From Values to Action: Strengthening Aotearoa–Pacific Partnerships
Acknowledgements
The Pacific Cooperation Foundation would like to express our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for their support in making the 2025 Perceptions of New Zealanders of the Pacific Report possible. We are especially grateful to the Pacific Connections team under the leadership of Felicity Bollen for their guidance, collaboration, and ongoing commitment to deepening Aotearoa’s relationships across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa. Their backing has enabled us to take the pulse of public sentiment at a crucial time and to share these insights in meaningful ways across the country.
In an era of complex global challenges and shifting regional dynamics, New Zealand’s relationship with the Pacific is under the spotlight. Are we living up to our values in the Pacific? This was the central theme of a recent event co-hosted by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) and the NZ Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) in Auckland. The discussion – “Closing the Connection Gap: New Zealanders, the Pacific, and Global Affairs” – explored how to bridge the gap between New Zealanders’ expressed values toward the Pacific and their day-to-day engagement with our Pacific neighbours. It was an evening of talanoa, bringing together data insights and personal perspectives to connect the dots between awareness and action.
Event Highlights: From Report to Reality
PCF Chief Executive Joanna Bourke opened the event with key findings from the new 2025 Perceptions of New Zealanders of the Pacific Report, a nationwide survey of over 1,800 people[1]. The report provides a timely “pulse check” on how New Zealanders view the Pacific, Pacific peoples, and Aotearoa’s role in the region. [2] Its findings reveal tremendous goodwill – but also a striking “connection gap” between what New Zealanders say and what they do in relation to the Pacific[2]. Some standout insights include:
Overwhelming support in principle: 87% of New Zealanders agree that Pacific nations are important to Aotearoa’s future[3], and 90% believe it’s vital to build stronger political, economic, and social ties with the Pacific[3]. A large majority (77%) feel New Zealand has a responsibility to support our Pacific neighbours[4]. Clearly, the values and sense of duty are there.
The “connection gap”: Despite this, only about half of Kiwis feel a personal connection with the Pacific. Just 55% say they feel “close” to Pacific countries, and only 50% feel connected to Pacific cultures in their daily lives[3]. Knowledge is a factor – a mere 7% of New Zealanders say they know “a lot” about the Pacific region[5]. This gap between high respect and low real engagement underscores the evening’s theme.
Low confidence in our influence: New Zealanders tend to be modest about our country’s influence on the world stage. According to the survey, only around 6% of respondents are very confident about New Zealand’s international influence and impact – highlighting a cautious outlook about how much sway we really have. This humility may be healthy, but it also suggests that New Zealand has room to step up its leadership in areas that matter.
Strong support for action on shared challenges: Kiwis voice robust support for working more closely with the Pacific on pressing issues. Climate change is top of mind – 63% believe Aotearoa should be doing more to help Pacific nations cope with the impacts of climate change[6]. There is similarly strong backing for initiatives in education, cultural exchange, and community ties. For example, most New Zealanders value Pacific languages, arts, and history; over half of survey respondents agree that Pacific history should be taught as part of New Zealand’s school curriculum. [7] And 82% say migrants from the Pacific make valuable contributions to New Zealand society[8], with many calling for fair treatment and inclusion of Pacific peoples. These findings suggest that the public is eager to deepen connections – if given the opportunity to do so.
“The findings reveal a deep respect for Pacific nations, but also a gap between values and lived engagement,” Bourke noted in her presentation, adding that we need to increase understanding of the Pacific’s diversity[9]. The Pacific is often “lumped in as one,” she explained, whereas more education about the distinct cultures, histories, and issues in each Pacific nation is crucial[9]. In short, New Zealanders care about the Pacific – now the challenge is to translate those values into action.
Following the data presentation, a distinguished expert panel took the stage to unpack these insights and discuss ways forward. Hon. Carmel Sepuloni (Member of Parliament and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party), Mr Sione Tekiteki (AUT law lecturer and former Pacific Islands Forum official), and Ms Sarah Fetuani (University of Auckland law student and NZIIA member) each brought a unique perspective. Hamish McDougall of NZIIA moderated the panel. What unfolded was a lively conversation about how New Zealand can strengthen its Pacific partnerships – from empowering Pacific-led development, to addressing climate and migration challenges, to engaging the next generation.
