‘Not a snub’: Kiribati MP defends her leader amid fallout with NZ

Kiribati is calling for renewed understanding with New Zealand following escalating tensions over a postponed meeting.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, voiced disappointment over his cancelled visit to Kiribati last week due to President Taneti Maamau’s absence.

Peters then announced a review of the entire $102 million development programme for Kiribati, citing a “lack of high-level engagement”.

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Kiribati MP Ruth Cross Kwansing described the situation as a “really unfortunate misunderstanding”.

“There's a lot of work that, as countries, we both have to do to clear up this misunderstanding between us in terms of what actually happened and whether it was a snub or not.

“From our viewpoint, it wasn't.”

The newly appointed Minister of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs said the situation had been taken out of context.

“The President himself wasn't available, but the rest of our cabinet, led by our Vice President, our version of the Deputy Prime Minister, was ready to receive that visit.”

However, Peters stressed that the visit was crucial and supported his decision to review NZ’s aid to Kiribati.

Can Kiribati and NZ unpack this tension? Photo /file.

‘We can work it out’

Kwansing said President Maamau’s absence was not because he undervalued their relationship with Aotearoa but that he ushered in a new approach last year, including spreading leadership responsibilities across ministers.

“So that means that, of course, he will handle his state affairs and the things that he administers and ambassadors appropriately.

“But for everything else, he will be handing the reins over to other ministers appropriately to manage.

“We can work it out and we'd love to have the Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation revisit this and hopefully come back on his desire to come to Kiribati.”

Two weeks ago, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles met with Kiribati Vice-President Teuea Toatu, who also plans to visit the Solomon Islands.

Watch Kiribati MP Ruth Cross Kwansing's full interview via 531pi’s FB below.

‘We need to be grown-ups about this’

Labour MP Tangi Utikere told Pacific Mornings that Peters’ remarks went too far, and the “tit-for-tat” exchange that's been played out in the media was unfortunate.

“We need to be grown-ups about this - the Pacific is so important to us, and we’re important to the Pacific - that is about a partnership and being able to treat each other with respect.”

Although Utikere said he does not have confidence in Peters generally, he remained hopeful that a dialogue between the two nations could continue.

“It's always been a particular focus of New Zealand because geographically we're located there, but also because our familial links are to the Pacific as well.

“So Mr Peters needs to just get on with the job that he's been asked to do, which is to encourage strong, healthy relationships in the Pacific, rather than having little spats. I think everyone will be better off for it.”

Watch Tangi Utikere’s full interview via 531pi’s FB below.

Potential aid axe spiked anxieties

Peters said the review was not a threat and simply a result of needing to meet to justify further funding.

However, Kwansing said Peters’ comments upset i-Kiribati in the islands and New Zealand, especially for those reliant on that support, such as Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme employees.

“In Kiribati, we’ve probably been too careful in not [speaking] to the media and not been open enough, but then we now see what happens when you do speak too soon.

“It causes significant anxiety to people that become very stressed out when they know that their livelihoods are going to be impacted.”