A small Delegation from NIPD travelled to the PIPSA Conference and jointly presented with Cook Islands and Aotearoa on the subject of Postcolonial Relationships as seen from the Islands. The presentation relates to a larger global body of work that NIPD are directly involved in - led by four international universities - that brings together more than 40 island communities – organised into seven realms - where decolonisation is not yet complete. The work will be published in a book that will share island communities’ experiences for the benefit of all and expand the global network among people living on islands that retain in one way or another, a bond with their former colonial metropole, either as a non-sovereign island territory or in free association.
The conference was opened by Hon Winston Peters, NZ Deputy Prime Minister. It was an honour to provide the minister with the NIPD Historical Timeline and Self-Government in Free Association policy for Norfolk Island. Winston's speech ignited much discourse over the following days of conference presentations, particularly his words on foreign policy, Cook Islands and Kiribati. The conference included 4 plenary sessions, 20 presentations and 4 round-table discussions, as well as 3 evening receptions! It was not possible for our small group to attend everything but highlights for us were:
• Navigating the Currents of Change: The Pacific in an Era of Geopolitical Fluidity
• Changing Geopolitics in Oceania
• Colonisation/ Decolonisation
• A Securitising Bargain: AUKUS, NZ and Pacific-led Regional Security
• Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Colonialism
• Coloniality, Agency and Governance in Oceania: Perspectives on Independence and Constitution-Making
• Navigation Culture: Comparative Perspectives and Practical Challenges
• Political Instability in the Pacific – special mention of Norfolk Island by Tonga
• Diplomacy and Foreign Power – special mention of the presentation A Relative Relationship with Geographic Relatives: Why Australia needs a Colonised Sea of Islands for its Ontological Security
• Environment, Conservation and Disaster Management
Important connections have been made with academics and Pacific Island dignitaries to support NIPDs determined progress for an honourable deal for Norfolk Island with Australia. It was great to meet up again with Lorenz Gonschor (University of the South Pacific), and Gerard Prinsen (Massey University) both astute powerhouses of knowledge, and genuine friends of Norfolk Island.
NIPD also spoke with Don Wiseman of Regional NZ about our visit and work which was broadcast in Pacific News last week. It was great to talk about giving Norfolk's voice and efforts much greater Pacific outreach.
We are confident of new opportunity ahead of us and humbled by the interest and respect shown to Norfolk Island. Certainly, we are not alone in our struggle for justice. There are many pathways to strengthening our autonomy and shaping a future on our terms. It was inspiring to listen to shared experiences and knowledge from leaders and academics in the field of Pacific governance.
Needless to say, we have a lot to do now to follow up on invitations and suggestions. As we unpack this information, we will bring more detail to the community, but for now we share gratitude and hope for new support in interesting ways from Aotearoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Germany. We will now update our Self-Government in Free Association for Norfolk Island policy solution to reflect new insights gained in Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington) and strengthen our focus to assert our voice and authority over our future.
Ric Robinson
President
25/02/2025
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