Malia Tua’i Manuleleua: Lost in the Process?

A belief and total commitment to an idea is commendable. Ideas have driven individuals against all odds to make the impossible, possible, and challenge the unchallenged. It is that type of thinking translated into actions that we respect -when people veer away from the well trodden track and navigate other pathways less travelled to achieving progress and self determination.

So when a small company like Pacific Economic Development Agency (PEDA) “think outside of the box” and submit a successful project proposal to government to improve economic development of Pacific youth-one would think that it would be a cause for celebration, at least for a good 5 minutes. Not so, the condemnation and uproar from the community has been fast and furious - at times, more slanderous than factual and quickly denouncing PEDA for the lack of going through a “tender process”

There are valid questions and of course deserve answers which should have been directed to the government not PEDA, right from the start.

The debate has not been helped however with certain quarters of the community fuelling the furore based on a cocktail of innuendo, assumptions and conspiracy theories.

So what process did PEDA follow anyway? According to PEDA they simply pursued their own process -all legitimate and legal. And yes, they lobbied anyone and everyone who would listen and support their cause- No big deal I would think. Others definitely had the opportunity to do the same but did not.

Does the absence of a traditional tender process deeply entrenched in some mind-sets give justification to reject the validity of other ways/processes? Does it justify belittling and minimising initiative, proactiveness and a genuine desire to make a difference for Pacific people and in turn the development of this country as a whole? And what real evidence is there to suggest that PEDA’s intent is anything but honourable?

All in all, systems and processes are but mere guidelines to assist decision making and are not a rule of law. Individuals and groups are at liberty to propose new ideas/initiatives as long as they meet broad overarching policies and principles of the government of the day, such as the PEDA initiative.

The government obviously saw merit in PEDAs case and a lot is riding on PEDA to deliver. As John Key said in no uncertain terms 3 weeks ago, funding will be cut if they do not perform. PEDA will no doubt be working on the deliverables so that they put out what they promised and more important economic development of our youth, our communities is achieved. $4.8 million doesn’t seem enough- however it is a start.

If anything, PEDA has definitely demonstrated that if you believe in an idea, you need to pursue it vigorously and be more proactive in requesting government for direct assistance rather than taking a backseat. As PEDA have reiterated, “If you have a good idea, put your hand up and go for it -why wait for central govt, councils or other organisations to lead us? We can show leadership as well.”

And finally, in our haste to find the truth, half-truths, below-the-belt-comments have no place in a mature, adult debate. Stick to the issue (s) and allow the evidence and the facts to speak to us... That way, we may avoid getting lost in the “process.”

ENDS

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