With shared goals in mind, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) have signed an agreement to work together to deliver better outcomes for Pacific peoples within New Zealand and in the Pacific region.
Chief Executive for MPP Laulu Mac Leauanae and MFAT’s Chief Executive and Secretary Brook Barrington recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise a working relationship, based on a spirit of partnership and cooperation, as well as to set out parameters for collaboration in specific areas of mutual interest.
Laulu says signing the MOU is a highlight of his time as Chief Executive at MPP.
“Signing the MOU is a milestone for MPP, and by working together with MFAT, we will hope to be able to deliver initiatives in Aotearoa and in the region, to achieve better outcomes for the wellbeing of Pacific,” Laulu says.
Under the MoU, the two government agencies will address concerns and issues Pacific peoples face in New Zealand, and island nations New Zealand has bilateral relationships with in the region, particularly Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Fiji, Tuvalu.
Both agencies have strategic ambitions for Pacific peoples – MPP’s is for Pacific in New Zealand, while MFAT’s focus is on those based in the Pacific, however, by combining the strengths of the two agencies, it is hoped more deliverables will be reached.
Several principles underpin the MOU – the two Ministries will work together with a depth of understanding of Pacific peoples; their priorities for their countries and the region; the diversity between and within Pacific Island nations; and the values of friendship, including honesty, trust, respect and transparency.
The MOU will also reflect mutual benefit and the unique and substantial overlap between New Zealand domestic policy and foreign policy.
By signing the MOU, the Ministries agree to engage with the knowledge the collective impact of the work of individual New Zealand Government agencies should be greater than the sum of its parts.