INTERNATIONAL SECURITY Treaty of Waitangi and foreign policy In this excerpt from her inaugural foreign policy speech to the diplomatic corps, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta explains the connections between the Treaty of Waitangi and New Zealand’s foreign policy. Te Tiriti and foreign policy I am reminded that the expectation imbued in our founding document sets out the framework between the Crown and Māori for mana (respect and authority) to be recognised and kawanatanga (governance) to be exercised in a manner that would affirm tino rangatiratanga (sovereign authority) so that all people can prosper. The principles of partnership and mutual respect embodied in the Treaty provide the foundation for how New Zealand can conduct its foreign policy. Our Treaty experience has taught lessons about managing and creating enduring relationships. Embracing differing world views can assist to address the complex issues of social exclusion, civil and racial unrest, inequity and poverty. The pathway to finding solutions in the international domain can be rocky, just as reconciliation here has had its challenges, twists and turns. We understand that a societal culture based on shared understanding, the blending of different perspectives, diversity of thought and actions taken towards nationbuilding are important building blocks for peace and prosperity. The same is true, I believe, for diplomacy. Outcomes will be stronger and more enduring if they are built through dialogue, shared understanding, and taking account of a range of diverse perspectives. Aotearoa New Zealand’s identity is drawn from our Polynesian heritage. I call it “tirohanga Maori”, or a Māori world view, with its vibrant culture and deep affinity with the natural world. Then there are the Western institutions on which our country is founded that aligns New Zealand internationally. As New Zealand has grown to understand its unique and independent identity, so too has our sense of responsibility. We can offer a mature approach to dialogue aimed at progressing regional and global priorities, which is, born from a cultural perspective. It is my intention to take a values-based approach to foreign policy and work collectively in pursuit of our core interests, which include: • an international rules based order, which gives all countries a voice and provides frameworks that promote stability; 30
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta
• keeping New Zealanders safe, promoting regional stability; • international conditions and connections that aid our prosperity, including supply chain resilience; and • global action on sustainability issues such as climate change where solutions depend on international cooperation. Upholding special responsibilities in the Realm and Antarctica are also core elements of our foreign policy. We are in Te Pēwhairangi – the Bay of Islands – the place where the signing of New Zealand’s first international treaty occurred. It confirms our enduring commitment to the importance of international rules and institutions. Kororareka – Russell reminds us that it was a staging post where some of New Zealand’s earliest international trade relations were formed. We each have our own story but the institutions, rules, trade conditions and relationships form the foundation of our foreign policy. Line of Defence
