Cross-party Pacific mission: Shane Reti calls for stronger ties despite cost concerns

Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti has defended the size and cost of New Zealand’s recent cross-party delegation to the Pacific, describing it as crucial for maintaining Aotearoa’s influence in the region.

The mission included stops in Tonga, Hawaii, Fiji, and Vanuatu, and comes amid criticism over the expense of sending a large group of MPs and officials at the taxpayers' cost.

Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Reti characterised the tour as “very fruitful” and “absolutely necessary”.

He says that despite differing party positions, the delegation aimed to present a united front.

“We were wanting to demonstrate to our Pacific friends and neighbours that, yes, we could all have particular party positions, but on many, many things, we share one view, and we were there with one voice in person to show that.”

The trip was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters and included members from all parties in Parliament except for Te Pāti Māori. The delegation also brought along spouses of MPs.

The itinerary featured key engagements, including meetings with the new Prime Ministers of Tonga and Vanuatu.

This marks Peters’ fifth cross-party delegation since he assumed the role of Foreign Affairs Minister.

Reti shakes hands with NZ Hawai'i Consul General, Mike Ketchen. Photo/Joseph Safiti/PMN News

Reti says the face-to-face engagements are significant for demonstrating respect for new governments and strengthening momentum in diplomatic relationships.

While acknowledging that some diplomatic interaction can be conducted over Zoom, Reti says that kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face connection) remains important.

"We did need to be there in person and to show that we're real and our statements, our substance, and our policies are real.”

When questioned about the possibility of achieving similar results with a smaller group at a lower cost, Reti maintained that the cross-party composition is crucial for signalling a bipartisan commitment to the Pacific.

Minister Shane Reti, right, with MPP chief executive Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, left, in Vanuatu. Photo/PMN Digital/Joseph Safiti

During the trip, New Zealand announced multiple aid initiatives, including the easing of visa restrictions for visitors from Pacific Island nations.

“We have been trusted friends and neighbours and foreign aid providers for many, many years, and we want to continue that warm relationship into the future.

"Our place in the Pacific region is still viewed very warmly by those countries that we were with.”

Watch Shane Reti's full interview below.