Joint Commitment between New Zealand and Niue

Transcription

1 Joint Commitment between New Zealand and Niue

2 2 Preamble The Governments of New Zealand and Niue enjoy an enduring, unique and special partnership established under the Niue Constitution. The unique partnership is one of shared citizenship, close family ties, shared values and a common vision for Niue ke Monuina A Prosperous Niue. All Niueans are New Zealand citizens. This citizenship creates both obligations for the Government of New Zealand and responsibilities for the people of Niue. New Zealand is Niue s primary development partner and contributes significant financial and technical support to Niue s development. Niue also contributes to New Zealand s cultural richness through the significant number of Niueans resident in New Zealand. SECTION ONE: PRINCIPLES New Vision: Niue ke Monuina The New Zealand and Niue governments are committed to building a sustainable economy for Niue which will achieve the vision of Niue ke Monuina through Niue s economic development priorities. This commitment serves to outline the key sectors where New Zealand will work with Niue to achieve this vision. Both governments recognise that in reaching this commitment, the partnership will deliver tangible results visible at all levels and will continue to strengthen the special and enduring relationship between Niue and New Zealand.

3 3 This document recognises the close constitutional relationship between Niue and New Zealand. Niue and New Zealand appreciate that the relationship is an evolving one. Priorities This Joint Commitment engages New Zealand and Niue in a partnership which supports Niue s vision and development for the future. In supporting this vision, both governments are committed to improving the quality of life on Niue through: The People New Zealand and Niue identify Niue s people are critical to Niue s development. A challenge and priority is the retention of its people who have chosen Niue as their home. New Zealand and Niue acknowledge that a key element to population retention and attracting Niueans abroad to Niue is the levels of salaries and wages, and recognise the need under the Niue Constitution Act 1974 [Article 69(3)] to afford reasonable opportunities of employment in Niue for the people of Niue and in doing so to have regard to the employment opportunities and levels of remuneration available in New Zealand. Another important element is providing adequate social services. Youth: both governments recognise that active youth led strategies should be promoted; including Niueans in New Zealand in a mix of activities which may lead to youth returning and remaining on the island.

4 4 Village Development: village development is an important part of attracting Niueans, including young people to stay in Niue. This may attract Niue s youth to work together for a common community goal and the other sports and cultural activities will then follow naturally. Sustainable Economic Development and Tourism Economic development is the key to Niue s continued sustainability. Tourism is jointly identified as Niue s best opportunity for this. Our joint goal is to develop a full tourism package; to promote Niue as a unique, exciting and pristine tourism destination. It is acknowledged that tourism alone will not be enough to create economic sustainability and Niue and New Zealand will work to boost economic growth across Niue s economy. Niue has resources, including an exclusive economic zone, which should be utilised to their maximum potential. Financial Stability and Good Governance Financial stability and good governance is fundamental for Niue to develop into a prosperous nation. Niue requires financial resources and good governance in order to fulfil its obligations to its people and to meet its development aspirations.

5 5 SECTION 2: JOINT COMMITMENT AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES This Joint Commitment supports Niue's vision and development for Niue ke Monuina A Prosperous Niue. In supporting this vision, both governments will respect the following guiding principles: Niue ke Monuina A Prosperous Niue for all who wish to make Niue their home and enjoy the Niue lifestyle. A country that is blessed by being safe, unspoilt and unbelievably beautiful; that it remains a country that holds a lifestyle and environment that is uniquely Niuean; and very much sought after internationally. Developing and increasing tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner and tailoring Niue as a tourist destination taking advantage of Niue's clean, green environment and cultural and social values. Assisting Niue residents to achieve enjoyment of life through high quality medical support and promotion of healthy lifestyles. Promoting quality education services and lifestyle to all residents and supporting access to quality education from primary through to tertiary level. Improving and coordinating human resource capacity and development, tailored to the needs of villages and communities. Maximising revenue from Niue s fisheries ensuring food security in a responsible and sustainable manner. Implementing adequate and efficient infrastructure to enhance the quality of life, standard of living and to serve the development needs of all sectors; Practising good governance principles in all aspects of the partnership. A shared responsibility for the management of financial resources provided under the New Zealand Aid Programme. Ensuring that development will be sustainable and protect Niue's unique culture and physical environment.

