I will be releasing Labour’s Foreign Affairs policy this afternoon at 2pm. It will include our role in the world and particularly in the Pacific, as well as our views on disarmament, human rights, the United Nations and MFAT reform. I released our Overseas Development Assistance policy separately two weeks ago – www.ownourfuture.co.nz/overseas-development-assistance.
I will post a more expansive blog later today.
Today I released our Overseas Development Assistance policy. This is one point of distinct difference we have from the Nats in the Foreign Affairs basket of interests and issues. The points are simple:
1. Restore poverty elimination as the primary focus of overseas aid, as opposed to economic development, as the Nats have prioritised. Get back on board with achieving the Millennium Development Goals, especially here in the Pacific, and that includes education to improve literacy, access to health services like maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS prevention programmes, sexual and reproductive health programmes. Stop handing aid dollars out to business friends without tender, so they can line their own pockets AND feel good about themselves at the same time.
2. Redevelop a strategic partnership with the NGO sector and develop best practice again, as we were known for previously. If there are inefficiencies in aid delivery through NGOs, let’s sort that out, but let’s not alienate some of our experts by adopting McCully’s “4 legs good, 2 legs bad” approach to the sector. In other words, if it comes out of the private sector, it must be good. If it comes out of the not for profit or, god forbid, the public sector, it must be bad.
3. We will set up NZAID with semi-autonomous status, taken back out of MFAT and based on sound principles of development analysis and research. Stop the blurring of the boundaries between aid and foreign policy objectives where it is too easy to slip into chequebook diplomacy.
4. We will build on our experience in reconstruction and peace-making to develop a specialist capability in mediation and conflict resolution.
Those are the main points. You can see the whole thing here. Comments welcome.
H.Y.P.E stands for, Helping Youth Pursue Emancipation. I learnt about this programme via facebook about a year ago and was intrigued by what I saw. The movement began in the U.S. by a group of Tongan young people who were concerned about high school dropout rates, incarceration rates, and death rates among young Pacific people in their local community. They wanted to be engaged in bringing about a positive change and they wanted to be involved in a grassroots movement that would bring all youth together.
The movement has now begun in NZ. Last night I had the privilege of attending the H.Y.P.E Fundraising Ball in Auckland. There was a room filled with inspirational people – young talented sports people, musicians, academics, artists and parents who have done and continue to do – a fantastic job of supporting their children to reach their potential.
The movement is not easily packaged as it’s deliberately designed in a way that young people (12 – 25 year olds) have the room to interpret and define the programme as they go. Currently there are 300 H.Y.P.E projects happening across the globe. The projects are all in response to social issues that directly impact on young peoples lives/ well being. Once the young person/ people, identify the issue – they then go on to develop ways of addressing/ responding to/ resolving, that particular issue.
It’s exciting and I’m looking forward to watching how it develops in NZ!
I just had a Samoan man in my office going over the nightmare of an experience that his brother endured while here on the seasonal work scheme. His brother was housed in a 2 bedroom flat with 11 other Samoan workers. Five slept in the lounge and two slept in the kitchen while the other five slept in the two bedrooms. There was no ceiling in the house – apparently more like a shed than a house and the washing machine and shower were both coin operated. The house had no TV and no oven in the kitchen – only a two burner gas stove outside for cooking. All of them were paying $100 a week for rent. What 2 bedroom flat in this state on the East Coast could possibly bed worth $1200 a week in rent?
The man fell sick and asked his employer if he could assist him in getting to a doctor. The employer said yes but 3 days later had still not gotten him any medical attention and the mans health had deteriorated. The NZ based brother who lives in Waitakere had to ring the employer himself to get them to seek medical attention for his brother.
The Auckland based brother was so concerned that he ended up travelling to the East Coast to check on his brother and his working conditions. On arrival he immediately saw that they workers had no safety boots, masks or sunscreen. He made the decision, despite the employers protests, that he would take his brother back to Auckland and send him back to Samoa.
