Articles tagged with Pacific
Showing 15 of 80 articles
New Pasifika Youth Programme Empowers Skills, Careers, and Culture in NZ
04 Sep 2026 | 4 days ago | 129 viewsThe New Zealand Government, in partnership with Creative New Zealand, is investing $250,000 to support the Pasifika Youth Producers Programme, which offers 32 Pasifika youth practical skills, career exploration, and employment pathways through paid placements and leadership workshops. The 16-week programme targets two age groups, providing hands-on experience in event production, digital media, and other fields while fostering cultural connection and community engagement. This initiative aims to empower Pasifika youth, a fast-growing population, to develop skills, engage in education, and contribute to New Zealand’s workforce and economy.
Tags: James Meager Paul Goldsmith Pasifika youth Pasifika Festivals Aotearoa Pasifika Youth Producers Programme Creative New Zealand New Zealand government youth employment Pacific communities youth leadershipNew Zealand Joins Pacific Islands Forum Troika, Leading Regional Progress to 2027
03 Sep 2026 | 5 days ago | 120 viewsNew Zealand has joined the Pacific Islands Forum Troika, taking on an expanded leadership role and preparing to host the Forum in Auckland in 2027. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters emphasized New Zealand’s commitment to advancing Pacific priorities such as economic prosperity, regional security, and resilience through close collaboration with Pacific partners. Additionally, New Zealand is strengthening regional ties, exemplified by the resumption of direct flights between Papua New Guinea and Auckland after 26 years, reflecting closer bilateral relations.
Tags: New Zealand Christopher Luxon Winston Peters Pacific Islands Forum Palau Solomon Islands Papua New Guinea James Marape Auckland Pacific regionUS Commits $60M to Support Pacific Energy Crisis Amid Global Challenges
02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 121 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters welcomed the US decision to provide $60 million in energy support to the Pacific, addressing budget shortfalls caused by the global energy crisis. The Pacific Islands Forum and partners like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank have been actively working to help Pacific nations manage fuel dependency and price shocks. New Zealand’s development program focuses on boosting economic and energy resilience by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region.
Tags: Winston Peters Christopher Landau United States Pacific Islands Forum New Zealand Australia Japan World Bank Asian Development Bank Pacific IslandsUS Commits $60M to Support Pacific Energy Amid Global Crisis, Says Winston Peters
02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 122 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters welcomed the United States' decision to provide US$60 million in energy support to the Pacific, addressing budget shortfalls caused by the global energy crisis. The Pacific Islands Forum and partners like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank have been collaborating to help Pacific Island countries manage fuel dependency and price shocks. New Zealand’s development program focuses on enhancing economic and energy resilience through renewable energy and improved efficiency to reduce reliance on imported fuels.
Tags: Winston Peters Christopher Landau United States Pacific Islands Forum New Zealand Australia Japan World Bank Asian Development Bank Pacific IslandsUS, New Zealand, and Cook Islands Partner for Major Penrhyn Port Upgrade
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 144 viewsThe United States, Cook Islands, and New Zealand have announced a partnership to upgrade the port on Penrhyn island, with the US and New Zealand co-funding the project totaling approximately $60 million USD. This initiative aims to enhance safety, transport links, and economic opportunities for the northern Cook Islands and reflects strong regional cooperation and historic ties. The project will be implemented by New Zealand in close coordination with the Cook Islands and the US, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development for the island's connectivity and prosperity.
Tags: Mark Brown Winston Peters Christopher Landau Cook Islands New Zealand United States Penrhyn Tongareva Pacific Islands Forum CongressNew Zealand and Pacific Leaders Unite in Historic Realm Meeting in Auckland
28 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 165 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon met with the leaders of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau in Auckland for the first-ever Realm of New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting to discuss regional priorities and the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. Luxon emphasized the deep historical, cultural, and constitutional ties that bind these nations as part of the Realm of New Zealand. He also acknowledged Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi for initiating and co-hosting the meeting, highlighting the unique but connected relationships within the Realm partnership.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Dalton Tagelagi Mark Brown Alapati Tavite Cook Islands Niue Tokelau Realm of New Zealand Pacific Islands Forum AucklandNew Zealand’s Food Safety Minister Leads APEC Efforts on Regional Food Security
23 Aug 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 260 viewsFood Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard is representing New Zealand at the 11th APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting in China, which focuses on regional cooperation to address food security challenges and promote sustainable, resilient food systems. The forum brings together 21 member economies to share policies, enhance trade, and collaborate on innovation, climate resilience, and supply chain stability. New Zealand emphasizes its commitment to open trade and access to safe, nutritious food while engaging in bilateral meetings with business stakeholders during the visit.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister New Zealand APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting Asia Pacific food security sustainable agriculture economic cooperation tradeGovernment and Partners Invest $700K to Empower Auckland Youth Through Polyfest Program
14 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 289 viewsThe Government, alongside Rangitāmiro Limited and One Foundation Limited, is investing $700,000 to support The Polyfest Trust's three-month leadership and mentoring programme for over 350 Auckland youth aged 12 to 24. The initiative, integrated with the ASB Polyfest Māori stage, aims to develop participants' leadership, goal-setting, and decision-making skills while preparing them for future education, training, and employment opportunities. Emphasizing culture and community, the programme fosters confidence, identity, and long-term success through personalised mentorship and engagement plans.