6 6 Being mindful of the Cairns Compact on development coordination and the Paris Principles of Aid Effectiveness, and the Pacific Island Forum Aid Effectiveness Principles.

7 7 SECTION 3: PARTNERSHIP OUTCOMES Economic Development Niue and New Zealand will work in partnership to: Implement and oversee the agreed Niue Economic and Tourism Development Plan to ensure growth in sustainable tourism and private sector development. Create an enabling environment and reduce barriers to private sector development. Identify and promote opportunities for small scale economic activities. Support private sector growth through New Zealand Aid Programme annual funding to the Chamber of Commerce to operate a funding facility. Success in achieving these goals will be measured by the following outcomes: Sustainable growth in tourist numbers of from 5000 to 10,000 per year by Tourism related private sector activities increased by 25% by Finance Niue and New Zealand will work in partnership to: Complete the upgrade of the Government of Niue Treasury and IT systems, including the installation of Financial Management Information Systems (FMIS) so they are functional and can provide timely reporting of budgets and donor funds by the end of December 2011.

8 8 Develop a strategy for Public Financial Management and use PEFA recommendations to strengthen fiscal management systems. Improve the performance of trading and other revenue generating operations of Niue government. Success in achieving these goals will be measured by the following outcomes: FMIS and IT upgrades project completed by end of Government annual budget/expenditure is fully disclosed and balanced. Government revenues increased by 15% by Governance Niue and New Zealand will work in partnership to: Undertake initiatives and programmes to create more effective and efficient government to enable an increase in its productivity and improve performance in the delivery of services. Support leadership development for senior public servants to implement initiatives and programmes to create more efficient and effective government, including providing in service training and capacity development for public servants, particularly senior management. Align sector and departmental plans, policies and budgets with Niue National Strategic Plan. Success in achieving these goals will be measured by the following outcomes: An improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service. All administrative assistance positions align with the Niue National Strategic Plan and have succession plans by June 2012.

9 9 Sector and departmental plans, policies and budgets are aligned with the Niue National Strategic Plan by June Environment and Infrastructure Niue and New Zealand will work in partnership to: Prioritise the removal of asbestos on Niue. Prioritise and ensure timely implementation of the Niue Asset Management and Maintenance Plan. Undertake urgent maintenance to the airport runway with resealing to be carried out within 10 years. Provide support for the development maintenance and management of core tourist related infrastructure. Success in achieving these goals will be measured by the following outcomes: Removal of asbestos is completed by December Complete implementation of the Niue Asset Management and Maintenance Plan by All government infrastructure geared towards the development of tourism is maintained to high standard. Social and Taoga Niue and New Zealand will work in partnership to: Invest appropriate levels of support into the training and development of Niue s human resources based on agreed priority sectors of development.

10 10 Develop and implement population and youth employment strategies aimed at maintaining and building Niue s population with action steps identified for implementation by December Implement the Health Sector Strategic Plan to enhance delivery of health services, including health promotion. Implement the Niue Cabinet endorsed Education Support Programme by December Success in achieving these goals will be measured by the following outcomes: All scholarships are aligned to Human Resource Development Plan by December Health Sector Strategic plan implemented by December Population and Youth employment strategies completed and costed with action steps identified for implementation by December By 2014 quality of education is improved at all levels evidenced by improved numeracy and literacy rates, student outcomes and teacher performance. Joint reviews In order to progress these mutually determined understandings, New Zealand and Niue will hold bi annual programme talks. The talks will include joint reviews of performance, focusing on achievements, constraints, and the extent to which planned outputs have contributed to results in each of the priority areas contained in this document. The programme talks will be the focus for priority setting and reporting for both Niue and New Zealand.

11 Any amendment to the focal area s respective priorities will be mutually determined in writing. This Joint Commitment will enter into effect for three years, as amended, upon signature. Signed at on For the Government of New Zealand: For the Government of Niue: Honourable Murray McCully Minister of Foreign Affairs Honourable Toke Talagi Premier