Free education pledge inspires Solomons students in Aotearoa

Solomon Islands students at the University of Waikato say they feel inspired after hearing about their government’s plans to introduce free education for children back home from 2027.

Education Minister Stephen Kumi and his delegation met with students and community members in Hamilton last week during a nationwide study tour aimed at reshaping the Solomon Islands’ schooling system.

Speaking during a tok stori session, Kumi explained that the New Zealand-funded tour is designed to see what works well in Aotearoa so the Solomon Islands can build a stronger, higher-quality education system.

“We came as a study tour; we started in Auckland, went down to Wellington, Rotorua, and later came to Hamilton,” Kumi said.

“We just look and learn what New Zealand does better in education and how it will help us reform our education system.”

The delegation encouraged scholars to work hard, finish their qualifications and return home to help drive national development.

Solomon Islands Minister of Education, Hon. Stephen Kumi, addresses students and community leaders in Hamilton during his nationwide study tour across Aotearoa to examine New Zealand’s education system. Photo/Supplied/Waikato University Solomon Islands Students Association

Aiden Kenilorea, Waikato University Solomon Islands Students Association (WUSISA) President, said the tok stori and direct conversation with government leaders was eye‑opening for the student community.

“For us students, the session reminded us of how important education is, and it encouraged us to bring our knowledge and skills back home to help develop our country,” he told PMN News.

While the meeting did not announce any immediate policy changes for scholars currently studying in New Zealand, Kenilorea said the long-term vision offers hope for future generations.

Watch Stephen Kumi's address to students and community members in Hamilton below.

“Even though there were no specific policies mentioned that would directly benefit Solomon Islands students studying in New Zealand, the delegation highlighted that the long‑term goal is to increase the number of scholars,” Kenilorea said.

Kumi’s visit comes as the Solomon Islands government pushes ahead with major legislative and structural updates.

These include establishing a dedicated Ministry of Higher Education, Skills Development, Research and Innovation (MHESDRI).

During the tour, Kumi met with New Zealand Education Minister Eric Stanford at the Vocational Education and Training Research Forum to discuss tertiary governance, workforce skills, and practical learning pathways.

The high-level delegation, received by High Commissioner Ismael Avui, is also holding key talks with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), and leading vocational providers like Unitec.

Most Solomon Islands students in New Zealand are funded through national government awards alongside the New Zealand-backed Manaaki Scholarships, a partnership leaders hope to expand as reform plans take shape.

Lachlan Eddie, a journalism student at Wintec, is currently completing a six-week internship at PMN News.