Tags: Polyfest Trust James Meager Youth Development Partnership Rangitāmiro Limited One Foundation Limited ASB Polyfest Youth Minister Kapa Haka Nationals International Youth Day Pacific cultural festivalsNew Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters to Attend Pacific Islands Forum Meeting in Fiji
05 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 269 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters will attend the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Fiji on 7 August to discuss recent global impacts on the region and plan a common course for the Pacific. The meeting prepares for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in September, with New Zealand hosting the Forum next year to advance the Blue Pacific priorities and regional cooperation. While in Suva, Mr Peters will also engage in bilateral discussions with Pacific counterparts before returning to New Zealand on 7 August.
Tags: Winston Peters Pacific Islands Forum Fiji New Zealand Pacific Suva Palau Blue Pacific Foreign Ministers Meeting regional cooperationEmpowering Pacific Women Parliamentarians to Strengthen Regional Cooperation
28 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 339 viewsThe speech emphasizes New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Pacific parliamentary cooperation, democratic governance, and regional collaboration through face-to-face dialogue and shared values. It highlights the critical and challenging role of elected representatives, particularly women, in addressing regional issues like security and development, while encouraging increased female participation in politics. Finally, it underscores the significance of the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and New Zealand’s role in chairing it, calling for inclusive input to advance shared Pacific priorities.
Tags: New Zealand Pacific Islands Forum Wellington Pacific cooperation women parliamentarians Pacific leaders Palau parliamentary cooperation regionalism democratic governanceNew Zealand Modernises RSE Scheme to Simplify and Protect Seasonal Workers
28 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 357 viewsThe Government is modernising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to simplify its use, enhance worker protections, and maintain opportunities for New Zealanders and Pacific workers. Key reforms include a graduated accreditation system for employers, clearer rules on recoverable costs, improved flexibility for worker movement between employers, and updated accommodation and pastoral care standards. These staged changes, starting in 2027, aim to sustain the scheme’s success in supporting New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors while strengthening partnerships with Pacific communities.
Tags: Erica Stanford Recognised Seasonal Employer RSE scheme New Zealand Pacific workers horticulture viticulture immigration pastoral care accommodation standardsNew Zealand and Papua New Guinea Strengthen Defence Cooperation 2026-2029
22 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 461 viewsNew Zealand and Papua New Guinea have signed the Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation 2026-2029 to enhance collaboration through increased defence dialogue, training, exercises, and personnel exchanges. This agreement builds on their existing partnership and reflects a shared commitment to addressing regional security challenges and strengthening economic ties. Additionally, New Zealand is actively supporting Pacific regional cooperation by promoting digital transformation and cybersecurity, highlighted by Defence Minister Chris Penk’s participation in the Pacific Islands Forum ICT Ministers Meeting.
Tags: Chris Penk Elias Kapavore New Zealand Papua New Guinea Pacific Islands Forum Defence Minister ICT Ministers Pacific region Defence Cooperation Statement of IntentNew Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters Meets Pacific Leaders in Auckland
15 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 417 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters will meet with Pacific leaders from Niue, Fiji, and Samoa in Auckland to strengthen regional connections amid uncertain geostrategic times. This includes his first in-person meeting with Niue’s Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi since May and discussions with Fiji’s Foreign Minister Sakiasi Ditoka and Samoa’s Minister Afioga Fata Ryan Schuster. The meetings aim to reinforce New Zealand’s strong relationships with these nations, focusing on mutual benefits, trade, and investment partnerships.
Tags: Winston Peters Dalton Tagelagi Sakiasi Ditoka Afioga Fata Ryan Schuster Todd McClay Niue Fiji Samoa New Zealand Pacific leadersNew Zealand to Explore Joining Ocean of Peace Alliance with Australia and Fiji
09 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 513 viewsNew Zealand plans to engage with Australia and Fiji about potentially joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance, a mutual defense treaty aimed at enhancing regional security. The alliance builds on existing strong military and diplomatic relationships among the three nations and supports Pacific-led responses to security challenges. Final membership decisions will be made by New Zealand’s Cabinet and Parliament after consultations.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Winston Peters Chris Penk New Zealand Australia Fiji Ocean of Peace Alliance Pacific States military alliance CabinetNew Zealand Tertiary Education Sees 8% Growth in Qualification Completions in 2025
07 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 494 viewsNew Zealand's tertiary education sector saw an 8% increase in qualification completions in 2025, with domestic completions rising 5.9% and international completions up 22%. Improved student retention and higher completion rates were noted among women, full-time students, Māori, Pacific, and Asian students, with private training establishments showing the largest domestic growth. The overall data reflects greater student engagement and progression to higher-level qualifications, supporting workforce skill development and economic growth.
Tags: Penny Simmonds New Zealand Ministry of Education Education Counts Māori Pacific students Asian students private training establishments tertiary education student retention