In New Zealand's foreign affairs, every government is told, there are two non-negotiables: Australia, and the Pacific.

MFAT's briefing last year to incoming Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters didn't mince words in spelling out the "non-discretionary" nature of our leadership role in the region.

"Geography, constitutional ties, population mix and security interests commit New Zealand to the security and prosperity of the South Pacific."

It is a message Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her new government appear to have taken on board, with the South Pacific front and centre in recent weeks.

Ardern's first foreign policy speech last week focused more on the Pacific than any other part of the world, as she spoke of New Zealand's long and well-established ties, as well as its duty to act on the threat of climate change in the region.

Continue to read the full article here on Newsroom ||  March 05, 2018   |||