group was welcomed. We understand that the second choice candidate on each of those ballots. have been strong tendencies towards political next visit of the ministerial working group to Fiji That process continues until one candidate has a integration and broad based non-ethnic policies. will probably be in November.”* majority and is the winner. Commodore Bainimarama wishes to resolve any Sir Paul chaired the commission that reviewed the “We also recommended more open than communal ambiguity in favour of integration. I have not 1990 constitution of Fiji and presented its report to seats, and we demonstrated how gradually the discussed this matter with the other political Ratu Sir Kaimesese Mara in September of 1996. communal seats could go until everyone was voting parties; they may be open to electoral reform but from a common roll. it might not be their top priority. “People said to me you must have been a lawyer; I said no actually what I studied at university was “But as so often happens these recommendations “The international community is not averse English literature and theology and it was the were turned upside down by the Parliament so now to electoral reform but is concentrated on the theology which I needed actually in Fiji. But our there are more communal than open seats: out of Commodore’s earlier promise to hold an election recommendations in that report, broadly speaking, 71 seats, 25 are open and 46 are communal. There under whatever system by March of 2009. formed the basis of the 1997 Constitution. is also provision for power sharing in the Cabinet. “The interim government established the National In other words, if any party receives 10 percent of “In various places, such as the wording of the Council for Building a Better Fiji (NCBBF) to the seats in Parliament it is entitled to seek seats preamble to the constitution, the chapter on produce an aspirational document of the future in the Cabinet. national identity and shared goals that contained direction of Fiji, and, as the Commodore told the a compact among the peoples of the Fiji Islands, “Of course I need to say that the Parliament United Nations last week and I quote, ‘to rebuild and in the chapter on the Bill of Rights, we tried is presently not sitting and is not part of the Fiji into a non-racial, culturally vibrant, well to state the values that should underpin the goals governance of Fiji. Now, many politicians at that governed truly democratic nation’. The State of the that Fiji aims for and the way that Fijians of every time were unhappy at the commission’s emphasis Nation and Economy report and a Draft People’s ethnicity should behave towards each other. And on national identity almost at the expense of Charter have now been approved by the NCBBF we said that the unity of Fiji is a continuous process communal affiliations and institutions. Since and the consultation launched on the 25th August of discovery and nothing remains fi xed forever; 1999 there has been a controversy between will continue for some time into October.

10 ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 MELANESIA SYMPOSIUM

“There is also provision for political dialogue, president, his use of reserve powers, and his it wants Fiji to resume full membership in this which remains to be defi ned, but one would subsequent appointment of the interim prime family of nations we call the Commonwealth. assume it would consist of a series of meetings. minister. “As the personal representative of the The Commonwealth model is a forum where all “So returning to constitutionality – if there is such Commonwealth Secretary-General, I await the political parties would discuss matters of national a word – will not be easy but the reality is that outcome of discussions held elsewhere. I am, as I and political importance; it would be a broad- Fiji needs an elected parliament to deal with its said, constrained by what I can say, but I remain based discussion that would include electoral issues. And, as I have indicated, the international hopeful. I know that we are talking about Fiji’s reform. I would facilitate that but I would not community is insisting on a March 2009 date for pathway to the future. necessarily chair it. The Commonwealth has the an election and the interim government of Fiji support of the Pacifi c Islands Forum, the United “Maybe a better image would be that of a river, has stated that this is not possible. The date is Nations, the European Union and the international a river which is connected to both its source and already two months beyond the deadline that community for this approach. its destination and where there is a dynamic the Commonwealth envisaged in what we call movement; there are rocks on the way but we “The interim government’s model is that the the Millbrook Plan of Action for the restoration are all committed to the journey.” forums should involve all political parties but of democratic government in cases such as Fiji. that they would discuss only one issue, namely And so CMAG last week decided to meet again * The Pacifi c Islands Forum secretariat issued a statement on 20 November saying the Working Group had held its electoral reform. So the issue and the matter has in early 2009 to review progress. It would then thirty-third meeting in Suva that day, and had received not yet been resolved.” consider further measures. a paper from Fiji on why it would not be able to hold elections by March 2009. Working Group members Sir Paul said that presently there was a legal “So the Commonwealth is well placed to help Fiji. reaffi rmed the readiness of Forum members to continue challenge to the constitutional position of the It wants Fiji to return to constitutional democracy; to assist Fiji prepare for elections by March 2009. Spearhead steps up with permanent base

