New Zealand Institute of International Affairs

E kui mā, e koro mā, nga mangai o nga whenua o te ao, e huihui nei, nga mihi o te po, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou.  Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare Kawana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

Ladies and gentlemen, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, good evening and warm greetings to you all.  Welcome to Government House.

I specifically acknowledge: Sir Doug and Lady Kidd – tēnā korua; and Her Excellency Caroline Chretien, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

It is a great pleasure for Janine and me to welcome you all this evening to mark the 80th anniversary of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs.  Eighty years is an important milestone.

Over that time the Institute has been witness to a remarkable array of developments in international affairs.  In 1934, when the Institute was founded there were 75 sovereign states.  Today, using the benchmark of UN membership, there are 193. 

On 2 August 1934, Adolf Hitler became the Fuhrer of Germany.  Five years later the Second World War erupted.  Ten years later the largest sea and air assault in world history was launched across the English Channel to free occupied Europe. 

Since then, there have been conflicts and wars all over the globe; and there have been numerous political, economic, technological and social upheavals, and seismic shifts.

And of course New Zealand has had its share of shifts, action and excitement too.  All of this has meant a full and interesting agenda for the Institute and its members.

Tonight, I want to talk about a shift closer to home.  It is not as momentous as some of the events that I’ve outlined.  However, it is something that I have had some experience with.

 
I would like to share some of my observations about the international strand of my role as the Governor-General.  This international strand has both a domestic element – welcoming and hosting Heads of State and accepting the credentials of accredited ambassadors and high commissioners – and an overseas element.  My comments tonight will centre on engagements overseas.

Dame Silvia Cartwright mentioned this when she addressed the Institute in 2006, on the eve of her departure from office.  In her address, she gave her view of the value she thought a Governor-General could make in representing New Zealand to the world. 

Silvia opined that was “a fascinating part of the role” and “a privilege to represent New Zealand in this way”.  I too have found it very satisfying and a serious part of the job. 

The extent to which a Governor-General represents New Zealand overseas depends on the view of the incumbent Prime Minister.  The Prime Minister and I do talk about where and how I might make a contribution.  Accordingly, my overseas travel programme is conducted at the invitation of the Prime Minister, and the Government of the day.  It is shaped by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in consultation with my Official Secretary, and endorsed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.  That’s not to say I do not have views, and on at least one occasion – my visit to Afghanistan – the Prime Minister gave due weight to my assessment of the desirability of such a trip.

April saw Janine and me hosting Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge together with Prince George here at Government House.  Their visit gained significant international attention and economic benefit for New Zealand.  Janine and I then travelled to Turkey for the Gallipoli Anzac Day services and meetings with President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan.

In May, I was at the United Nations where I met Secretary-General Ban, delivered New Zealand’s position at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, attended several meetings relating to peace-keeping and made an informal visit to the 9/11 memorial.  I then travelled to Italy where I had meetings with President Napolitano and Pope Francis; and attended the 70th anniversary commemorations of the Cassino battles.  That trip concluded with a visit to Ethiopia where I met President Mulatu and Prime Minister Hailemariam; and African Union Chair Dr Dlamini-Zuma, before presiding at the official opening of New Zealand’s newest embassy, in Addis Ababa.

Earlier this month, at the request of the Prime Minister, who was visiting Samoa, Tonga and Niue, I led the New Zealand delegation at the D-Day commemorations in Normandy.  There were a number of poignant and historic moments with many of the world’s leaders present. 

Later this year Janine and I will attend the Commonwealth Games in Scotland, and then it’s possible we will visit another African nation. 

Based on this outline and 2½ years in role, my observations then. 

First, a State Visit by a Governor-General can be a way of showing that New Zealand values international relationships beyond trade and economic benefits.  Current and former diplomats here this evening know well the enduring value of a top-level exchange of views between people in a Head of State role.  They can be the catalyst on which to build objectives that give breadth and depth to bilateral relations.  They are also an opportunity to further New Zealand’s interests, to bolster policy initiatives, and to strengthen our international links. 

Governors-General are afforded top-level access.  While it may well take some explaining what a Governor-General is, by MFAT officials in-country, “de facto” Head of State seems to work. 

In a Head-of-State role, a Governor-General can also develop a personal connection with Heads of State, Heads of Government and the most senior leaders of a country.  In this way, a Governor-General can complement the work of the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, other ministers, officials and business and other groups.  My May meeting with President Napolitano in Rome paved the way for conversations I had with him and others in Normandy. 

And yet it’s not just our lens that I peer through.  For example, my state visit to Turkey furthered an important dialogue with Turkey on how to spread our very positive bilateral relationship beyond the commemorations into other areas of mutual benefit for the future. 

There seems to be genuine appreciation of the engagement such a visit represents, at the time and later.

Second, I have been reminded how much New Zealand’s actions in the past are reflected in perceptions of what we stand for today.  I have learned much about others’ perceptions of us and our reputation – our collective mana – in the international arena.

Some of the most poignant visits that I have made have centred on the commemoration of wartime service.

We are fast approaching the centenary of the beginning of the First World War, often regarded as a turning point in New Zealand’s sense of nationhood.  New Zealand is working with Australia, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium and France on commemorative activities that will take place over the next four years.

