'Sad and ironic': Govt criticised over cuts to Pacific climate change initiatives and MPP

Green MP Teanau Tuiono says it is "deeply sad and ironic" that the government announced nothing in the Budget for Pacific people including cuts to climate change initiatives.

His comments came ahead of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's tour of the Pacific this week, his first as PM.

Luxon visited Niue on Monday and heads to Fiji on Tuesday.

This year, Niue marks 50 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand.

Green MP Teanau Tuiono says the existential threat that faces Pacific people is climate change. Photo/supplied

While in Fiji, Luxon will meet with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss trade and economic development. Fiji is New Zealand’s biggest trading partner among Pacific Islands countries.

Despite it being Luxon’s first Pacific visit after almost eight months in government, he says it’s the first of many to come this year.

Speaking on 531pi’s Pacific Mornings show, Luxon says, “Well, I've met most of the Pacific leaders here in Auckland. I've spoken to others on the telephone as well.

“I've hosted many of the leaders as I've come through Wellington and Auckland. And I think we're going to spend a lot of time in the Pacific this year.

“We're part of the Pacific family and I'm looking forward to spending time with both those leaders to understand what better their take on the regional issues as well.”

Despite being part of the “Pacific family”, Tuiono said it was "deeply sad and ironic" that the government's financial plan this year had nothing for Pacific people including cuts to climate change initiatives.

“They’re just focusing on all the wrong things and we are Pacific peoples and the existential threat that faces us as Pacific peoples in the Pacific is climate change.

“There’s nothing in there for climate. All there is is cuts. Everything that we could be using to actually help to minimise the impact of climate change is gone.”

Last week’s budget announcement saw more than $26 million cut for MPP, end of funding for the Pacific Cooperation Foundation, and cuts to the Tupu Tai Internship Programme.

Cuts of over $15m to the Climate Change Commission and cuts exceeding $35m to the Climate Change Programme were also included in this year's financial plan.

"Our young people are our leaders of tomorrow. Many of them are our leaders today so having those opportunities cut off for them is disappointing and sad," Tuiono said.

“There is no commitment from the government to the Pacific. Our people should be disappointed in this government.”