Other donors

A coordinated approach with other donor governments ensures that development efforts complement each other for the benefit of developing countries.

In 2005 the Paris Declaration(PDF 316KB) outlined a set of principles for making aid effective, one of which was harmonisation: that donors, including governments and organisations, should aim to coordinate their efforts, simplify procedures and share information.

The Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination, agreed in 2009 at the Pacific Islands Forum, is our own regional interpretation of this international commitment. The Pacific Islands Forum is the key regional body for leaders to discuss the political, economic, and development issues facing the region. It is itself an important way that New Zealand works with other donors, and New Zealand hosted the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum [PDF 127kb] from 6–9 September 2011.

An example of the Cairns Compact in practice is underway in Samoa, where New Zealand is contributing alongside Australia and the World Bank to the Education Sector Project, which is supporting the Government of Samoa to improve its education curriculum, assessment procedures, learning materials, and teaching practices; and provide equitable access to education.

New Zealand and Australia’s close relationship as donor governments in the Pacific can also be seen in the Cook Islands. Australia’s development assistance is delivered by New Zealand through a delegated cooperation programme agreed between the governments of the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Australia.

As well as Australia, New Zealand interacts and coordinates with other key donors, including organisations such as the European Union, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank. Annual donor meetings are held on development cooperation and collaboration in the Pacific, and cooperation is occurring on projects and programmes at both country and regional levels.