Transcript
In 2008, Murray McCully, a long-term MP from Auckland's North Shore, was appointed foreign minister in John Key's new government.
He got off to a controversial start, swinging the axe through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a far-reaching restructure, leading to a revolt and exodus of diplomats - including many Pacific experts.
Part of that restructure involved folding the semi autonomous NZ Aid agency into the ministry, and changing its focus from poverty alleviation to economic development.
Terence Wood, who used to work for NZ Aid and is now at the Canberra-based Development Policy Centre, says Mr McCully's new approach has seen money wasted on unnecessary infrastructure projects, often to the benefit of New Zealand contractors.
He says this is exemplified in what he calls the arrogant decision to upgrade an airport in Munda, Solomon Islands, to international standard.
"That came from a decision that came directly from the minister. It had been a project that the Solomon Islands government itself was looking for funding for, however no one in the aid world was willing to touch it. It didn't look like good value for money and it didn't look like something that would succeed. However, it took the minister's eye and there we are - $20 million."
Mr Wood says some Pacific countries are unlikely to be able to maintain infrastructure projects being carried out with New Zealand aid money.
But the Cook Islands prime minister, Henry Puna, disagrees.
He says the new approach has seen a number of significant projects, including the laying of communications cable, a significant water project on Rarotonga, and converting the formerly fuel-dependent outer islands to renewable energy.
"I was very impressed with McCully's own personal involvement in the project because he made sure that through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that they were very much involved in ensuring that the project was delivered in a timely manner, but also that there was strict accountability to the New Zealand taxpayers."
Henry Puna says while there were disagreements, he found Mr McCully great to work with and developed a close friendship.
But others, including Mr Wood and other former diplomats who spoke off-the-record, say he was arrogant, brash and machiavellian.
After an eight year tenure marked by a thaw in relations with post-coup Fiji, suspending aid to Nauru after the island's chief justice was suspended, and a changing geopolitical environment across the region, Mr McCully is making way for another minister known for his blunt nature.
Gerry Brownlee comes to the role after six years as Christchurch's earthquake recovery minister, where he became a polarising figure in the southern city.
But in announcing the appointment, Prime Minister Bill English said Mr Brownlee understands the demands of foreign affairs, as a result of his prior experience as defence minister.
"Gerry has built up a very significant set of relationships with our partners through his role as defence minister and has a done a very good job of that in a relatively short time, and I in Christchurch he's shown that he has the ability to be blunt when he needs to be, but also diplomatic when he needs to be and very effective."
Henry Puna says he's met Mr Brownlee a couple of times, but is looking forward to building the same kind of relationship he had with Mr McCully.
And if his retiring friend is looking for anywhere to settle, Mr Puna says Mr McCully has been granted honorary Cook Islands citizenship.
