Rt Hon Winston Peters
Media Statement
Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Foreign Affairs
18 May 2018
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters today announced the government has agreed to a long term approach to assist
Pacific Island states in meeting the challenges of climate change.
“We cannot ignore the risks faced by our Pacific Island neighbours who are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate
change,” said Mr Peters.
“Cabinet has agreed to a long term strategy to assist the region. Development assistance will focus on practical
projects for climate change adaption, mitigation, and ways to avert climate displacement of people.”
“Underpinning the approach are the wishes of Pacific Leaders who have told us that their people want to live in their
own countries for as long as possible, and retain social and cultural identity.”
“Supporting pacific peoples’ desire to remain in their own countries translates into prioritising regional and
country-level-initiatives that build resilience and adaption to climate change. This includes building better
infrastructure and developing disaster preparedness,” said Mr Peters.
As well, New Zealand will champion the progressive development of international law to protect Pacific Island coastal
state rights in the face of sea-level rises.
“We believe the Pacific can be a world leader in responding to this challenging global issue, and the approach agreed by
Cabinet today will put New Zealand at the forefront of supporting that effort,” Mr Peters said.
The related Cabinet papers can be found here: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/pacific/
ends