What kind of country are we if this is how we treat our workers? After reporting it to the Department of Labour, the NZ brother has been assured that the case is being investigated. Meanwhile a lot of the workers putting up with those conditions don’t want to complain because their families are relying on them earning money and sending it back home.
I will be following this up.
Bill English will be mighty glad that Parliament is not sitting today as Derek Cheng’s story in the New Zealand Herald today paints an ugly picture of the way the decision was made to fund the Pacific Economic Development Agency. As Derek says
The trail of emails suggest Mr English approved the money without telling the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs or the Treasury.
In essence it was a complete by-passing of the proper process for Budget decisions. No cabinet paper, no scruitiny from officials. It was the kind of thing the Minister of Finance would never stand for from another Minister.
The person who does come out of the episode with credit is Pacific Island Affairs Chief Executive Colin Tukuitonga. He was prepared to raise concerns about PEDA’s lack of suitability and the weakness of what they were proposing. It is his Ministry that has now done the work to run the tender process, and PEDA has missed out.
There are many questions for Bill English to answer as to why he did this, what his links were with the people involved. He showed little interest in answering those sort of questions in Parliament earlier this year. He did give one interesting answer that we will follow up next year to an oral question from Phil Goff
Hon Phil Goff: Why does the Minister not simply come clean and acknowledge that he, rather than Mrs te Heuheu, negotiated this deal, and that it was done without the normal standards of transparency, accountability, and due diligence that should have been followed before he included the commitment to a specific untested agency in the Budget?
Hon BILL ENGLISH: Because that is simply not correct.
Oh really…..
I accept that dumping “difficult” information in the week after Parliament shuts and immediately before Christmas has been done by many Governments, but the behaviour by the National government this year has been so cynical it is gob-smacking. We have had
- the release of the Hobbit emails
- the first steps towards privatisation of ACC
- the shutting down of TVNZ6
- sale of Whirinaki power plant
- and now the announcement this morning that the $4.8 million that the government gave to the Pacific Economic Development Agency (PEDA) without any tender process in the Budget has now been allocated to several other providers, with PEDA missing out.
The first thing to say is to congratulate my colleague Sua William Sio, other MPs and members of the Pacific community who doggedly pursued this case. It was an outrageous breach of good governance and convention to allocate the money to PEDA in the first place. This was an organisation with no track record, let alone the suggestion of links to National MPs.
The backdown that followed was the right thing to do, even if it took a long time. But there can be no doubting that the timing of the announcement today is deliberate to limit comment on the initial decision and the indictment on the National government that after a proper process PEDA did not get any of the money.
And we politicians wonder why many of the public don’t have faith or trust in us. Disgraceful.
MPs from Labour, the Greens and National gathered on the forecourt today to stand in solidarity with women in the Pacific who face violence. The action was organised by the NGO coalition Women’s Rights and Advocacy in the Pacific (WRAP). It is an important issue, and very valuable to have some cross-party consensus behind it. But my question for National MPs who were there today, very keen to get in the press photos, is this: What are you doing about Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully’s cuts to the funding of human rights organisations and centres in Tonga and Vanuatu that work on violence against women?
Michael Field reports the Samoan PM Tuilaepa Sailele saying Air New Zealand’s decision to end its Los Angeles-Apia service is stupid. The flight brings much-needed American tourists to Samoa and Tonga but Air New Zealand says the run is not economic. New Zealand has been subsidising the route with aid funds for the last few years. Tonga has said it no longer wants its aid money from New Zealand to subsidise the flight so the deal is off.
It raises some interesting questions about our development aid. The last Labour Government initiated the subsidy as a stop-gap measure to protect the tourism industries in Samoa and Tonga, with the intention of carrying out cost-benefit and economic impact analysis. But the National Government has rolled the subsidy over for another two years, spending several million dollars and I’d be very interested to know whether they have done the cost-benefit sums.
