U3A Cromwell: A Pacific Neighbour - Vanuatu

U3A Cromwell - A Pacific Neighbour - Vanuatu Leads the Way

Speaker: Kerry Enright

Kerry Enright moved to Alexandra from Dunedin at the end of January this year to be close to family. Mavis and Kerry have three adult children. His iwi is Waikato and waka is Tainui. Kerry practised law in Auckland before studying theology in  Dunedin and USA.  He has been a Presbyterian minister for about four decades, serving in various capacities in New Zealand and Australia. He was most recently minister of Knox Church Dunedin and  retired in 2022. He chairs Otago University’s Human Ethics Committee and is Deputy Chair of Presbyterian Support  Otago. His links with Vanuatu came through a national role in New Zealand and work in Australia.  

The Seasonal Worker Scheme has established a special  relationship between Central Otago and Vanuatu.  Ni-Vanuatu are noticeably present in the community for much of the year. Their country is rich in history, natural beauty and culture. Most who work here speak at least four languages. One of their politicians, Ralph Regenvanu, offers insight into the nation’s aspirations, especially of the young.   Vanuatu has led the way in advocating for climate justice before the UN and the International Court of Justice and  challenging Indonesia about the injustices in Papua. It has tried to withstand the imposition of neo-liberal economic  policies by Australia and New Zealand. As much as anywhere, it has sought to roll back the impact of colonisation. Yet, it is susceptible to devastating natural disasters. Earthquakes are common.   The impact of climate change is evident. Its political system is variable. Although land ownership is prevalent, long-term  leases of coastal land mainly by Australians, especially on the main island of Efate, has resulted in land alienation. In many ways, Vanuatu embodies the amazing beauty, deep hope and great challenges of Pacific nations. Those who come from Vanuatu into Central Otago carry this with them.