The establishment of a permanent bi-annual leaders’ meeting in Port Vila, and Mr “Given the challenges on the international trade secretariat should enable the Ravusiro is now hard at work – alone – hiring the front, it is useful to trade amongst ourselves Melanesian Spearhead Group to fi rst 15–16 staff he needs to get up and running. while we pick up our expertise and capacity.” more effectively implement leaders’ “I envisage about 30 staff being recruited over There was potential for expanded trade in decisions, the group’s fi rst director- fi ve years,” he said. “Our budget is not approved, areas such as natural resources and services. we have to go through formal processes, but we “Vanuatu’s foreign exchange is very reliant on general, Rima Ravusiro, told Pacifi c have enough to set up. Once our working groups income from tourism, it’s a big earner in Fiji, Connection. make substantive decisions, that will impact on but tourism potential is untapped in Solomons, our size and budget.” Speaking from the secretariat headquarters PNG and New Caledonia,” he said. in Port Vila, Ravusiro said the previous system Ravusiro is a former Papua New Guinea trade While working groups were looking at of ‘roaming secretariats’ rotated between diplomat who has worked in both the Pacifi c trade-related subjects such as services, trade the member countries meant that decisions Islands Forum and Commonwealth secretariats. facilitation and shipping, the Spearhead was were often not properly fi led, recorded and He said that while Spearhead leaders wanted to investigating other issues as well. One working acted on. collaborate more strongly, they also wanted to group was focused on a Melanesian festival of work cooperatively with the Forum. “There has been a gap in implementation. arts and culture, while another was considering Having a permanent secretariat will help “We will in no way undermine the existence of the a sub-regional security force. ensure the decisions highlighted by leaders Forum – it’s just that the Melanesian Spearhead “A committee is looking at the security issue, are followed through,” he said. Group is a little bit more focused on issues of especially in terms of responding to the needs concern to our members,” he said. Established in 1993, the Spearhead initially of the membership in a manner that is a little comprised Papua New Guinea, Solomon The current free trade agreement had led to more Melanesian-fl avoured – with dialogue Islands and Vanuatu, with Fiji joining in 1998. “slowly increasing” trade between Spearhead and maintenance of peace and harmony within The secretariat was opened during this year’s members, he said. the sub-region,” he said.

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ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 11 Urgent need to protect IP Intellectual property (IP) specialist Dr David Martin has been visiting Pacifi c Island governments advising on what he sees as an urgent need to protect their IP. Pacifi c affairs columnist Dev Nadkarni spoke to him in Samoa at a conference of small, medium and micro enterprises held under the auspices of the Pacifi c Islands Private Sector Organisation.

How can the Pacifi c reclaim its stolen IP and That said, one need only to spend a few days in the Q help protect future violations by western Pacifi c to know that there are deeply held feelings nations? on who has the best taro and where it originally was planted, or who has what unique artistic Following the bold leadership of Samoa, the expressions. While there are common elements Pacifi c Island nations need to be explicit with A across the region, a fully integrated model will the global marketplace in their insistence that, if not honour the nuance at the community level so patents on pharmaceuticals and electronics and we believe that a unifi ed framework with regional other product – and copyrights and trademarks on fl exibility is the best approach. David Martin creative works and businesses – are going to enjoy WIPO’s (World Intellectual Property Organization) The next gold rush is expected to be in How will the global fi nancial crisis affect aid proposed protection in the Pacifi c, signatories Pacific waters. How should the Islands Q Q in the Pacifi c region? from outside the region must respect the current prevent themselves from being short changed as and previous rights that have been expropriated they have been in the past as regards their mineral The near term effect of the global fi nancial from the region without disclosure or adequate and natural resources? A crisis will impact Pacifi c nations adversely. benefi t sharing. As is already evident, export sales of high-end Regrettably, some of the Island countries have products (such as tuna in the Japanese auction Over 3,000 cases of traditional knowledge, already entered into agreements that have A market) will be affected as discretionary spending biodiversity, mineral and artistic expressions left little room for fl exibility. It is our belief that for high-end restaurants declines. This slow down have been taken from the Pacifi c Islands without mineral and resource exploitation must be done will affect agriculture and fi sheries immediately. economic consideration fl owing back to the Island with four guiding principles that should be included countries. While IP laws in the region have been in every contract with prospector enterprises. Remittances that account for a signifi cant revenue imposed by international advocates, little if any of base for many Pacifi c Island countries will be First, prospectors must ensure that they operate the alleged benefi ts have come to the region. affected due to expanding unemployment and under the same international conventions – such under-employment. Investment funds (both aid/ We propose two immediate actions. We are as on biodiversity and marine ecology irrespective donor as well as debt) are already constricting willing to work with the Pacifi c Island countries of accession status within countries. A ‘do no harm’ from the traditional sources of Europe, New to establish a registry and monitoring system that ecological commitment must be in place to insure Zealand, Australia and the US. Capital resource detects all existing expropriated material that has the protection of marine resources. providers such as China will be increasingly been patented outside the region and monitor Second, prospectors must commit to ethical and strategic in their support of projects where either those who are actively engaged in this behaviour proportional benefi t sharing. This should ideally food security, natural resources, or energy are for immigration or law enforcement observation. include minimum conditions for local employment, partnership options. When appropriate, we are looking forward to environmental monitoring, coastal resource and actively working on the repatriation or invalidation In the intermediate and long term, currencies professional management. In addition, revenue of inappropriately misappropriated rights. and sovereign funds will be affected as pensions sharing license agreements should be fl oating – highly dependent on municipal and sovereign Second, we are proposing the creation of a new and pegged to international metals market prices bonds – will see signifi cant loss of value through form of legal property – the Communal Innovation rather than a fi xed price. In other words, when the compression on bond repayment. This is a secondary Trust – which serves to register and hold in commodity prices go up, the benefi t should rise. effect that will constrain capital alternatives for aid perpetual trust all traditional knowledge, remedy, Third, local customary land rights and customary or capital support. artistic expressions, etc. for their stewardship by uses must be honoured. A number of indigenous the originating communities, which may include How should the Pacifi c leadership cope in the groups have sacred links to both the land and the licensing, collateralising and other personal short term and the longer term? sea, which have profound consequence to the Q property uses of the same. These immediate actions preservation of their societies and values. Immediate government response needs to can empower the region to lead the world in the plan for a reduction in revenue (both export ethical use and dissemination of local rights and Finally, local governments should formalise a A and remittance) and costs associated with some knowledge. monitoring and communication relationship with expats returning home. Immediate attention should the relevant international securities oversight Is it possible to put up a joint regional front on be focused on local and regional opportunities for bodies that regulate public equity markets. This the IP issue – especially given the fractiousness small and medium sized enterprise creation, on Q is to insure investor visibility and transparency in the Pacifi c leadership on several regional issues strategic market enterprises in alternative energy, on business practices. In short, the international or should each nation paddle its own canoe? diversifi ed agriculture, ecologically sustainable community and the Pacifi c Island countries must aquaculture and sustainable health care. Given the common nature of issues confronting actively ensure that the lessons of the past 75 years A the Pacifi c Island leadership, I believe that are taken into account prior to engaging in much China’s presence in the region can be strategically many approaches can be done on a regional level. more diffi cult to monitor seabed activities. used by providing a possible outlet for the

