Navigating Success: Review of MFAT's Maritime Sector Investments in the Pacific
Reviewing three MFAT maritime-safety investments delivered over a decade across seven Pacific countries and territories.
The challenge
In 2021 the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) embarked on a comprehensive review of its portfolio of investments in the maritime safety sector across the Pacific Islands. This initiative aimed to ensure alignment with international development objectives and enhance maritime safety across the region.
What we did
- Kirsty Burnett led a team to evaluate three projects worth NZD40 million, implemented over a decade across seven Pacific Island countries and territories. The review sought to address key questions and provide actionable recommendations for future investments.
How we worked
Kirsty gathered a diverse group of subject matter experts and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) specialists. They conducted remote interviews with key stakeholders including MFAT officials, implementing partners, government agencies, and community groups, focusing on tailored review questions. The team's existing relationships in the region helped bridge communication gaps due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.