In recent years, New Zealand’s profile in the region has been completely eclipsed by Australia’s.
There are valid reasons for this. New Zealand has a smaller economy and therefore less money for chequebook diplomacy, and its neutered military lacks the influence for any type of gunboat diplomacy.
Perhaps there is a third reason: Ineffective foreign policy, at least with relation to Fiji.
New Zealand and Australia have a reputation for arrogance in the Pacific. These bulwarks of Western liberal democratic ideals show little tolerance for their laid-back and sometimes troublesome neighbours.
During early PICTA and PACER negotiations for example, representatives of the two countries would breeze in to Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat meetings with their teams of advisors and completely overwhelm everyone else.
They would dominate proceedings and dress down anyone whose countries were too relaxed in making the necessary economic adjustments.
They called this “pushing the agenda”. Pacific Islanders called it bullying but it created much resentment.
New Zealand’s attitude has not changed. The political leadership still peddles the same response to crises in the Pacific.
“Another coup in Fiji? Let’s introduce so-called smart sanctions that aren’t really that smart because they punish ordinary Fijians for something they didn’t do.”
Yes, I get that New Zealand can’t be too friendly with an illegal regime, but two years of sanctions have not achieved anything, except poverty for ordinary people.
A change in approach is needed.
Compared to Australia, New Zealand is in a better-position to embrace this change and influence Fiji’s affairs.
It shares an almost-religious infatuation for rugby and it has a large Islander community which knows a thing or two about dialogue, consensus and mutual understanding.
You begin with what connects you. Once you establish that, you can work your way through any differences you have, no matter the width of the gulf between you.
It’s an idea that can test your patience.
But it’s a concept with a proven record in a region as diverse as ours, and one at the heart of the Pacific Way.
Tags: Fiji, New Zealand