12 ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 large estates of technology that China has commercialisation of, indigenous knowledge integrated approaches where traditional wisdom purchased from the West under compulsory expressions in medicine, agriculture, aquaculture, informs the decisions of the future. technology transfer programmes that have yet to art and more. Organic agriculture and aquaculture, oceanic and be commercially deployed in China. Why are you so interested in the Pacifi c? wind energy capture, organic sub-atomic and Domestic consumption – even when local Q How can you help and how do you hope to atomic manufacturing in shellfi sh and crustaceans, production may be more costly – is important to be compensated for your time and effort? biofuels from algae and biomass, and countless preserve cash fl ow within the individual countries My interest in the Pacifi c comes from my other pioneering opportunities await manifestation and within the region. Governments can take A belief that the region holds the promise for here in the Pacifi c. a lead by looking at ways in which preferential innovating a new enterprise and governance model David E Martin is founding chief executive of intellectual purchasing fl ows to local and regional producers, property based fi nancial risk management consultancy that integrates traditional values with a changing M·CAM. He has worked closely with the US Congress thereby supporting employment and domestic global market. The unsustainable consumption and numerous trade and fi nancial regulatory agencies production – two critical variables to weather the model of the West has led to an economic crisis. in the United States, Europe and Asia in advocating and current storm. Local governments can encourage Rather than replicating this mistake, which has deploying infrastructure to support growing reliance on proprietary rights in business transactions. He is a legal frameworks for communal innovation trusts cost the environment and the social fabric of our former assistant professor at the University of Virginia’s to preserve the value of, and support the selective countries so dearly, the Pacifi c can test and model School of Medicine. Organics: key to export success?

Samoan Agriculture and Fisheries The Prime Minister’s support had helped the Ministry chief executive Kirifi Pouono Regional Organic Task Force develop the Pacifi c and Women in Business Development Organic Standard, launched in September at a Secretariat of the Pacifi c Community (SPC) meeting executive director Adimaimalaga (Adi) in Samoa. Tafuna’i say that organics offer major Tafuna’i said the development of the standard export potential for Samoa and the Pacifi c had been funded by the International Fund for region. Agricultural Development, with help from SPC and the International Federation of Organic Agricultural The pair, who visited New Zealand recently as Movements (IFOAM), which she described as “the recipients of the 2008 Prime Minister’s Fellowship United Nations of organics”. awards, have been closely involved in Samoa’s small but promising moves towards developing “The big job now is for the Organic Task Force to organic agricultural exports. get the standard accepted world-wide,” she said. “A lot of lobbying is being done.” Tafuna’i’s group has been instrumental in establishing an organic coconut oil export business, Her group was working hard to establish organics supplying the United Kingdom-based Body Shop in other Pacifi c countries, meeting groups from international retail chain with three tonnes of oil Fiji, Tonga and Kiribati soon after she returned every two months since December last year. to Samoa. Adimaimalaga Tafuna’i (top) and Kirifi Pouono.. Her group worked with small-scale growers to “We are working out in the region so they can ensure that quality standards and production get their organic certifi cation processes under levels met the Body Shop’s standards. With 10,000 way, with a view to sharing the market in case, for we can see from the number of people joining hectares of land in Samoa now certifi ed for organic example, a cyclone wipes one market out. It’s all that the potential is there. There are conventional production, Tafuna’i says the coconut oil success is part of what the Pacifi c Plan hopes to do, making farmers supplying it as well.” only the beginning. countries of the region work together,” she said. He said the Prime Minister’s Fellowship visit was a “We have a number of other products in the Pouono agreed that organics offered good export valuable opportunity to make progress on organics pipeline, like bananas, vanilla and cocoa,” she potential: “It started off at subsistence level, but and other issues such as biosecurity compliance. said. “This visit is especially exciting, because we are getting to talk to Biosecurity New Zealand and others who can help us. 20 years in the Pacifi c for TVNZ “It’s a process that has come from the bottom up. TVNZ is celebrating 20 years of service to the Pacifi c region, which began in October 1988 when Our growers can’t afford the organic certifi cation Niue sought help to fi x its broken-down TV system. Financed by an aid grant from New Zealand, process – we have been fortunate to have the TVNZ engineers prefabricated the elements of a small TV station, which they shipped and later support of NZAID and Oxfam New Zealand to get installed to provide free-to-air television. certifi cation,” she says. Soon after, the Cook Islands Government asked for help, with television in Rarotonga unwrapped with “The other advantage has been the support of our great ceremony on Christmas Day 1989. Next came Nauru in 1991, followed by Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Prime Minister [Tuila’epa Sailele Malielegaoi]. He A pattern developed of providing technical help, staff training and programmes on S-VHS regularly has personally taken on organics and fair trade, air-freighted to the islands. Today technology has overtaken taped programmes, and TVNZ’s role has because we see it is something that can really diminished as locals take over, but 14 television stations continue to carry the TVNZ brand. benefi t small Island countries.”

ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 13 Climate change: action desperately needed

The recent Pacific Climate Change said that, unless the Pacifi c was united with one Roundtable held in Apia, Samoa, agreed voice, the region would continue to be ignored by that the Pacifi c was important in fi ghting developed countries. the impact of climate change, writes “There is very positive thinking – everybody knows Samoan journalist and founder of the that we contribute the least to climate change emissions but we suffer the most from it. It is a fact Pacific Current Affairs news service, that everybody knows and it is just the old Pacifi c Cherelle Jackson. way of seeing the positives of the situation and the need to go for it,” he said. Pacific Island countries hold no resentment “There is no feeling that the world owes us towards the developed world for being the major anything. We are here to say that we suffer the contributors to climate change, even though the most from climate change emissions, but we want Islands have suffered, are suffering and will suffer to do the most to adapt and mitigate against its the obvious and early consequences of changing effect. weather patterns. “The whole point here is that communication is In fact, some smaller Pacifi c Islands will not only key, because for too long scientists and technical Lelei Tuisamoa LeLaulu, president and chief executive lose their lands – they also stand to lose their people have driven the debate. Their work is terribly offi cer of Counterpart International. cultures and ways of life, wiping away the lifeblood important but we’re at the stage now where we of generations of ethnicities and peoples. IPCC estimated that adaptations to climate change have to reach out to the people and their elected could cost billions of dollars that the Pacifi c did The Secretariat of the Pacifi c Regional Environment representatives to get them to understand, and to not have. Programme (SPREP) says many Pacifi c Islands are get them to speak with a Pacifi c voice. extremely vulnerable to climate change, climate Ronneberg said that the PCCR meeting acted “The reason why it is important to get the Pacifi c variability and sea level rise. They will be among as an information sharing and coordinating voices heard on the international stage, is that the fi rst to suffer the impacts of climate change mechanism for the region, so that best practices we’re at the place now where international and be forced to adapt, or to abandon and relocate and lessons learned could be widely applied across agreements on dealing with climate change are from their environment. the Pacifi c. getting close,” Lelei LeLaulu said. SPREP says the impacts will be felt for many The concern was especially urgent because PCCR participants were wary that climate generations because of the small Island states’ low there was an economically feasible window of change would have negative impacts on tourism, adaptive capacity, high sensitivity to external shocks opportunity to halt climate change, yet actions by freshwater availability and quality, aquaculture, and high vulnerability to natural disasters. those most responsible for causing climate change agriculture, human settlements, fi nancial services had been uninspiring at best. Recent fi gures released by the Intergovernmental and human health in the Pacifi c. Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) show that the Ronneberg said a united front was required from Low-lying coastal areas of all islands were Pacifi c contributes only 0.03 percent of global Pacifi c leaders to address the issue. especially vulnerable to sea level rise, as well as to emissions, yet the Islands are notably paying the changes in rainfall, storm frequency and intensity. Leaders meeting at this year’s Pacifi c Islands Forum price of mass emissions. Inundation, fl ooding, erosion and intrusion of sea in Niue were determined to commit to the ongoing During the Pacifi c Climate Change Roundtable water were among the likely impacts. development and implementation of Pacifi c-tailored (PCCR), in October, it was agreed that one Pacifi c approaches to combating climate change. SPREP climate change adviser Espen Ronneberg voice would be more effective than individual said the catastrophes would result in economic The next international meeting on climate change voices. and social costs beyond the capacity of most Pacifi c will be held in December in Poland. Only then will The president and chief executive officer of Island countries and threaten the very existence of the Pacifi c know who is and isn’t serious about Counterpart International, Lelei Tuisamoa LeLaulu, small atoll countries. minimising the impacts of climate change.

Low-lying coastal areas of all islands are especially vulnerable to sea level rise. 14 ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 Forum grapples with global crisis

