MFAT finally listen to TDB

FINALLY!

New Zealand embraces sports diplomacy to boost global influence

One of New Zealand’s most prominent sports-business figures has been named in a new role to leverage the country’s sporting success on a global scale.

Former Black Sticks captain and Sport New Zealand CEO Peter Miskimmin is working as New Zealand’s sports diplomacy manager, a role that will try and capitalise on the country’s sporting prominence to build global connections.

The role aims to use New Zealand’s sporting assets to achieve various governmental objectives, be they political, economic or social.

He will work with agencies that include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, New Zealand Story, Education New Zealand, and Sport New Zealand, answering to the latter and its CEO Raelene Castle.

TDB has been arguing for a very long time that if we wish to counter Chinese influence in the Pacific we should lean into our strengths.

Ruby Diplomacy is one idea we have promoted, China might build the stadium, but it will be NZ and Pacific Nations playing together in that stadium.

I’ve also gone on and on and on about how NZ should champion journalism and the structures and values of journalism and spread that to the Pacific through the very excellent AUT Pacific media Centre.

Journalism that challenges the powerful is a value NZ should lean into and promote throughout the Pacific (but it would require NZ giving a fuck about Journalism in our own home country as well).

Well done MFAT for picking up one of TDBs ideas. Now pick up the Journalism idea as well.