Development blogger Terence Wood has this to say in an interesting post on Murray McCully’s changes to the aid programme:
… the Minister has selected some rather questionable new aid projects for funding. A good example being the decision to subsidise Air New Zealand flights from Samoa and Cook Islands to Los Angeles (discussed here). The subsidy might have development benefits – linking relatively isolated island states to markets – or it might not. And, even if it does have development benefits the money devoted to it might be more effective elsewhere. The decision to subsidise was of the type that requires careful analysis before being acted on. And yet there’s no evidence that such analysis fed into the Minister’s decision. More worryingly still, the subsidy was awarded directly to Air New Zealand instead of through the best-practice approach: to put the services out to tender and see which of the various airlines servicing the region could deliver best value for money. Which makes the whole affair seem remarkably like corporate welfare.
Murry McCully is very keen on spending aid dollars to promote economic development but I am yet to see much rigour when it comes to careful economic or social impact analysis. Without it, you are left with trickle down economics. Which is not fair on the taxpayer or the people our development aid is supposed to be helping.
Well, Hillary Rodham Clinton has gone now and we are left with the analysis and debriefing apparent in both The Nation and Q&A today on television. Those who got interviews are crowing and those who shook her hand (like me) are revelling in the moment.
John Key, I presume, is right now reading his Cabinet papers for tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet will, I presume, do its own stocktake of Secretary Clinton’s visit and Murray McCully will lead the discussion on the list of initiatives to pursue, in priority order. Is John Key reading his papers? Will the Cabinet have anything to discuss except who got their photo taken with her?
I despair of John Key’s leadership skills – he seemed overawed and intimidated by Clinton; I didn’t hear him make one utterance which sounded like it was informed by a briefing paper or was based on any recognisable principle for NZ’s relationship with the US; did he even learn any lines MFAT gave him? I worry that we have just witnessed this country’s biggest lost opportunity in recent times.
Fortunately, we have capable diplomats and officials who can turn it into a success for which Key can later take the credit.
I am keen to pursue a list of projects in order of priority, on which the US and NZ can work jointly to great effect. That can be done from Opposition, believe me. Oh, and here is my own pic for the scrapbook – I think she still had a hand after I had finished squishing it!
Below is a public statement that has been put out by Efeso Collins – the 531 PI radio announcer who has been taken off the Saturday morning breakfast show for asking too many questions about the Pacific Economic Development Agency:
Talofa friends and family
I am emailing to advise that I have been ‘rested’ from presenting Talanoa Pacific this weekend.
This morning I received an email from Pere Maitai, Programming Director at Radio 531PI, informing me that ’serious matters’ had arisen since I last spoke with him 2 weeks ago and that I would be rested as a result from presenting this weekend.
I want you to know that up until his email, I have had no official information from him outlining any of the ’serious matters’ he was referring to. Further, I have asked him to supply me with information on these matters and await a response.
I am astounded at this decision has been made without my consultation.
I am committed to ensuring the Pasifika people have a forum for open, honest and frank discussion. This is what underpins Talanoa Pacific.
I look forward to this matter being sorted soon and am seeking legal advice.
Since my last broadcast I have received wonderful support from friends, family and listeners. Please know that I sincerely appreciate the love and support that people have and continue to offer.
Soifua, Efeso Collins
When our Pacific media are told by management that they can’t ask the hard questions about issues affecting their community – then something is seriously wrong. Efeso Collins has been taken off the 531 PI Saturday morning breakfast show for refusing to toe the line. He has continued to challenge the $4.8 million that was allocated to the Pacific Economic Development Agency and now has been taken off air without any explanation provided.
Only about 6 weeks ago the world celebrated the World Press Freedom day – who would have thought that here in our own little developed country – Freedom of the press could be breached in this way.
I’ve attached links to the Pacific Eyewitness website that provides some information on what has been unfolding with regards to the silencing of our Pacific media.
http://pacificeyewitness.com/2010/06/12/why-i-will-not-stop-asking-questions-on-pacific-eda/
Will they sacrifice Georgie for Inga?
This story has a long way to run yet – here is the Standard’s take.
