Economy to head agenda on Pacific trip

Prime Minister John Key has made the economic crisis as the main talking point for his trip to the Pacific Islands - but the presence of a Greenpeace ship in Samoa and meetings with leaders of Tuvalu and the Cook Islands will ensure climate change is a close second.

Mr Key and about 74 delegates including mayors and hip-hop dancers leave today on a four-day trip to four Pacific Island countries - Tonga, Samoa, Niue and the Cook Islands.

In Tonga today he will dine with King George Tupou V, meet Prime Minister Feleti Sevele and visit an NZ Aid project at Tonga's police college.

Yesterday Mr Key said the trip was largely a "relationship-building mission" and he expected the focus of talks to be on the impact of the economic downturn on trade and tourism in the islands.

But he will be confronted with the issue of climate change tomorrow in Samoa, where the Greenpeace boat Esperanza is based as part of its research into the effects of climate change on small island Pacific nations.

While in Samoa, he will also meet six Tuvalu leaders whose country is facing sea-level rises and is part of the Alliance of Small States calling for developed countries to reduce their emissions by 40 per cent by 2010.

Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes was on the Esperanza in Aitutaki last month as part of the Sign On campaign, which is calling on the New Zealand Government to meet that target.

Yesterday Mr Key said that although he would be willing to meet her, the target of reducing emissions by 40 per cent from 1999 levels would amount to about a 63 per cent reduction from current levels - which would have "a dramatic impact on our economy".

The change of emphasis in NZ Aid from poverty alleviation to economic development was also expected to be a talking point. Mr Key said he would emphasise the Government was committed to long-term development of island nations, with challenges in relation to climate change, access for trade purposes, and tourism.

"We are not there to be dictatorial. We are substantial donors into the Pacific, and that's how it should be. But obviously we want to work with those countries to find the best solutions for their problems and target aid where it makes the biggest difference."

Mr Key will also get the leaders' views on the priorities for the Pacific Islands Forum in Cairns in August.

Although he expected some discussion on Fiji, the economic downturn had ensured it would take a back seat to each country's own interests.

"There are some substantial issues that need to be resolved in the Pacific about how to build stronger economies, issues in relation to climate change and aid."

Mr Key's wife, Bronagh, is travelling with him. Others on the trip include former All Blacks and businessmen Va'aiga Tuigamala and Michael Jones, Manukau Mayor Len Brown, Porirua Mayor Jenny Brash and Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples and Pacific Island Affairs Minister Georgina te Heuheu will go, as will eight MPs on the foreign affairs select committee, hip hop artists Prestige Dance Crew, church leaders and business representatives.