Additionally, the next five years will mark the 70th anniversaries of Second World War battles and events.  For New Zealand that has opportunities for collaboration with governments in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and the Pacific.

A Governor-General’s presence at significant international commemorations highlights New Zealand’s long-standing contribution to peace and security.  As many of you know, I have had personal experience of participating in peace-keeping operations, and I know well the extent to which New Zealand’s contributions in this area over decades have enhanced perceptions of us as a committed global citizen.

I am mindful that there are other events that have import for our standing too. 

During my visit to Ethiopia, President Mulatu Teshome modified his programme, in part, so that he could convey personally his gratitude for New Zealand’s stance at the League of Nations in 1937 condemning fascist-Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia. 

That positive regard augurs well for the new embassy in Addis Ababa.  It is a city which has become a global diplomatic hub, and host of the African Union.
Having an embassy there will do much to strengthen our diplomatic credentials in Africa.

In a similar vein, I received praise, from the Rwandan Permanent Representative to the United Nations, for New Zealand’s and former Ambassador Colin Keating’s efforts to prevent the slaughter of one million people when we held a non-permanent seat, and the presidency, in the UNSC in 1994.  This weekend I will attend the 20th anniversary commemoration service of that tragedy, in Auckland.

Third, a Governor-General’s visit usually generates interest in the host country.  “Why are you visiting?” and “What are you hoping to achieve?” are two common questions.  The local media is curious about the engagements of its political leaders.  So for example, there was a comprehensive article in the Ethiopian media about my visit there, and the opportunities for closer bi-lateral relations.

I am a keen promoter of New Zealand and New Zealanders.  I see a visit as an opportunity to build awareness of the unique features of New Zealand and what we have to offer – our culture, our scenery; and agriculture and agri-business, renewable energy technologies, bio-medical technologies and much more. 

When it comes to diplomacy, the perception of New Zealand is that it is pragmatic, bridge-building, and focused on partnerships and solutions.

International forums such as the United Nations have enabled New Zealand to promote key messages of fairness, inclusion, independence, collaboration, humility and integrity. 

Our reputation as a respected international global citizen has been particularly important during my time as Governor-General, as New Zealand seeks international support for its candidacy to have a seat on the United Nations Security Council. 

Accordingly, you will not be surprised to hear that over the last two and a half years I have raised the matter of our candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for 2015-2016.  I have pointed out to my interlocutors our credentials and case for the opportunity to serve in the UNSC.

Fourth, while the international media and assessment reports keep us up with what is going on in the world, there is no substitute for visiting a country and getting an assessment from a Head of State who is “on the ground”.  Heads of State have intimate knowledge of regional circumstances in their neighbourhood, and many have hands-on involvement. 

Accordingly, a Governor-General’s visit gives an opportunity to engage, to inform and be informed.  In Turkey both President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan briefed me on Syria.  And in Ethiopia, President Mulatu and Prime Minister Hailemariam gave me their assessments on events in South Sudan, where the Prime Minister has taken a very hands-on role.  And in Normandy, I learned much from my conversations and from watching the body language!

As digital communications overcome the tyranny of distance and shrink us into a global village, and as we all face issues around diminishing resources, global warming and environmental degradation, the need for effective dialogue between nations becomes ever more pressing.

While it’s for others to evaluate how effective my travel programme has been, each of the visits I have made has been appropriate to the role of an apolitical, non-executive Head of State.  It’s not a matter of the number of visits or their duration, but the quality of the interaction.  In part it’s been the purpose behind a visit that has made for its success, rather than merely “turning up”. 

A Governor-General’s visit places New Zealand and its agenda on the “top table” for consideration in the same way as a Prime Ministerial visit does.  They enable us – New Zealand Inc. – to take forward initiatives to enhance bi-lateral relations; to get a matchless read-out on regional challenges and opportunities; and to explain New Zealand’s ambitions in the international arena. 

During my meetings I have raised our aspirations regarding the UNSC and FTAs.  I have also advocated for people-to-people initiatives; for better commercial opportunities; for greater security cooperation, including food security; and technology sharing.

Conducting a programme of overseas visits also presents unforeseen opportunities.  There has been an element of serendipity in the occasion of visits, which has put a Prime Minister or Governor-General at an opportune place and time. 

I recall Prime Minister Helen Clark being at the United Nations in 2000 when New Zealand Defence Force helicopters evacuated UN personnel under siege in West Timor.  I can cite my own experience at the D-Day commemorations with world leaders, in the wake of the crisis in Ukraine.  And Prime Minister John Key’s current visit, to the United States and UN, as decisions are being taken on Iraq.

Tonight, I also want to acknowledge the work of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs in promoting similar objectives and for providing better understanding of the multiple interests and perspectives at play in international relations.  And, especially as they relate to New Zealand.

The diversity of its membership is an indicator of the continued appeal of its work.  I have certainly valued opportunities to attend Institute meetings and my current role as your Patron.

Congratulations on reaching a significant milestone – 80 years - and all the very best for the future.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa and please enjoy the hospitality of Government House.