AUCKLAND (Pacific Scoop/Pacific Media Watch): Following the Post-Forum Dialogue today, Prime Minister John Key said he was concerned that larger donor countries should coordinate so that they did not “swamp” under-resourced countries with multiple and complex donations.
But he also made it clear he hoped Tonga would be swamped by anything but donations tonight at Auckland’s Eden Park.
Asked whether he had adopted a second team to favour during the Rugby World Cup opening, he said: “Yes – Tonga, because I want them to come second tonight.”
He also told the media he hoped Australia would finish “second, third or fourth.”
When his statement was put to Lord Tu’ivakano, Tongan Prime Minister responded in kind.
“Well, let’s let tonight decide about that,” he said.
He then added: “Tonga and New Zealand have a close relationship and we’d like to keep that, thank you.”
Gallant efforts
The Tongan leader was hopeful his country could repeat its gallant efforts at the last World Cup.
“In 2007, when Tonga almost beat South Africa, they believed that anything can happen. So, perhaps their ancestors have come back to lead them,” he said.
“It is going to be a very good game.”
Even vice-president Jim Adams of the World Bank piped in with: “The World Bank is rooting for Tonga this evening.”
Key said New Zealand “Had done everything it can” to ensure World Cup event was a success and that those who were sceptical over the plans for “Party Central” to be based at Queens Wharf “will eat their words”.
As thousands of fans head into the city towards Queens Wharf, it was clear the time for scepticism is over, and the festivities have begun.
The events and discussions around the Pacific Islands Forum will take days and weeks to digest, but the dominating atmosphere will be the international flavour of the tournament that stretches wider than the Pacific.
And if recent rugby results are anything to go by, Pacific nations have another chance to sit prominently at the top table.
While some leaders have already departed for home, such as Prime Minister Gillard from Australia, and Peter O’Neil from Papua New Guinea, others are staying on to join Key for the opening ceremony and tonight’s game.
When Key was asked whether the Rugby World Cup had overshadowed the Pacific Islands Forum, he dismissed the suggestion.
He said both events had been great for New Zealand.
“See you at Eden Park,” he added.
* The All Blacks beat Tonga 41-10 tonight after the Pacific team played a spirited second half.
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Alex Perrottet