Panel Perspectives: Bridging the Gap in Practice
Pacific-Led Development: “Nothing About Us, Without Us
A clear theme from the panel was that New Zealand’s approach in the Pacific must centre on partnership and respect for Pacific leadership. Hon. Carmel Sepuloni stressed that Pacific countries are “our family” – and, like any family, listening and mutual respect are key. [10] New Zealand should support Pacific nations’ own priorities rather than impose its agenda. “Every Pacific island country has the power to form relationships with whom they like,” Sepuloni noted, cautioning that we cannot lecture Pacific partners on whom to be friends with[11]. Instead, constant engagement and talanoa are needed: “We’re so interconnected… We need to be talking really closely all of the time to ensure the wider family is considered in decisions”[10]. This means investing time in relationships – from high-level political dialogues to community and iwi collaborations. Sione Tekiteki echoed that sustainable development in the region will only succeed if it’s Pacific-designed and Pacific-led. He cited regional initiatives like the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy as examples of Pacific states articulating their own vision. New Zealand’s role, the panellists agreed, is to stand alongside as a genuine partner – providing support (funding, technical expertise, people-to-people programs) for initiatives that Pacific communities themselves deem essential. Trust and long-term commitment were words that came up repeatedly. When we approach aid, trade, or development projects, the guiding question should be: “How does this empower Pacific people for the long run?” rather than “How does this advance New Zealand’s interests?” By shifting our mindset to “nothing about us, without us,” New Zealand can help close the gap between well-meaning intentions and truly effective partnerships.
Climate and Migration: Shared Challenges, Shared Responsibility
Not surprisingly, climate change was a prominent topic in the discussion. The Pacific is on the front lines of the climate crisis, and panellists emphasised that Aotearoa must translate its concern into concrete action. “Climate change is not a distant threat – it’s here now in the Pacific,” noted Sarah Fetuani, referencing how more frequent cyclones, sea-level rise, and changing weather are already disrupting Pacific livelihoods. There was strong agreement that New Zealand needs to ramp up climate cooperation: supporting Pacific nations’ adaptation and resilience efforts (for example, through funding community-based climate projects, sharing technical expertise in renewable energy and disaster preparedness) and also getting our own house in order by reducing emissions. One audience member’s question pressed this point, asking whether New Zealand’s climate policy is doing enough for the Pacific. The panel’s consensus was that more can and should be done, and this should be done urgently. This includes amplifying Pacific voices in global climate forums – recognising Pacific leaders’ role in pushing for ambitious action (such as Vanuatu’s initiative on climate justice in international law).
Closely tied to climate is the issue of migration and mobility. As Fetuani observed, “our region has always been on the move” – from seasonal workers and students today, to the possibility of climate-related relocation tomorrow. Panellists reflected on current migration policies, noting that New Zealand’s Pacific Access quotas and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme have provided opportunities, but also pose challenges around fairness. Sepuloni, drawing on her experience in government, noted that many Kiwis support expanding pathways for Pacific peoples – whether for work, family reunification, or refuge – as indicated by survey findings on valuing Pacific migrants [8][6]. A recurring point was that any future migration or climate-displacement policies should be co-designed with Pacific communities, to ensure dignity and agency. One audience question highlighted a forward-looking idea: Is New Zealand prepared to welcome Pacific peoples displaced by climate impacts? The panel acknowledged this as a looming reality. Tekiteki responded that planning should start now – through regional dialogues on climate mobility – so that if Pacific families must relocate, it happens in a proactive, compassionate framework rather than a crisis. Overall, the discussion painted climate change and migration as shared regional challenges that demand shared responsibility. New Zealand, as a close neighbour, can demonstrate leadership by treating Pacific peoples not as victims of these challenges but as partners in crafting solutions.
Generational Change: Engaging Youth for the Future
Another inspiring thread was the role of the younger generation in bridging the connection gap. Panelists noted that today’s youth – both in New Zealand and across the Pacific – are growing up in a more interconnected world, with new tools to engage each other (think social media, exchange programs, digital talanoa). “Young people bring fresh energy and ideas to the table,” said Fetuani, herself a young Pacific New Zealander. She spoke about the importance of platforms for Pacific youth leadership: from youth conferences on regional issues, to mentorship and internship opportunities that connect young Kiwis with Pacific projects. There was also discussion of intergenerational knowledge transfer. For instance, audience members raised questions about how to ensure the rich knowledge of Pacific elders and communities isn’t lost on younger Kiwis. One participant asked if New Zealand’s education system could do more – like incorporating Pacific history and languages in schools – so that all Kiwi youth, not just those of Pacific heritage, appreciate our Pacific identity. The panel agreed enthusiastically: building Pacific literacy from an early age is key to nurturing the next generation of informed, empathetic leaders[7]. Sepuloni noted some positive progress (such as Pacific language weeks and history curriculum changes), but urged that these efforts continue to grow. In addition, two-way youth exchanges were highlighted as a powerful tool: sending young New Zealanders to experience life in Pacific countries and vice versa. Such experiences can be transformative, breaking down stereotypes and forging personal bonds. The takeaway message was one of optimism: if we invest in youth and create avenues for their engagement, the connections between Aotearoa and the Pacific will only deepen in the years to come.
