Benjamin Maxwell, Senior Environmental Compliance Officer from the National Environment Service, together with two officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ms Peka Fisher and Mr John Jones Eliu, were awarded the Manaaki New Zealand Thematic Short-Term Training Scholarship to participate in the Pacific Diplomacy Training Programme, held in Wellington, New Zealand, from 17 November to 05 December 2025.
The Pacific Diplomacy Training Programme is a six-week training scholarship programme delivered in phases across the Pacific region. The first three weeks were conducted in Wellington, New Zealand, while the remaining three weeks will take place in March 2026, with one week in Fiji with the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva and the final two weeks in the Solomon Islands, where participants will formally graduate from the programme.
The programme brought together a diverse cohort of emerging and mid-career professionals from across the Pacific. Participants joined fellow “brothers and sisters” from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Palau, as well as Australia and New Zealand MFAT. In total, the programme hosted 32 diplomats and officials in training, representing foreign services, defence, immigration agencies, environment and regional organisations, including the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
A key highlight of the programme was the opportunity to meet new colleagues and strengthen relationships with peers who are now regarded as long-term professional partners across the Pacific. Participants brought with them diverse Pacific cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences, which enriched discussions and deepened mutual understanding. Beyond the formal curriculum, the informal engagements both inside and outside the classroom were especially meaningful. Conversations over meals, cultural exchanges, and collaborative activities created trust, openness, and strong interpersonal connections that will continue to support regional cooperation long after the programme concludes.
For Benjamin Maxwell, the set of topics that stood out was the programme’s strong emphasis on diplomatic tradecraft, the practical realities of being posted overseas, and the in-depth learning on the United Nations multilateral system, particularly in relation to Pacific leadership and climate diplomacy. The training provided valuable insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of diplomats, including representation, negotiation, reporting, protocol, and effective engagement with host governments, regional bodies, and international partners. Sessions on multilateral diplomacy strengthened understanding of how Pacific states exercise leadership within the UN system, build coalitions, and advance shared priorities, especially on climate change, ocean governance, and sustainable development. This learning reinforced how Pacific voices, grounded in lived experience and collective advocacy, can shape global climate outcomes. Together, these components highlighted the importance of professionalism, discretion, adaptability, and relationship-building core skills essential for effective diplomacy, particularly for small Pacific administrations operating within complex, resource-constrained, and highly competitive international environments.
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship reflects New Zealand’s commitment to investing in Pacific leadership and strengthening regional partnerships. Participation in the Pacific Diplomacy Training Programme has significantly enhanced the skills, networks, and confidence of the Cook Islands delegation, supporting their continued contribution to effective diplomacy, policy coordination, and regional cooperation across the Pacific.
