temaru: aotearoa should balance trade

SPEECH NOTES
draft oscar temaru speech to pacific cooperation foundation
monday 17th july 2005
wellington, aotearoa

It is indeed a great honour for me to address such a prestigious assembly of Pacific leaders, diplomats and distinguished experts on Pacific issues.

I am pleased to be able to share these valuable moments with you.

As I am looking at all of you, assembled here, I feel assured that I will be learning a lot today. Maybe more than I have learned in my entire political career!

The Pacific region has seen some difficult times.

However with the determination of some of our Pacific leaders, such as the late and treasured Ratu Sir Kamasese Mara, as well as organisations like the Pacific Forum in Suva and the South Pacific Commission in Noumea - we have made it through.

I am firmly convinced that the next 20 years will be extremely important for the Pacific region.

Let us not forget the importance of the Pacific triangle and of the cultural heritage that binds us today. We have the responsibility to cherish and even jealously protect our resources, physical and cultural. We must pursue the course set by our forefathers and retain our values and our way of life. At the same time, we need to face the challenges presented to us by a rapidly changing world, the dangers and advantages of globalisation and technological advances.

There are, obviously, many challenges.

If we want to elaborate on development strategies most needed by our region, we must consider, first, the interests of our peoples and, especially, the needs of our youth, and, the kind of legacy we would like to leave for them.

We, therefore, have come together to discuss, consult, examine our strengths and weaknesses, and measure our resources and capacities, in order to decide together on actions that bring consensus.

Not forgetting the interests of smaller and weaker island nations! We can focus on existing relations as well as future potentials. For example, my country imports NZ$190 million from your country but exports just $3 million in return. These kinds of imbalances must be addressed today by encouraging greater two way trade.

In particular, we need to reflect on our marine resources: what they consist of, and how to manage them and protect them in the best way possible. I cannot help but think of the fishing industry, a resource so important for our island nations, and coveted by international conglomerates. It is essential for us to unite our efforts in order to protect our fish stock, which is being depleted year after year. To achieve this, we should share our knowledge and techniques in ocean stocks management.

We also need to ponder the subject of renewable energies, so vital for isolated islands. The cost of energy is getting higher by the minute.

Imagine: $60 US dollars a barrel today, and perhaps 70 soon! Just imagine the consequences on the cost of plane tickets, and on the cost of transport in general. Just imagine the repercussions on the economies of small island nations. We must start using alternatives to the use of fossil fuels.

Beyond all this, we also have the responsibility of leading our children in the future in the best way possible. We need to prepare them for the challenges ahead. The world is changing, and we need to keep abreast of the wave.

I am certain that you have already reflected on those vital questions. I would like to ask you to share with us some of the main points of concern that you have found answers for.

Mr Chairman, ladies and gentleman, thank you for giving me this opportunity to share these few moments with you.

Maururu roa - thank you very much - for your attention.

LINKS
Oscar Temaru en visite officielle en Nouvelle Zélande à la tête d'une délégation polynésienne