I attended this on Saturday night along with my son and colleagues, Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Charles Chauvel, Su’a William Sio and Carol Beaumont. This is the third Pacific Music Awards that I’ve attended and I have to say – that for me and my son it is one of the highlight events of the year.
The media interest increased dramatically this year – with over 10 television crews and at least 5 radio stations present. This event will only get bigger – infact it looks like the Telstra clear Stadium might not be big enough to host it moving forward.
My colleague Su’a often refers to our Pacific people as the ‘Young, beautiful and gifted’ and I have to say – that this event is testiment to that statement. Lets hope that which ever party is in Government – they continue to invest in the talent that exists across all communities. Our arts are integral to the uniqueness of Aotearoa and the Pacific arts are a big part of our shared space in the Pacific. We should take pride in showcasing our arts at every opportunity and ensure that the funding we provide to this sector, demonstrates a commitment to ongoing growth. Labour did a great job of this – but it must continue under National.
Congratulations to all of our wonderful Pacific Artists and to the Pacific Music Awards Committee who work tirelessly to make this the fantastic event it is:
- Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua
- Sina Moore
- Tom Etuata
- Petrina George
- Noma Sio
There were so many highlights on the night but for me the main highlights were:
1. The MCs Yolande Ah Chong and Alpha Maiava. Move over every single NZ comedian – these two were fantastic!
2. The MIT Lifetime achievement award going to Ardijah – My God I love this group!
3. The Adeaze tribute to Ardijah – they did an beautiful rendition of Ardijahs song ‘Watching You’ (one of my favourites)
4. The tribute to Pauly Fuemana (who unfortunately passed away earlier in the year)
We had a fantastic night (unfortunately Su'a and Carol Beaumont weren't with us when this photo was taken))
Henry’s decision to select Benson Stanley and Victor Vito as new All Black squad members stuffs this weeks wisdom from Chris Laidlaw and Andy Haden that Pacific Island players can’t be bright enough to think strategically and talented enough to be All Blacks.
I’ve been relatively quiet on this issue – preferring to step back and watch the Pacific community strongly critique the funding decision and question the motivation for the allocation.
Funnily enough I was alerted to this back in March by a Journalist. He phoned me to tell me that he’d heard that Sam Lotu Iiga, Michael Jones, Inga Tuigamala and JR Pereira had been meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the disestablishment of the MPIA in favour of a Private organisation that they were hoping to set up in Auckland.
The Journalists story was completely new to me but I went away and asked a few questions of people I thought might be in the know. Parts of the story resonated with those I spoke too but there was not enough evidence to go down the path of wild accusations. The Journo obviously couldn’t give the story legs either, as he didn’t write about it.
I don’t know if Michael and Inga were involved in securing the ear of the PM on behalf of JR however I do find it impossible to believe that Sam Lotu-Iiga didn’t play a large part in lobbying on behalf of JR Pereira and his team (who ever this might be). Sam and JR are tight and most people know JR Pereira as a long time National Party supporter.
Infact, a couple of members of the Pacific community have relayed to me their concerns that the PEDA may also have the underlying function of effectively acting as an electioneering group for the Nats. I have no proof of this and am only just relaying the concerns expressed to me. I guess what this concern does highlight, is that we open a can of worms when we head down this path of privatisation – there is no transparency on these types of decisions and back room deals to suit unhanded agendas could so easily be made.
What I am concerned about is the fact that the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs is being given a small sum of money to oversee this private organisation and their initiatives – does that mean that MPIA will be held responsible if PEDA fails to deliver? Is the Govt setting MPIA to fail so that they can disestablish this Ministry (we know this is what they’d really like to do)?
For the first time, Sam Lotu Iiga has been strongly questioned by our Pacific Media – and GOOD ON THEM. We are politicians and we do have to be able to answer the hard questions. Check out this blog to find out what happened.
The last time I can remember a process like that used for the Pacific Economic Development Agency it was for the Pipi Foundation. Donna Awatere ended up in prison.
