New Zealand is set to begin discussions on joining a new Pacific defence alliance established between Fiji and Australia, marking a significant step in the evolution of regional security cooperation across the Pacific.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says New Zealand welcomes the newly signed Ocean of Peace Alliance and will work with both nations to explore becoming a partner in the agreement. The alliance has been described as a framework designed to strengthen collective security, improve military cooperation and reinforce regional stability at a time of growing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific.
The Ocean of Peace Alliance was formally signed this week by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. It represents Fiji’s first mutual defence treaty and Australia’s latest strategic security partnership in the Pacific. The agreement also leaves the door open for other Pacific nations, including New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, to join in the future.
The move comes as Australia continues to strengthen defence and diplomatic ties throughout the Pacific, amid increasing strategic competition with China. Alongside the defence agreement, Australia and Fiji also signed the Vuvale Union, a broader partnership covering economic cooperation, migration and regional development.
For New Zealand, participation would build on its long-standing defence relationships with both Australia and Pacific neighbours while reinforcing commitments to maintaining peace, security and resilience across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa. Any decision to formally join the alliance would follow discussions between the three governments and consideration of the treaty’s obligations.
The announcement follows recent increases in New Zealand’s own defence investment and reflects a broader shift towards deeper regional security cooperation as Pacific nations respond to changing strategic conditions, climate-related challenges and growing competition for influence across the region.
Supporters argue the proposed partnership would strengthen Pacific-led security arrangements and ensure regional nations are better positioned to respond collectively to natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies and emerging security threats. The Government says discussions are at an early stage and any future participation will be undertaken in consultation with Fiji and Australia.
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