New Zealand and Fiji have renewed their strategic partnership for the next five years, reaffirming a shared commitment to regional security, economic growth, climate resilience and closer Pacific cooperation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Sakiasi Ditoka, signed the refreshed Duavata Partnership in Auckland, replacing the original 2022–2025 agreement. The Fijian word Duavata means “working together” or “partnership,” reflecting the long-standing relationship between the two Pacific nations.
The new framework sets priorities for cooperation through to 2030, focusing on five key areas:
- Partnership, democracy and shared values
- Economic resilience
- Peace and security
- Social wellbeing
- Climate change and disaster resilience
Peters said the agreement reinforces the close relationship between New Zealand and Fiji, built over decades through cultural, educational, sporting, tourism and business links, as well as extensive people-to-people connections across the Pacific.
During bilateral discussions, the ministers also reaffirmed a shared ambition to increase two-way trade to NZ$2 billion by 2030, while exploring new opportunities for investment and economic cooperation. Fiji’s foreign minister also attended the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership Ministerial Meeting hosted by Trade Minister Todd McClay during his visit to New Zealand.
Security cooperation remains a central pillar of the renewed partnership, with both countries committing to deepen collaboration on policing, defence, border security, maritime security, cybersecurity, customs, intelligence sharing and humanitarian disaster response. The agreement also aligns with regional initiatives such as the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and supports the Pacific vision of an Ocean of Peace.
Climate resilience also features prominently, reflecting the growing threat posed by severe weather events and rising sea levels across the Pacific. The partnership commits both governments to working together on disaster preparedness, renewable energy and climate adaptation to strengthen resilience for Pacific communities.
For New Zealand, Fiji remains one of its closest Pacific partners, with cooperation spanning governance, education, health, trade and regional development. The renewed agreement is intended to strengthen those relationships while responding to an increasingly complex geopolitical environment in the Indo-Pacific.
The signing comes as New Zealand continues to expand its diplomatic engagement across the Pacific, placing greater emphasis on regional partnerships, economic integration and collective responses to shared challenges.
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