Humanitarian warehouses to be built in 14 Pacific Islands

New Zealand and Australia are partnering up to invest a combined NZ$47.5million to establish humanitarian warehouses with partners across the Pacific.

Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters says the Pacific is exposed to a wide range of natural hazards and other risks such as cyclones, tsunamis and disease.

“This initiative places Pacific countries at the centre of responses. It will give countries access to humanitarian relief supplies within 48 hours of a disaster to help meet immediate needs following an emergency.”

New Zealand and Australia will invest a combined NZ$47.5million, working alongside other partners such as the United States, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The initiative will see warehouses built in 14 Pacific Islands countries and Timor-Leste.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong along with Peters is currently in Fiji attending the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Wongs reaffirms Australia's partnership with New Zealand to address shared challenges.

“The Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program is an excellent Pacific led initiative, and Australia and New Zealand are proud to back it to help ensure there is easily accessible support and supplies on the ground for communities when disaster strikes.”

Peters is currently on the first leg of his fourth Pacific Mission to Fiji, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and Palau, the first by a New Zealand government official.

The cross-party delegation arrived in Nadi this morning and will be departing for the Marshall Islands on Sunday.

'Alakihihifo Vailala is currently travelling with the Foreign Minister's North Pacific trip delegation.