Aorere Internship: Here is my experience learning about the public sector and international trade

One thing I have decied to do is write more! Do not worry it is a short read which includes a link to my contribution to the Te Karara magazine and an extension to my MFAT experience (this article).

 Last week I featured in the Te Karara magazine about my experience in the Aorere Internship programme, entitled Growing Māori engagement in our foreign affairs page 26. The article is based on my presentation, a timeline of the Māori economy. I decided to write an extension to the article, of my opinions, on the following topics, simplifying trade, the most exciting developments at MFAT and the caution when crafting policy.

While you are here, there is a great article on “Material hardship –whose responsibility is it?”, starting page 7. I highly recommend giving it a read.

Simplifying trade, without the jargon!

Recently, I was lucky enough to complete an internship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in the International Connections team. Please note I only focus on the trade component of MFATs work in this article. Before working here, hand to heart, I knew as much about international trade and diplomatic relations as a struggling first-year student at university. So what didn’t I know? Well for starters, trade policy is the bread and butter of the Trade and Economic Division that I worked under... Considering international trade (exports and imports) make up around 60% of New Zealand’s total economic activity, their importance cannot be understated. But what does it mean to you and me? The laptop I am writing this post on or the phone you are reading from would be substantially more expensive without any of those the ‘terms and conditions’ that MFAT negotiate.     

Below are the developments and policies that excite me (and should excite you) as they demonstrate innovation, leadership and a commitment to better serve New Zealand from MFAT.

Creating an equal opportunity and equitable New Zealand                                                                 Trade for All will help ensure that our trade policy delivers for all New Zealanders, and contributes to addressing global and regional issues of concern, such as environmental issues and labour standards. The goal is a trade policy that works alongside other government policies, to support sustainable and inclusive economic development. For those who love detail, here is the link to Report of the Trade for All Advisory Board.

Leading the way on climate change trade!

The Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) aims to eliminate tariffs on environmental goods, introduce disciplines to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, and the development of guidelines for voluntary eco-labelling programmes to encourage their promotion and application. If 60% of our total economic activity is from trade it seems like a no brainer to target ‘levers’ that influence New Zealand’s behaviour to meet our climate change commitments, right?

Creating bilateral opportunities for our indigenous

On March the 3rd, Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand signed a collaboration arrangement bringing the two countries’ Indigenous peoples and policymakers closer together to promote economic, social and cultural advancement. Despite only being in the development stage, it is yet another way New Zealand and Māori can be seen as leaders for other indigenous people.

Given what I know now, I like to think of policy development as rule writing and like all rules in life, they need to be thought out with serious consideration! Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman once declared that one of the greatest mistakes is to “to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.” However, achieving positive results by policy should be conditional on having good intentions. When thinking about the relationship with the government, a Minister should set the intent, and the Department (usually several) acts on their best knowledge to achieve that intent. Still being new to the public service, I look forward to furthering my understanding of the relationship between Departments and Ministers.

I would like to shout out to MFAT for all the work they have been doing to help kiwis get home during this time, Kia Kaha!

Thanks for reading and be safe.