CHOGM: 'It's important we show solidarity and make connections'

New Zealand's business delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sāmoa this week will seek a level of collaboration that's needed for the Pacific island nations, an official says.

Infrastructure NZ chief executive Nick Leggett says the Kiwis will also be leaning into larger countries for more innovative ways to build foreign direct investments to be able to do that.

The Sāmoan capital, Apia, will be abuzz this week as it hosts the Commonwealth heads of government. Photo/newslinesamoa.com

Leggett is part of the delegation to Apia and told Pacific Mornings' William Terite it's a "really important time" for Aotearoa, but also across the Commonwealth for member states to get together.

"That business delegation has a lot of people, actually, Mary Lawsey from Pacific Business Trust, there are other Pacific leaders, there are Māori leaders on that tour, as well as people from business across New Zealand.

"I think because it's in Sāmoa, it's closer to us. We're a South Pacific nation. It's important that we show solidarity and make the connections. But I'm interested in the resilient infrastructure discussions that will be going on there.

"It's really important that we think about how we protect ourselves against climate change, how we protect different communities in the Commonwealth, and what are people doing together.

"What are the common threads that we can draw around resilient infrastructure, stuff that protects and builds communities? And I'll be looking to make those connections and listen to the insights as well from people who are perhaps doing it better."

Leggett's comments follow new data showing New Zealand ranked last for its record of delivering national infrastructure.

Only 17 per cent of Kiwis believe New Zealand has a good record of delivering national infrastructure projects, placing us tied for last with Hungary, according to the Ipsos survey.

"As you've already pointed out this morning William, New Zealanders know we've got to do better with infrastructure, so we've actually got to reach out to our friends and allies across the world and across the Commonwealth to work out how to do that better.

Security is expected to be tight as world leaders arrive in Apia this week for the CHOGM. Photo/Sāmoa CHOGM 2024

"Collaboration is needed not only if you're a small Pacifica nation, but actually if you're New Zealand as well. We have to lean into larger countries for more innovative ways to build and for foreign direct investments, for money to do that.

"I think that that's going to be an important ingredient of improving the way New Zealand does things. I think collaboration is vital and that works, you know, in a New Zealand sense with working with our Pacific neighbours, but also reaching out into the larger world.

"I think we've got to be upfront about those discussions because if you're a small country, you can't do it all yourself. I'm going to be interested particularly to listen to what's being done and how smaller countries are leaning into larger ones while we're there."

More than 4000 delegates will attend CHOGM from 21-26 October including King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The theme is "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth".

The Commonwealth Secretariat says Sāmoa, the first Small Island Developing State from the Blue Pacific to host CHOGM, "will bring a unique perspective to the table.

"CHOGM 2024 promises to be a landmark event, uniting Commonwealth nations in their pursuit of resilience, sustainability, and a shared future," secretary-general Patricia Strickland said in a statement.

"The global community, including our Commonwealth 'Aiga,' confronts a multi-dimensional polycrisis, demanding collective solutions for sustainable development, democracy, and peace.

"As we stand together, the 2024 Sāmoa CHOGM calls for unity and enhanced resilience as vital for our survival.

"Resilience is the unifying approach that transcends the pillars of humanitarian, development, human rights, peace and security work.

Photo/Sāmoa CHOGM 2024

"It encompasses the ability to prevent, resist, absorb, adapt, respond, and recover positively from external shocks.

"Resilience safeguards sustainable development and well-being for all, preventing economic, environmental, and human losses during crises."

Sāmoa's Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa says the fa'asamoa, or Sāmoan way of life, exemplifies collective responsibility, encapsulating values such as respect, dignity, love, protection, and service.

"This ethos aligns with the principles of the Commonwealth Charter, uniting the Commonwealth Aiga (family) of 56 nations, representing one-third of the global population.

"These nations, diverse in size and development status, share common beliefs and values, where every member's contribution is significant.

"We look forward to sharing our unique Sāmoan communal culture and traditions as we come together to transform our one resilient family into a Common Wealth."

PMN News Political Reporter 'Alakihihifo Vailala is in Apia covering CHOGM.