One of the people trying to establish a Pacific Foundation in New Zealand says this country has to lift its performance in dealing with its Pacific neighbours.
Former diplomat Michael Powles levels the criticism at all sectors in New Zealand society - the government, the media, tertiary institutions and private enterprise.
Mr Powles says some people have expressed surprise at the events in the region in recent years.
He believes a forum such as the proposed Foundation might have helped those people be better informed.
And he says the media generally does a poor job - covering coups and disasters, but little else.
"They don't hear much about the ongoing background. They don't hear much about the aspirations and concerns and worries of Pacific Island peoples. Our hope is that a Foundation could provide a strong impetus to filling those gaps."
Michael Powles
