An Analysis of the Eke–Peters Joint Press Conference in Nuku’alofa
“Two Leaders, One Stage — But Only One in Command”
When New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters and Tonga’s Prime Minister Hon Dr ‘Aisake Eke took the stage together for their joint press conference at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Residence, expectations were high.
This was a significant moment — an opportunity to highlight a maturing regional partnership, celebrate New Zealand’s visa reforms for Pacific Islanders, and project unity in the face of rising geopolitical interest in the region.
But what unfolded was a study in contrast: one leader in control, confident and charismatic; the other hesitant, disengaged, and unsure of his footing.
Body Language and Presence: Confidence vs. Caution
Rt Hon Winston Peters delivered his remarks with the fluency of a seasoned diplomat. Speaking without notes, he used humour, historical anecdotes, and policy clarity to engage both media and officials alike. His body language was relaxed, even jovial at times, but always measured — the hallmark of someone who has led countless press briefings and who understands Pacific sensitivities.
Dr Eke, on the other hand, relied heavily on a written speech. He read it word-for-word with minimal eye contact and appeared visibly nervous, especially when questions required him to go off script. While this may be understandable for a newly appointed leader, the gap between the two men was stark — not just in delivery, but in preparedness and presence.
Who Controlled the Narrative?
Despite the event being held in Tonga, the narrative was dominated by New Zealand. Peters was not only confident in delivering his government’s policy — particularly the new multi-entry two-year visa scheme for Pacific nationals — but also in fielding wide-ranging questions about Pacific security, trade tensions, immigration, and regional diplomacy. He deftly balanced frankness with diplomacy, even injecting light-hearted stories to make his points more accessible.
Eke’s silence on key issues was more than a missed opportunity — it created an uncomfortable vacuum. When Peters made the visa announcement, it was a moment for Tonga to express appreciation, share how this would benefit families, churches, and businesses, and tie it into a larger vision for people-to-people relations. Yet Eke offered no comment, no supportive statement, no reinforcement. It was as if he wasn’t prepared for the announcement.
Regional Role: The Chair That Didn’t Chair
As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Tonga has a critical leadership role in the region. But when questioned about his engagement with other PIF leaders — particularly Cook Islands and Kiribati — Eke fumbled. He struggled to clearly articulate his actions and timelines as Forum Chair and gave vague, repetitive answers.
When asked directly whether the upcoming Troika meeting would be the first he had chaired since taking office, his response was defensive, circling back to generalities instead of offering a confident account of leadership. This left observers questioning how actively Tonga was playing its regional role and whether it was engaging behind the scenes at a time when Pacific unity is under serious external pressure.
A Telling Exchange: The Missing Follow-Through
Perhaps the most illustrative moment came when Peters was asked about how New Zealand distinguishes its Pacific engagement from other foreign players. He responded thoughtfully — discussing shared values, democracy, and the importance of not leaving vacuums in the region.
Instead of picking up on this theme and elaborating on Tonga’s regional approach, Prime Minister Eke remained silent. This was a missed opportunity to affirm Tonga’s values, signal its leadership as PIF Chair, and show solidarity with New Zealand’s view of a Pacific-first strategy.
Diplomatic Imbalance: Who Looked Like the Regional Leader?
One walked away from the press conference with the distinct impression that Peters, though a visitor, was the more natural regional statesman. He embodied leadership, spoke with conviction, and offered clarity on New Zealand’s positions. Eke, by comparison, seemed uncomfortable in the role of statesman. Even when asked about the Pacific Resilience Facility — a major regional development — his comments lacked conviction and clarity, despite being a historic achievement under Tonga’s Forum Chairmanship.
This imbalance of tone and authority, in such a public setting, risks undermining Tonga’s credibility at a critical time for the region.
Tone, Trust, and the Stakes Ahead
Press conferences are not just about reading statements — they are moments to communicate leadership, build public confidence, and demonstrate readiness to lead. Eke’s subdued performance may reflect the natural challenges of stepping into a high-pressure regional role with limited preparation. Not only is he new to the role of Prime Minister and statesman, but this was also his first time hosting a seasoned political operator like Winston Peters — a man with decades of experience navigating Pacific diplomacy and media scrutiny. That kind of dynamic can be intimidating even for more established leaders.
However, the moment demanded more. Eke’s hesitancy raised real questions about Tonga’s ability to assert its interests on the international stage, especially at a time when regional leadership is under increasing scrutiny.
Final Thought
Leadership is about more than titles — it’s about stepping up when the spotlight is on. Tonga had a chance to project strength, clarity, and gratitude in a moment that was as much theirs as New Zealand’s. Instead, it allowed the visitor to take centre stage unchallenged.
The lesson is clear: in diplomacy, silence speaks volumes. Tonga must learn to own its voice — or risk being spoken for.
By Melino Maka | Tonga Independent News | 11 April 2025