By Duncan Wilson

Newly-appointed Pacifi c Islands Forum would particularly hurt Island economies. Secretary-General Tuiloma Neroni Slade He told the Forum’s economic ministers meeting in says the secretariat’s immediate concern October that current oil and food prices were the is the effect of the global fi nancial crisis highest they had been for at least fi ve years. on Island states. “This remains a signifi cant concern for policy makers in our region, particularly given the “It’s diffi cult to give one response or anticipation reliance of Pacifi c Island countries on importations, that would relate to the circumstances of our and the consequent absorption of prices which entire 16 member states,” he said. have negative macroeconomic effects, as well as Pacifi c Islands Forum Secretary-General “Nonetheless, it’s a global phenomenon that is household level effects.” Tuiloma Neroni Slade. (Photo: www.iisd.ca) not only of serious concern to the largest fi nancial Slade also said the crisis presented “openings economic powerful countries. It is without with the global fi nancial turmoil. and opportunities” for new economic reform, question likely to have a fairly serious impact for and a renewed focus on trade and regional Slade said one positive development was a recent many other economies.” cooperation. draft agreement for bulk purchasing of fuel. Slade said the Forum secretariat, alongside the “We need, as a region, to take charge of The economic crisis set “a new clear direction” World Bank, International Monetary Fund and a challenging situation to demonstrate the for the forum’s Pacifi c Plan and leaders’ goals, but Asian Development Bank’s regional offi ces, would resilience forum states have shown in past crises. did not compromise it. assess the impact of the crisis on Island states. We need in particular to … renew commitment to “It is a vision that provides ambition for closer “We need some diagnostic approach, we need sound policies and structural reforms.” regional cooperation and the pursuit of the to assess the impacts at the global level and the He said that if Island states shared their experiences region’s strategic goals of economic growth, secretariat is now beginning to do this.” in dealing with high food and fuel prices, and sustainable development, good governance and Slade said rising food and fuel costs and, “more hastened the development of an agreement to security. There cannot be a more noble reach for seriously,” an anticipated decline in tourism, bulk purchase fuel, the region would better cope our regional endeavour.” Focus on economy for broader social gains By Duncan Wilson Te Heuheu said she appreciated New Zealand- resident Pacific Islanders’ concerns for those New Zealand’s new Minister of Pacifi c family members in the Islands who did not enjoy Island Affairs, Hon Georgina te Heuheu, similar levels of job or welfare security. says the National-led Government’s She would review the high costs of sending “front and central” concern with the remittances from New Zealand to the Pacifi c economy will bring specifi c gains for Islands, and explore the possibility of expanding Pacific peoples in education, social the regional seasonal employer scheme. services and employment. “Every Pacific person in New Zealand has a “This has been our overriding objective, and I have family member living in the region who they seen that when a recession or stock market crash are concerned about. These communities have hits, Pacifi c Islanders and Mãori are particularly identified remittances and the potential for vulnerable because of their over-representation in employment in New Zealand as two very lower socio-economic groups and [in] education important issues,” she said. and health statistics,” te Heuheu said. “In the last two decades we have seen Pacifi c “That’s why one of our core components of Georgina te Heuheu, Minister of Pacifi c Island Affairs. Islanders and Mãori become beautiful facets of economic growth was a focus on standards in New Zealand society, so it is particularly critical education, because there is no doubt in my mind She said National’s policy of unbundling public that we build on that. New Zealand’s future that the advances of the last 25 years for Pacifi c sector contracts should improve outcomes for workforce and population will be brown, and Islanders and Mãori are tied to improvements in Pacifi c Island communities and organisations. that is why the Prime Minister John Key is going those areas.” to put a huge emphases on education, health and “We recognise that the best outcomes are those economic and employment outcomes. I’m really Te Heuheu said she was impressed with the “strong that are delivered closer to the source of those positive about that.” team” at the Ministry of Pacifi c Island Affairs, but who need them. In respect of Pacifi c peoples, we wanted to work with other ministries “to ensure want to empower communities and ensure they Te Heuheu is also Minister for Courts, Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control and Associate Minister that the outcomes we want for Pacifi c communities are properly resourced and structured, rather than of Mãori Affairs. She has been a list MP since 1996, and and families are properly supported throughout”. simply weighted in Wellington.” before that, a lawyer.

ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 15 ‘Ramping up’ NZ focus on Pacifi c Islands New Zealand’s new National Party-led coalition government is expected to be looking for greater engagement with Pacifi c Island nations, writes journalist Duncan Wilson.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Murray McCully says the smaller Island nations that receive the “The approach they’ve taken of expanding their a National Party government will further ramp remittances, that seems to be something that aid commitment and at the same time cooperating up the country’s focus on the Pacifi c, especially they’re enthusiastic about, but it’s also something on the establishment of some achievable goals in aid and trade. that tends to relieve pressure in the labour and setting some reciprocal obligations on the market.” part of the donees, is very much an approach that In a wide-ranging pre-election interview, McCully is in tune with our own thinking,” he said. said the party “saw the need for a much higher McCully also said that New Zealand would boost level of engagement with the Pacifi c nations”. its aid to the Pacifi c and ensure better outcomes McCully sat on the foreign affairs select committee for taxpayer money. that considered the Auditor-General’s review of “We believe that if you apply any kind of objective New Zealand aid. He said the whole committee standard of measure to what we [New Zealand] His party had already committed to Pacifi c aid shared a concern that donor funds – taxpayers’ have achieved, then it’s just not good enough – baselines for the next few years, but would further money, McCully emphasised – be properly however generous we’ve been, however hard gear New Zealand’s aid toward the region. administered and delivered. we’ve worked in the Pacifi c. We’ve got to lift the intensity of our effort.” “We need to be realistic about what we’re achieving, whether we’re committing enough McCully said that New Zealand must address its resources, but also whether we’re committing massive trade imbalance with the Islands. enough time and energy to it as well. There’s “The trade fi gures are not fi gures that should give always a risk in these areas that you can get us any pride whatsoever. And I think we have to comfortable doing again this year what you ask ourselves some very diffi cult questions indeed did last year, and not being ruthless enough in about the focus of some of the aid and support appraising you own performance to do better, and delivered, whether we can do a lot better at I think that’s the focus we need to bring to it.” providing infrastructure that is going to make McCully’s other foreign affairs priorities include it possible for smaller countries to trade more closer coordination of trans-Tasman countries’ profi tably with us, or looking carefully at some foreign policy. He has been impressed with Rudd’s of the barriers to trade. “sense of urgency and enthusiasm” toward “If you don’t provide a basis for a substantial regional cooperation, and, as this issue of Pacifi c improvement in self-suffi ciency and don’t provide Connections went to press, McCully was due to a vehicle for an increase in trade back to New meet his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith in Zealand, then I think we’re not working toward Lima to discuss the Port Moresby declaration. New Zealand’s new Foreign Affairs Minister Hon a long term, sustainable solution.” Murray McCully. McCully said he would also work to further improve McCully also indicated that the National Party the United States–New Zealand relationship. He might ramp up the Recognised Seasonal Employer “There should be more focus on the Pacific, acknowledged that the National Party’s Pacifi c (RSE) scheme, which enables Pacifi c Islanders compared to other parts of the world. focus departed from the party’s “traditional to work in New Zealand in areas of labour inclination toward Canberra, Washington and “If you look at the numbers at the moment, about shortages. London”. 35 per cent of our … bilateral aid [goes to the His comments followed the release of National’s Pacifi c], and up to 50 per cent if you throw in “What we’ve tried to do in the last couple of years immigration policy, which proposed a temporary funding of a regional focus. We think we need to is shift the focus not away from those places, work visa of up to six months for any visitor with a lift the focus.” because they’re obviously very important to us, guaranteed seasonal job offer. Any fi nal decision but I think we see a need for a much higher level McCully said that Australian Prime Minister Kevin on the RSE scheme would depend on the New of engagement with the much smaller Pacifi c Rudd’s Port Moresby declaration, which emphasised Zealand economy. nations.” shared and measurable goals between Australia “We have an open mind about it. We’re very and Pacifi c Island governments, foreshadowed Parts of this profi le fi rst appeared in the October issue of the Pacifi c political and business monthly Islands mindful of the fact that the intended benefi ciaries, National’s approach to aid delivery. Business – www.islandsbusiness.com

