Peters welcomes new Solomons PM as New Zealand looks set to strengthen Pacific ties

New Zealand is moving quickly to strengthen ties with Solomon Islands' new government following the election of Prime Minister Matthew Wale.

Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters says Wale's visit is an important opportunity to strengthen Pacific partnerships.

Wale is in New Zealand for high-level talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Peters, just weeks after becoming the Solomon Islands' new leader.

The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing cooperation on development, climate resilience and regional priorities.

Earlier on Monday, Wale and Peters held a working breakfast in Auckland where they discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and shared Pacific priorities ahead of the Solomon Islands leader's meeting with Luxon.

Wale has also signalled a strong focus on accountability since taking office.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale and members of the Solomon Islands delegation during meetings in Auckland focused on strengthening bilateral ties and Pacific partnerships. Photo/Facebook/New Zealand High Commission - Honiara, Solomon Islands

Speaking to the Solomon Islands community in Auckland on Sunday, he warned that public officials suspected of corruption would be removed and said his government was committed to rebuilding trust in public institutions.

Speaking with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Peters said Wale's visit sends an important signal about the relationship between the two countries.

"The Solomon Islands are a key player in the Pacific Islands Forum."

Members of Auckland's Solomon Islands community gather to welcome Prime Minister Matthew Wale during his visit to New Zealand. The event provided an opportunity for community members to hear directly from the country's new leader. Photo/Facebook/PMN Solomons

He said strong relationships remained key as Pacific countries navigate economic pressures, climate challenges, and regional security concerns.

"One thing that does help is face-to-face meetings in the Pacific," Peters said. "They're essential."

Wale’s visit follows a trip to Australia and comes as Solomon Islands continues to review aspects of its security arrangements with China.

Peters was cautious about drawing conclusions from the development. "We don't know about how significant that will be until we find out what was in it."

Rather than focusing on geopolitical competition, Peters said New Zealand's priority is building practical partnerships that deliver results for Pacific communities.

"We are out to reinforce our desire for a better, more sound relationship in the nature of the Pacific or Blue Continent itself."

Watch Winston Peters' full interview below.

Peters said New Zealand is also looking beyond its traditional partners to secure more international support for Pacific development and climate resilience projects.

"We're going to go out, and we already are, and find international assistance to help us with the, above all, resilience in the Pacific."

He said a key message delivered to Wale was that New Zealand sees Pacific nations as equals, regardless of their size.

"We expect big countries to treat us as equals. And that's the reason why we treat small countries as equals as well."

Prime Minister Matthew Wale speaks with members of the Solomon Islands community in Auckland during a gathering where he outlined his government's priorities and commitment to accountability. Photo/Facebook/PMN Solomons

Peters said that approach would continue to guide New Zealand's engagement with Solomon Islands and the wider region.

"Our job is to make sure everybody's on the same page, big or small, to make it work."

Prime Minister Matthew Wale and his delegation are due to return home on Wednesday.