Ministers shouldn’t make decisions to give their mates money. To do it for a group associated with mates who have campaigned publicly for them is foolish.
Proper accountability requires an expression of interest and/or a tender process. Preferably both. It leaves the decision to proceed with a chief executive not a politician.
For many years the National Party has accepted lower standards of accountability from Maori and Pacifica groups.
And to hear a Minister of the Crown confess on the radio this morning that they got the money because they lobbied the Prime Minister made me shudder.
Just over two months ago I launched my campaign to stop loan sharks. In one weeks’ time, Wednesday 26 May, the First Reading of the Bill that is part of this campaign – The Credit Reforms (Responsible Lending) – will take place. Currently I believe I have support from five parties. Unfortunately this will not be sufficient. I need your help to urge National to vote for the Bill to go to Select Committee.
Here’s why I think you should support the Bill and work to get National to support it.
The Bill is a genuine effort to deal with aspects of a truly harmful industry, an industry that causes damage to many low income families who struggle to make ends meet. Extremely high interest rates, some in three or four figure percentages, and irresponsible lending put families at risk. At risk of a never ending cycle of high interest borrowing and much needed money going to lenders rather than on things that families actually need. The tales of human tragedy I have heard over the last two months are truly terrible. We need to do something.
I have spoken to hundreds of people including many from the agencies that deal with the people who are in terrible financial trouble because of loan sharks. Every Budgeting Service I have met with tells me the majority of people they see are hooked into high interest rate loans. One in Mangere told me that everyone they see is in this position. No-one denies the problem and everyone I have spoken to wants something done.
There is an opportunity here for Parliament to show leadership, for all parties to support this Bill to a Select Committee so it can be properly scrutinised, so that the public can make submissions and share their experiences and so that we can look at what is being done in other countries. Interest rate caps for example are widespread internationally but you would not know this if you listened to the Minister of Consumer Affairs or indeed some National MPs who assert that interest rate caps won’t work. Some are saying the Government is already working in the area of consumer credit. There is some truth in that statement as there is a Review of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act which is proceeding at a glacial pace (sadly) There were some very good suggestions made in the Discussion Paper and in the 59 responses to it. Suggestions in the area of disclosure of loan terms and security for loans are a couple of examples. I have said to the responsible Minister, Heather Roy, that the review is weakest in the area of ‘fringe lending’ and that my Bill alongside any proposals the Government may (finally) make could be considered together at a Select Committee. Many people have made specific suggestions to me that would really add to the possible range of ways we can address this problem.
And then of course there is at least one National MP who is saying my Bill doesn’t go far enough without concrete suggestions for anything else. I have been explicit that the Bill is not the whole answer. How can it be when there are a range of issues that surround the loan shark industry eg inadequate income levels, difficulties for some in accessing credit on a fair basis, poor enforcement of current protections and of course shocking financial literacy and understanding of consumer rights. There are a range of additional things that could and should be done. I would welcome any suggestions for strengthening my Bill or dealing with related issues.
None of these excuses that I am hearing that some National MPs are trotting out are reasons to vote against my Bill. In the community people are asking me questions like – how could National vote against sending this to a Select Committee? Will they do so just because you are a Labour MP? Well let’s see next week but please try to encourage National to do the right thing, I am certainly continuing to do so.
The more I have heard in the last two months the more passionately I feel that we must regulate this industry as well as continuing to seek solutions to the wider set of issues surrounding it. I committed at the launch of the campaign that irrespective of the outcome of the vote on the Credit Reforms (Responsible Lending) this campaign will continue. The support for the campaign is wide ranging from Churches, Community Law Centres, Budgeting Services, Pacifica and Maori organisations, Unions, Citizens Advice Bureaus, student groups, Women’s organisations, Local government politicians, lawyers and decent concerned citizens including some National Party voters and people who have personally been hurt by this industry. My resolve on this matter has only strengthened over the last two months. If you want to help you can act now and join in with the ongoing campaign. If you want more information go to www.stoploansharks.co.nz
