MFAT vs DFAT

I did enjoy the comparison of mission statements between NZ’s MFAT and Australia’s DFAT in Fran O’Sullivan’s latest column.

MFAT:

“to recognise and understand international trends, opportunities and risks that affect New Zealand, and to offer the Government advice on how to protect and advance our well-being … so it contributes to the Government’s overall objective of transforming New Zealand into a dynamic, knowledge-based economy and society, under-pinned by the values of fairness, opportunity and security for all.”

DFAT:

“to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally”

No marks for guessing which one I prefer.

Oh and talking of Fran, she has commented on Jordan’s blog after Jordan attacked her for suggesting a lack of moral fibre in Labour over Taito Field. She is unimpressed with Jordan’s suggestion that everyone wanted him gone but it wasn’t in Labour’s interests to say so publicly.