NZ, PNG celebrate 50 years of diplomacy with renewed partnership

New Zealand and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have strengthened their longstanding relationship by signing a refreshed Statement of Partnership.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his PNG counterpart James Marape met on Tuesday evening for a high-level bilateral meeting in Wellington.

The renewed agreement outlines a joint vision for deepening cooperation in trade, investment, education, security, climate change, and public sector reform.

Both countries are preparing to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations in September 2025.

“New Zealand deeply values our friendship with Papua New Guinea, a crucial partner in the Pacific,” Luxon says.

“We look forward to continuing to work alongside Papua New Guinea on issues facing the Pacific region, including climate change and upholding Pacific Islands Forum unity.”

Marape, on a visit to New Zealand since being re-elected in 2022, says the agreement “instils a new desire to achieve practical and meaningful outcomes” for both nations.

He says a two-way approach will deepen ties in agriculture, fisheries, and regional security.

“This visit reflects our two nations’ shared domestic priorities on economic growth, attracting foreign direct investment, strengthening engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and improving the efficiency of our respective public services,” Marape says.

The Prime Ministers discussed opportunities to grow the trade and economic relationship, reaffirmed our close security and defence ties, and exchanged perspectives on current regional issues and challenges. Photo/PM Christopher Luxon Facebook

“New Zealand has a thriving horticulture sector, which opens up to Papua New Guineans under the RSE scheme. New Zealand has also opened its scholarships to our students here in PNG.”

During their meeting, Luxon announced a $1 million investment in institutional linkages, including disaster preparedness and governance of state-owned enterprises, in response to PNG’s aspirations to strengthen its public sector institutions.

The updated agreement builds on an earlier Statement of Partnership, signed in 2021 by Marape under the former New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.

Marape’s visit this week includes meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters and a courtesy call with Labour leader Chris Hipkins.

Winston Peters and James Marape during the NZ Deputy Prime Minister's visit to Port Moresby last year. Photo/Supplied

The PNG delegation, which includes Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko, Trade Minister Richard Maru, and other Cabinet members, will participate in business and community events across Wellington, Blenheim, Hamilton, and Auckland before departing on 28 March.

Last May, Peters led a political delegation to PNG that focussed on health, infrastructure, and renewable energy.

During the visit, Peters announced a $9 million contribution to peace-building activities in the PNG Highlands and a commitment of $17m for the development of a solar farm in Bougainville over the next three to four years.

Listen to PMN News Political Reporter Ala Vailala's wrap on Christopher Luxon's visit to PNG last year.