NZ strengthens Pacific connection ahead of key leaders’ visit

The Government has announced that New Zealand will host key Pacific leaders next week, including the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Ulu o Tokelau.

Deputy Prime Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters reaffirms New Zealand’s commitment to the region: "New Zealand is a Pacific country, and regular face-to-face dialogue is a crucial underpinning for our relationships throughout our region.”

The leaders include Baron Waqa, the Forum secretary-general, Ulu o Tokelau, Esera Tuisano, and Tuvalu’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Panapasi Nelesone.

The visit marks Tuisano’s first official trip to Aotearoa, ahead of the centenary celebrations of Tokelau’s constitutional relationship with New Zealand next year.

The Ulu o Tokelau is the Head of Government, a role equivalent to that of a Prime Minister.

Tuisano assumed the role of Ulu o Tokelau earlier this year after serving as a member of the General Fono as a representative from Fakaofo and becoming the Faipule in 2020.

“New Zealand and Tokelau have enjoyed close ties for nearly a century. We are united by our shared New Zealand citizenship and mutual obligations and responsibilities,” Peters says.

Last year, the former Ulu o Tokelau, Alapite Tavita, informed PMN News that a special committee had been formed to decide whether a self-governance referendum would be held in 2026.

Tokelau, made up of three atolls located 500km north of Sāmoa, has been a New Zealand territory since 1925.

Ulu o Tokelau Esera Tuisano (third from left) at his inaugaration earlier this year. Photo/Government of Tokelau Facebook

The last referendum for Tokelau took place in 2007, with 64 per cent of voters in favour of self-determination, falling short of the 66 per cent threshold needed for a two-thirds majority.

Peters is also set to meet with Nelesone to reaffirm New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Tuvalu’s development priorities, including resilience against climate change.

Peters led a ministerial delegation to Funafuti, Tuvalu, in May last year, where he visited climate adaptation projects, including a coastal adaptive initiative aimed at reclaiming land, marking it as the island’s highest point at 5.8 metres above sea level.

PIF Secetary General Baron Waqa. Photo/PIF Facebook

According to NASA, sea levels in Tuvalu have risen almost six inches over the past 30 years and are expected to double by 2100.

While in New Zealand, Waqa will engage with several senior ministers, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, and various MPs from across Parliament.

“Secretary-General Waqa’s visit will be an opportunity to discuss the Forum’s work on regional priorities, including health, education, security, and the environment,” Peters says.

Tuvalu Deputy PM Panapasi Nelesone. Photo/Government of Tuvalu Facebook

Peters has visited all but one of the 18-member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum.

New Zealand will also host the Council of the University of the South Pacific in Auckland from 19-21 May.

The meeting brings together 12 Pacific countries to guide the direction of the leading tertiary provider in the Pacific.