Chile's ambassador to New Zealand, Manahi Pakarati, faces backlash after sharing a social media post promoting self-determination for Rapa Nui. The Foreign Ministry reprimanded her, and she removed the post, acknowledging her mistake. Yet, lawmakers from both opposition and ruling coalition demand her removal.
On December 24, 2024, Chile's ambassador to New Zealand, Manahi Pakarati of Rapa Nui descent, shared a social media photo featuring the slogan “Libre determinación para la nación Rapa Nui” and its English version “Self-determination for Rapa Nui”. The post immediately sparked controversy, as it contradicts Chile's foreign policy, which rejects territorial autonomies in favor of cultural recognition for indigenous peoples.
The Foreign Ministry learned of it the same day and reprimanded Pakarati, who apologized, acknowledged her error, and removed the image. Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde confirmed that “the ambassador was already reprimanded by the Foreign Ministry and she herself recognized her error, withdrawing the images”. He added that the ministry has internal protocols for such cases, underscoring the pillars of Chilean foreign policy.
Despite this, the controversy lingers. Opposition lawmakers demand her removal, joined by ruling coalition voices. Senator Paulina Vodanovic, PS president, stated: “It is not compatible to be an ambassador of a country and have a position so distant from that country's foreign policy”. PPD Senator Jaime Quintana questioned: “It is evident that some officials of this government never learned”. PPD Deputy Raúl Soto called it “absolutely inadmissible and irresponsible”.
The case worsens due to a September 2024 interview on a New Zealand radio, where Pakarati said: “Now we have to work on how to achieve our self-government, because we need self-government on my island”. Appointed ambassador on March 18, 2024, by President Gabriel Boric, she has 27 years of diplomatic experience, including postings in New Zealand, the UN, and Mexico.
The Chamber of Deputies' Foreign Relations Committee plans to summon Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren to explain, which Elizalde confirmed as an obligation if it proceeds.
