Transcript
Winston Peters says it is time to reverse the pattern of under-investment in the Pacific which over the past nine years left New Zealand open to criticism that it had abandoned its neighbourhood.
Moving away from the previous government's particular focus on economic development, the government has earmarked more money for responding to climate change and other emergencies.
The director of the New Zealand-based Council for International Development, Josie Pagani, says the funding supports a new emphasis on partnership in New Zealand's relations with the Pacific.
"This is moving us beyond a very 20th century approach to aid and development where it is a hierarchy where we are seen as a donor, we come in, we hand over money to an aid recipient, and they're very grateful. I think the change here is that you have a government an a approach which is in line with development good practice, which is where local people get to say what's right for their communities and how they want to develop."
The Cook Islands finance Minister Mark Brown says his country welcomes New Zealand's change in aid approach.
"This is in line also with what the Cook Islands development priorities are. Although we were looking over the last number of years to grow the prosperity of our countries, it's also important that we ensure there is balance in the social aspect as well, and that we don't leave people behind as we are prospering."
New Zealand's move comes as Australia has also announced a significant aid increase to the region.
It's seen by many observers as a response to China's growing influence in the Pacific.
But Mr Brown says collaboration between aid partners is the best way to enable Pacific states to achieve their development goals.
"For us, the use of blended finance, if you like, which is sources of development finance from different sources, and being able to put it together to produce an output that benefits our countries is something that we've been doing for a number of years now. So it's encouraging to have these commitments from New Zealand to work on a partnership basis."
Pacific civil society is expected to play a greater role in defining what is needed in their communities, with more funding available for regional NGOs.
The executive director of the Suva-based Pacific Islands Association of NGOs, Emele Duituturaga says New Zealand's "Pacific Re-set" is music to their ears.
"The change in position on climate change - this is the number one issue for the Pacific - that was very welcomed. The 'Pacific Reset' strategy, while we're still waiting to see what that sounds like, that's very welcomed from PIANGO's point of view and Pacific NGOs. New Zealand, for a very, very long time supported civil society and NGOs in the Pacific, and when there was a change in direction of the government, a lot of that funding had gone. So this is wonderful and great news."
Mr Peters says the new funding will lift New Zealand's Overseas Development Assistance to 0.28 percent of gross national income.
While this is still well below international averages, Pacific island communities say it is a step in the right direction.
