Dame Susan Devoy

France have two each. For 15 years our rugby union has led every motion to give Pacific rugby nations economic benefits but we do not have a majority vote. New Zealanders need to realise this.

Whether or not the All Blacks and other international sides should play in Samoa is not the issue: working out how to get them there is. Would a one-off test in Apia be best? Or would Samoa’s entry to the Rugby Championship be more sustainable, with a mix of home games in Auckland and the islands. What support could the Ministry of Culture and Heritage come up with? Can John Campbell and TV3 come up with a broadcasting deal to match their awesome #ABstoSamoa campaign? In the short term, New Zealand should do everything possible to find a way to play in Apia. This is a real opportunity to do the right thing, pull our sleeves up and come up with a solution. Sometimes we take for granted those things that deserve our gratitude: this is one of those times. In the long term, international rugby needs to give Pacific rugby nations a place at the table and the respect they not only deserve, but have totally earned.

Race relations isn’t all about enforcing laws and international conventions: at its heart, race relations is about giving others a fair go and treating them with respect. Not because you have to, but because it’s the right thing to do. We need to have the courage to act with mana now, so in years to come we don’t look back with regret.