New Zealand’s pivotal role at the Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting

As geopolitical tensions rise across the Pacific, New Zealand is stepping into the spotlight as the host of the 9th South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting (SPDMM).

This year's gathering promises to be more than just a diplomatic event—it's a crucial forum where Pacific nations confront the dual challenges of increasing strategic competition and the ever-present threat of natural disasters.

With Defence Minister Judith Collins at the helm, New Zealand is leading the charge to strengthen regional security while addressing humanitarian needs.

Minister Collins (fourth from left) was in Tonga in July for the opening of an Armed Forces Leadership Centre which NZDF partly funded. Photo/Judith Collins Facebook

Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Collins says, “one of our primary roles in New Zealand is to be there for our Pacific neighbours”.

Geopolitical Tensions and Regional Security

The backdrop to this year’s meeting is an evolving security landscape marked by increasing competition between China and the United States.

Collins highlighted these tensions referencing a recent missile launch by China in the Pacific—an event that signaled heightened geopolitical risks.

She acknowledged that “we have a very difficult geopolitical situation compared to 10 or 15 years ago” and stressed the need for collective action to navigate these turbulent waters.

In addition to military and strategic competition, Collins addressed the importance of safeguarding maritime security and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The SPDMM provides a forum for countries to develop joint strategies, enhancing both their defense capabilities and their ability to protect vast exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

New Zealand’s Defence adaptation

A significant theme of the SPDMM is how Pacific nations, including New Zealand, must adapt their military resources and capabilities to modern challenges.

Collins acknowledged that New Zealand’s military equipment is outdated, with many assets “almost antique”.

However, she pointed to recent investments, such as the acquisition of P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft and C-130J-30 Hercules, as a step in the right direction.

“We cannot simply say we’re waiting for a new part when we’ve got a major emergency in some part of the Pacific.”

Natural Disasters and Humanitarian Assistance

Beyond traditional security threats, the Pacific is highly vulnerable to natural disasters—an issue at the forefront of the SPDMM agenda.

Ministers will discuss ways to enhance rapid-response capabilities, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

Collins highlighted that New Zealand’s role is not just about defending against geopolitical threats but also being there in times of need for Pacific neighbors affected by cyclones, earthquakes, and other climate-induced disasters.

“Our Pacific neighbours know we’re there for them.”

Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa will be attending the meeting. Photo/Joseph Safiti

International Cooperation and New Zealand’s Role

The presence of observer nations such as Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom further illustrates the growing international interest in Pacific security.

Collins was clear in her support for these partnerships, stating, “we would have very little intelligence capability without our friends”.

This highlights New Zealand’s balancing act—working closely with global powers while maintaining its leadership role within the Pacific.

A Forward-Looking Approach

The SPDMM is not only about addressing current challenges but also about preparing for future ones.

New Zealand and its Pacific partners are committed to improving interoperability, information sharing, and joint military exercises such as the CROIX DU SUD and Regional Exercise LONGREACH.

These initiatives are designed to ensure that the region’s defense forces can work together seamlessly when the next crisis strikes, whether it’s a geopolitical flashpoint or a natural disaster.

As the South Pacific faces an increasingly complex security environment, New Zealand’s leadership in the SPDMM is critical.

From addressing the geopolitical competition between major powers to enhancing humanitarian responses, New Zealand is playing a central role in shaping the future of Pacific security.

As Collins noted, the relationships forged and the decisions made during this conference will strengthen not just the defence forces of individual nations, but the collective resilience of the entire Pacific region.

“There’s an ongoing curve upwards of what we’re trying to do."

Watch NZ Defence Minister Judith Collins' interview on Pacific Mornings here