Voices from the Audience
During the Q&A session, the audience’s enthusiasm was palpable – a sign that these issues resonate widely. Questions ranged from practical to provocative. In addition to the climate and education questions noted above, one attendee inquired about how everyday New Zealanders can contribute to closing the connection gap. The panel’s response: start with small steps in your community. “Learn about your local Pacific community or events,” Tekiteki suggested, “and support Pacific-led initiatives at home.” Another question probed the role of the private sector in Pacific development – are Kiwi businesses doing enough to engage with Pacific partners beyond tourism? Panelists acknowledged more could be done to encourage sustainable investment and innovation linking New Zealand and Pacific economies (for example, supporting Pacific entrepreneurs or fair-trade products). Throughout the discussion, audience members voiced a clear interest in moving from awareness to action. Many lingered after the formal session, continuing conversations – a promising sign that this was not just a one-off talk, but the spark of an ongoing dialogue.
(You can watch a summary of the event’s discussion in the livestream recording here.)
From Discussion to Action: Opportunities Ahead
The evening wrapped up on a forward-looking note. In her closing remarks, Joanna Bourke reminded us that “our ocean doesn’t divide us – it connects us… It’s time we acted like it”[12]. So, what actions can we take to strengthen Aotearoa-Pacific partnerships? Based on the insights shared, here are a few opportunities for turning values into tangible progress:
Build Pacific cultural literacy in Aotearoa: Invest in education and public awareness to deepen understanding of the Pacific. This can range from strengthening school curricula (e.g. teaching Pacific history and languages[7]) to community workshops, cultural festivals, and media that showcase the diversity of Pacific cultures. The better Kiwis know our Pacific neighbours – and the Pacific diaspora within New Zealand – the more naturally connections will grow.
Enable two-way mobility and exchange: Make it easier for people to move and learn across our borders in both directions. This could include expanding scholarship and internship programs for young New Zealanders to live, study or volunteer in Pacific countries, and vice versa. Support two-way travel beyond tourism – for example, cultural exchanges, sports tours, artist residencies, and professional twinning schemes between New Zealand and Pacific institutions. Such initiatives build the personal relationships and empathy that no survey can capture.
Invest in Pacific education and leadership: As the panel noted, supporting Pacific peoples to fulfill their potential benefits everyone. New Zealand can ramp up investments in Pacific education – from funding universities, vocational training and schools in the Pacific, to offering more scholarships for Pacific students. Importantly, empower Pacific leadership in all sectors: continue appointing Pacific peoples to leadership roles at home (as seen with Sepuloni’s own historic appointment[13]) and champion Pacific voices in regional and global forums. An investment in Pacific capacity is an investment in our shared future.
Partner on climate action and resilience: Climate change is the defining challenge for the Pacific, and New Zealanders are clearly willing to help[6]. We should translate this support into action by co-developing climate solutions with Pacific communities. That means increasing climate finance targeted to the Pacific, supporting adaptation projects on the ground (from coastal protection to climate-smart agriculture), and working together on clean energy. It also means planning humanely for climate-driven migration – treating Pacific migrants not just as workers filling labor gaps, but as partners and family. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Pacific on climate resilience, we live out the values we profess.
These steps are by no means exhaustive, but they offer a starting point. What’s clear is that moving “from values to action” will require collective effort – from government policy changes, to business engagement, to grassroots community involvement. The conversation begun at this event will continue as PCF and NZIIA take this panel series to Wellington and Christchurch in the coming months, widening the dialogue.
Ultimately, closing the connection gap is about turning empathy into engagement. New Zealand’s future is inextricably linked with that of our Pacific whānau. By strengthening partnerships based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared purpose, we can ensure that our values are not just words on a page, but a living force in Aotearoa’s Pacific relationships.
From values to action – let’s make it real.
Sources: Pacific Cooperation Foundation & NZIIA event (Auckland, 30 Oct 2025); 2025 Perceptions of New Zealanders of the Pacific report (PCF/TRA)[14][15]; Pacific Media Network interview with J. Bourke[3][8]; Panel discussion summary (PCF/NZIIA); Reuters interview with C. Sepuloni[10].
Citations
New Zealanders value Pacific ties but lack real connection - report
Closing the Connection Gap: New Zealanders, the Pacific and Global Affairs — Pacific Cooperation Foundation
https://www.pcf.org.nz/news/closing-the-connection-gap-new-zealanders-the-pacific-and-global-affairs
Pacific Perceptions Report — Pacific Cooperation Foundation
https://www.pcf.org.nz/pacific-perceptions-report
Pacific 'family' free to form any ties but need to work together, says New Zealand Deputy PM | Reuters