Terms of Reference
Pacific Reset Group
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Background
The Pacific Reset Group (PRG) arose in response to the view expressed by the
Minister of Foreign Affairs in early 2018 about the need to “reset” the relationship
between New Zealand and its neighbouring countries in the Pacific region.
This view was reinforced during the Prime Minister’s Pacific Mission in March 2018.
Community and business representatives on the Mission took the opportunity
during that time to explore how they might contribute to, support and give effect to
the reset. Representatives identified that the key factor in a successful relationship
reset was the need to recalibrate the perceived imbalance in the relationship, and
strengthen the value to New Zealand of a reset relationship.
In particular, those representatives saw a first-time opportunity for the
establishment of a strong communication channel between the Minister, Under
Secretary and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and those from the Pacific diaspora in New
Zealand in the form of a group of advisors comprised of a number of the Mission
community and business representatives. This group is an informal, self-selecting
‘ginger group’, intended to provide valuable input to the Pacific reset programme to
be implemented by the Ministry, and in itself is an example of what one aspect of a
reset relationship between New Zealand and the Pacific can look like in practice.
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Purpose of the group
The overal purpose of the PRG is to support and strengthen the New Zealand
government Pacific reset programme in the following ways:
(a) Provision of a source of independent advice to the Minister, Under Secretary
and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in respect of New Zealand government foreign
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policy and development actions in the Pacific region undertaken in the Pacific
reset programme; and
(b) Proactive identification of initiatives and representatives (in Pacific and New
Zealand-wide communities, business, academic, civil society) that could inform,
complement and leverage the New Zealand government Pacific reset
programme; and
(c) Inform, facilitate and support the coordination of Pacific reset programme
actions that increase New Zealand’s understanding and valuing of the
contribution of the Pacific region (countries, people, initiatives) to New Zealand
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Expectations of PRG members
Members are expected to:
• commit to the intent and values of the Pacific Reset programme
• uphold the integrity of the PRG
• value and respect individual and Ministry opinions
• respect the need for confidentiality
• share ownership of the advice of the PRG
• respond to requests for advice, support and assistance
• declare any conflicts of interest
• acknowledge that the PRG is an advisory group and that advice provided
is not binding on the Ministry
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Expectations of Government
Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are expected to:
• commit to the intent and values of the Pacific Reset programme
• value and respect the purpose of the PRG
• provide guidance, strategic advice and information on the Pacific Reset
programme that wil support and enhance the contribution of the PRG
• follow through and report back on agreed actions
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• involve senior decision-making capability in the Pacific Reset Programme
and interactions with the PRG
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Membership of the PRG
The initial membership of the group comprises community and business
representatives from the 2018 Prime Minister’s Pacific Mission as well as members
of the Massey University Centre for Defence and Security Studies led ‘Reset Group’.
It is an informal self-selecting group of people with a shared vision and a
determination to keep the Pacific Reset momentum going.
Members bring a range of skills and experience in matters relevant to the
relationship between New Zealand and the Pacific region, including development,
foreign policy, security issues, Pacific diaspora, Pacific ethnic-specific community
leadership, Maori business and leadership, youth, health.
Members bring their perspectives as informed individuals, and where authorised, as
representatives of specified groups, communities or organisations. The intention is
that the membership of the group remain fluid, to enable it to usefully respond to
the Pacific Reset programme. Depending on the task or workstream, the Group or
individual members will bring other experts or representatives to meetings as/if
required; and MFAT or the Minister or Under Secretary may request others to
attend. Any member of the group might decide that their membership should be
transferred to someone else. If this were to occur, consensus of the Group is
required and MFAT officials shal be consulted.
Membership of the group is not binding and individual members reserve the right to
take a different position from the group on individual matters.
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Operation of the PRG
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The “coordinator” of the Group shal be the Council for International Development
(CID).
The Group wil meet at least quarterly at an agreed venue, date and time.
Costs for the Group wil be borne by the Ministry including:
• Return flights to meetings
• Expenses associated with meetings such as parking, taxis
• A minimal meeting fee (in line with Ministry policy)
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