Whether it’s a product or www.pacifi cbizonline.com business service you’re sourcing, or a contact within a Chamber of Commerce “A gateway to Pacifi c Island or Ministry of Trade & Commerce ... businesses and commercial Pacifi cbizonline is the gateway to the Pacifi c Islands. contacts.” A joint project between the Pacifi c Cooperation Foundation and the Pacifi c Islands Trade & Investment Commission.

16 ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 New MP ex-islands’ ambassador

New Zealand’s new Member of Niue’s Premier Toke Talagi said McClay contributed Parliament for Rotorua, Todd McClay, greatly to his country by representing it at various was, until recently, Niue and Cook negotiations around that part of the world apart Islands’ ambassador to the European from the EU participation and ACP meetings. He had also facilitated many international meetings Union, writes Ulamila Kurai Wragg, for the country. managing editor of Pacifi c Magazine. Talagi, who is also chair of the Pacifi c Islands The new National Party MP, and son of former Leader’s Forum, said Niue was still benefi tting Todd McClay, former Niue and Cook Island politician Roger McClay, was appointed ambassador from the many useful connections it inherited from ambassador to the EU. by the Cook Islands Government in 2000 after it McClay, and he had already exchanged a number of signed the Cotonou Agreement that paved the ideas with him since the New Zealand election. including being responsible for International way to fi nancial and technical assistance from the Maritime Organization discussions. European Union (EU) and its Asia, Caribbean and In recognition of his work for Cook Islands, McClay McClay lived in Brussels from 1992 until recently, Pacifi c Group (ACP). Later on, he was also endorsed was made an honorary Cook Islands national in and has worked as chief of staff to the President by Niue. McClay is believed to be the youngest 2005 – an honour he plans to mention in his of the European Parliament and Leader of the ambassador appointed to the EU. maiden speech to parliament. British Conservatives in the European Parliament. Speaking on the Cook Islands, McClay said the The Cook Islands is still weighing up its options He holds a Bachelor’s degree in politics and is country had benefi ted greatly from its relationship about finding a replacement for McClay in completing a Master of Law. He also owns a with the EU. However, he warned that only the Brussels. Cook Islands Foreign Affairs Minister communications and lobbying company, and has Pacific Islands could determine the pulse of Wilkie Rasmussen said it would be ideal if the been a property developer. He is of New Zealand maintaining the relationship. successor played several roles in the office, and Irish descent.

NZ voters elect six Pacifi c Island MPs

The New Zealand election in November saw six Pacifi c Island the Barbarians rugby team. Lotu-Iiga was bestowed the chieftain title Members of Parliament (MPs) elected in the 120 mixed member Peseta for his village of Apia. proportional (MMP) system. All but one of the Pacifi c Island Dr Rajen Prasad, Labour, list MP. Born in Fiji, Prasad has been New MPs represent the Labour Party, which is now in opposition Zealand’s Race Relations Conciliator, Chief Families Commissioner and a after leading coalition governments for the past nine years. member of the Residence Review Board. He spent his professional life in social policy and the social services, and was an associate professor at The following list is in alphabetical order. Massey University. Of Fijian–Indian descent, he is Labour’s spokesperson Charles Chauvel, Labour, list MP. Of Tahitian, Scots and French descent, on the voluntary and community sector, associate on ethnic affairs and for Chauvel had experience in law and commerce before entering parliament social development – family and CYF (child, youth and family services). as a list MP in 2006. After gaining a law degree in New Zealand, he went Carmel Sepuloni, Labour, list MP. Of Samoan, Tongan and Palagi ancestry, on to become clerk to the Chief Justice, and recently was parliamentary Sepuloni is New Zealand’s fi rst MP of Tongan descent and second Pacifi c secretary to the Attorney-General and served on Labour’s caucus resource woman MP. Just 31, Sepuloni has a postgraduate Diploma in Education from committee. He is Labour’s spokesperson on climate change and energy. the University of Auckland and has started a Masters in Development Studies. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Labour, MP for Mana. First elected to She has taught in both New Zealand and Samoa. She was most recently parliament as a list MP in 1999, Laban was New Zealand’s fi rst Pacifi c University of Auckland Faculty of Arts equity manager (managing Island woman MP. She has represented the Mana electorate since 2002 initiatives to support the academic achievement of Mãori and Pacifi c and was Minister of Pacifi c Island Affairs. In 1992 she received her Samoan students). Sepuloni is Labour’s spokesperson on civil defence, and chieftain title Luamanuvao for the district of Vaimauga, Upolu. Laban is associate on tertiary education and social development. known for her community involvement in Pacifi c women’s groups, churches, Su’a William Sio, Labour, MP for Mangere. Sio became a list MP in family therapy and health. She is Labour’s spokesperson on Pacifi c Island April 2008, then won the Mangere seat from sitting MP Taito Phillip Field, Affairs, and associate on health and economic development. who stood as an independent in the election. Sio has been a Manukau Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, National, MP for Maungakiekie. Samoan-born City councillor since 2001, and last year became deputy mayor – the Lotu-Iiga was raised in South Auckland and is an Auckland City councillor. fi rst Pacifi c person to hold this position. He is Samoan, and holds the He has commerce and law degrees from the University of Auckland, and chieftain title of Su’a for the district of Lotofaga, Upolu. He is known for an MBA from the University of Cambridge. He has worked as a solicitor his strong family and religious values, and had strong infl uence in the for Russell McVeagh, a fi nancial analyst for Bankers Trust (London) and trade union movement in Samoa. He is Labour spokesperson on Customs, as an executive consultant for Macquarie Bank (Sydney). He is on the associate spokesperson on Pacifi c Island affairs, and associate on local boards of primary health organisations, One Tree Hill College and youth government. programme Great Potentials. He has also represented New Zealand in Compiled by Esther Lauaki

ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 17 Vanuatu election: looking for a change

Megan Whelan from Radio New Zealand International travelled to Port Vila in September to cover Vanuatu’s elections. The election resulted in the Vanua’aku Party leading a coalition with the previously ruling National United Party. The mood in Port Vila three days out from the election, was, like elsewhere, one of change. Young people were more engaged than ever, and every person I spoke to seemed to want new, fresh government. Sitting in the candidates’ nakamals (kava bars), listening to meetings, speeches and the odd hip hop Voters in Vanuatu queue to have their say on election day. Photo: Megan Whelan. performance, it was clear people wanted change. A record 343 candidates, from more than 25 parties, hundreds piled into the offi ce to apply for permission Except for those changes, the two main parties and including 80 independents and 12 women to cast a proxy vote, principal electoral offi cer Martin in the coalition government held their ground, contested the election, refl ecting that mood. Election Tete said he was confi dent everything would go although there are more than 15 new MPs. The advertising proclaimed change, an end to corruption, smoothly. There were 120 police offi cers on hand, in leader of the Vanua’aku Party, which with 11 holding the ‘old parties’ to account. The economy, case there were any problems, and polling day was seats has the most MPs, Edward Natapei said the the rising cost of living, especially food and petrol, declared a public holiday. There was also a liquor big parties didn’t do their homework and he was and education were the major issues. ban. Ballot papers had been printed, like Post-It expecting forming a government to be tough. The campaign closed three days before the pads – with each candidate’s name and photo – and The Vanua’aku Party formed a bloc with its election, on Saturday night. There were rallies all casting was a matter of simply pulling one off and coalition partner of the previous government, the over town, the most well attended for independent putting it in an envelope. National United Party, which has eight MPs. The candidate Ralph Regenvanu. His supporters wore While the electoral offi ce was sure polling would bloc claimed to have the support of a number T-shirts proclaiming “inaf, emi time blong chenis” go smoothly, by 7am there were queues all round of independents and smaller parties, giving it a or “enough, it’s time for a change” and said they the block, with waits of some two hours. While majority of 29 MPs. But a rival bloc formed around were fed up with the old, established parties and those cleared during the day, there were also the Vanuatu Republican Party, which had seven candidates. some reports of ‘voting irregularities’ which seats, also claimed the support of 29 MPs. But, talking to those established parties, they meant a number of people were turned away. Natapei was able to form a government, but were offering stability and continuity, after a But a rumour that a large number of people were left since then, there has already been a motion of coalition government that proclaimed it had off the electoral roll resulted in a violent protest at no-confi dence, which has seen a cabinet reshuffl e, delivered economic growth and prosperity. Willy the electoral offi ce, where a group of about 50 men and more opposition MPs being offered cabinet Jimmy, the Minister of Finance, said if people crowded into the offi ce and assaulted an offi cial. were that upset, he’d have already lost his job. posts, to secure the Vanua’aku/National United As the unoffi cial results started to fi lter through, it Another minister, Maxime Carlot Korman, said Party hold on power. was clear that some of that mood for change had the independent candidates were only in it for been realised. Two of the country’s longest serving What remains to be seen now is if that government themselves. Another candidate said the election politicians were ousted. Willie Jimmy, in Port Vila, can stay together, and deliver the stability and was about young versus old. and Barak Sope (a former prime minister), in Efate policy promises it made. In the electoral offi ce, they had been doing a bit of Rural, were both dumped. Jimmy said it was the change of their own, updating the roll, and changing “will of the people”. Ralph Regenvanu won Port The Vanua’aku Pati (‘Our Land Party’) won 11 out of 52 seats, becoming the largest party in parliament. It was founded in the registration rules to make it easier for people Vila by a landslide but was the only one of his bloc the early 1970s by Walter Lini, and was a key supporter of to vote and harder to duplicate votes. As a cast of of independents to get a seat. the previous National United Party government.

18 ISSUE 18 DEC 08 – FEB 09 Foundation CEO moves on

Monday 26 January 2009 marks the fi fth anniversary of Pacifi c Cooperation Foundation chief executive Vince McBride’s appointment. He writes about the organisation’s achievements and how it is time to make way for new blood at the helm.

