by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
New Zealand has pledged five million dollars to support education in Nauru, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters during his recent visit to the Pacific Island nation. Peters emphasized the importance of a well-functioning education system in Nauru for the country’s future and expressed satisfaction in collaborating with Australia to enhance the quality of schooling. Additionally, he highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to expanding its scholarships program for Nauruan students.
Nauru was the second destination of a three-country Pacific tour that began in the Solomon Islands and will end in Niue. During the visit to Nauru, the New Zealand delegation held meetings with President David Adeang, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea, as well as other ministers and members of parliament. Peters emphasized the longstanding warm relationship between New Zealand and Nauru and outlined plans to strengthen engagement through political, security, and development cooperation.
Discussions during the visit focused on mutual economic and development priorities, along with addressing regional challenges. Peters acknowledged Nauru’s significant role in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and expressed New Zealand’s commitment to collaborating with Nauru to shape the Forum’s agenda. Furthermore, New Zealand aims to assist Nauru in optimizing its resources, particularly in the fisheries sector, to enhance economic resilience.
The delegation accompanying Winston Peters includes Minister of Customs and for Seniors Casey Costello, Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee (FADTC) Tim van de Molen, FADTC members Damien O’Connor and Teanau Tuiono, and Chair of the Labour Pacific Caucus Jenny Salesa.