It is hard to credit that fi ve years have gone by so Engagement with the media has been a key activity quickly. In January 2004, the Regional Assistance from the outset, resulting in more in-depth stories Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was only six on Pacifi c issues in our daily newspapers and months old, Voreqe Bainimarama’s coup in Fiji and on local and national radio stations. The PCF’s the burning of Nuku’alofa in Tonga were yet to take sponsorship of the Pacifi c Island Issues category place, a New Zealand work scheme for Pacifi c Island in the Qantas Media Awards has also encouraged peoples was but a dream, and the Pacifi c Plan had more journalists to seek excellence in reporting only just been born. How things change! on Pacifi c issues. The PCF did not set out to address these big issues Our magazine, with its slightly quirky name Pacifi c directly, though we certainly had input on New Connection, has gone from strength to strength Zealand’s response to a number of them. But much and now has more than 4,000 readers in 55 of our focus was, of necessity, on establishing and countries. This year, we are aiming to develop a PCF chief executive Vince McBride. developing our own organisation. web-based version of Pacifi c Connection alongside the hard copy, and to introduce several new Quite a bit has been achieved since our lowly start submissions to both, and the then chairs of the features to our website to give it more appeal to on 26 January 2004. When I started work, there PCF Board of Trustees and the chief executive also the younger generation and to those for whom was just me and Bev Chapman, who looked after appeared before the committees. In both cases, the electronic media is increasingly their main the books and answered the phones, until May members of the committees went out of their information source. when Florence Aiono joined us as administration way to express their thanks for the quality of the manager. In June, Tina McNicholas and David We were delighted to be able to secure some submissions from the PCF. Vaeafe started as programme managers and we of the most respected leaders in the region to A recent successful event was a symposium were a team of four until the appointment of Drew present the PCF Annual Pacific Address. They titled Tok Talanoa – Pathways to the Future for Glucina as sponsorship manager in October 2007. included Samoa’s Prime Minister Hon Tuilaepa Melanesia and New Zealand. This was addressed Then, in July this year, we added Pamela George Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi in 2005, former Papua by a high powered line-up of key regional fi gures as a half-time administration assistant. Subject to New Guinea Chief Justice Sir Arnold Amet in 2006, including: Fiji’s former Prime Minister Sir Rabbie a staffi ng review next year, another staff member Vanuatu’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Namaliu, Solomon Islands Chief Justice Sir Albert may be added to give us more ‘delivery power’. Foreign Affairs Hon Sato Kilman in 2007, and Fiji’s Palmer, Fiji’s former Foreign and Trade Minister former Vice-President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi this The PCF had been formally launched by the then Kaliopate Tavola (also the region’s chief negotiator year. All provided us with rich insights into current Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, and of the economic partnership agreements with the developments in the region. we were delighted when the new Governor- European Union), and our own Sir Paul Reeves, the General, Hon Anand Satyanand, agreed to be the Each year we have run a number of worthwhile Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy PCF’s patron. With a Pacifi c background himself, seminars to educate New Zealanders and provide to Fiji. The symposium opened up many possibilities the Governor-General has taken a keen interest platforms for debate on issues of importance to for engagement with Melanesia – the issue will be in the foundation’s work, and last year he was New Zealand and the region. Topics have included just how many of them can be pursued! kind enough to allow us to host a profi le-raising elections and democracy in Fiji, the move from a The PCF is too small to attempt to do too much function at Government House in Auckland. strict monarchy to a democracy in Tonga, the work purely on its own. We prefer to operate jointly with of RAMSI in Solomon Islands, and the role of the With staff appointed so late in the 2003/04 fi nancial others with similar interests. We network with military but unarmed Peace Monitoring Group in year we could not spend our budget, and were non-governmental and community organisations, Bougainville. forced to ask the Government if we could carry universities, regional institutions, key individuals forward the unspent allocation to the next year. We have made small but effective contributions and government agencies across New Zealand We have now moved to a situation of receiving to business development in the region through and the region, including New Zealand high an almost 50 percent funding increase in 2008/09 the establishment of two web-based tools – commissions. We would be significantly less from $900,000 to $1,347,000. Spending this amount Pacifi cbizonline.com and path2nz.com. The former effective without these agencies’ support. presents challenges for such a small organisation. provides a platform where Pacifi c businesses can All good things must come to an end and it is time register details of the products and services they There have been a number of notable achievements for me to move on, to make way for new blood at wish to market, for no charge. The latter is an over the past five years. Without doubt the the helm and some fresh ideas and new directions A–Z guide for Pacifi c peoples wishing to export most signifi cant was the Pacifi c Labour Market for the PCF. My heartfelt thanks go to Florence, agricultural produce to New Zealand. This year, it will Conference in June 2006, which responded to the David, Tina, Drew and Pamela for all their support be made available in several Pacifi c languages. Government’s concerns about the potential for in these formative years. We can only guess at a proposed Pacifi c worker scheme to generate a During the fi ve year period, there have been two what lies around the corner for the Pacifi c, but new wave of overstayers and for workers to be parliamentary inquiries on Pacifi c issues – one into I hope I have helped you all to prepare the PCF exploited. The conference led to the establishment New Zealand’s relations with Tonga, and the other well to face the challenges ahead and that it will of the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme on into New Zealand’s relations with all South Pacifi c go from strength to strength in the quality of its 30 April 2007. countries. The PCF provided extensive written engagement over the next fi ve years.

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