NZ Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters Visits Tonga: Strengthening a Deep and Enduring Pacific Partnership
NUKUʻALOFA – Thursday, April 10, 2025
New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Hon. Winston Peters, arrives in Tonga today for a high-level visit that underscores the enduring relationship between the two Pacific nations. His delegation includes senior members of New Zealand’s Parliament and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
A spokesperson for Minister Peters shared the purpose and key focus areas of the visit, which is set to include bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Eke and members of the Tongan Cabinet.
“New Zealand has a close, long-standing relationship with Tonga, and this visit is a timely opportunity to strengthen our connections with Prime Minister Eke and the Tongan Cabinet,” the spokesperson stated.
During the visit, several significant announcements are expected—particularly in the areas of maritime safety and climate-smart agriculture. These initiatives reflect New Zealand’s continued commitment to support Tonga’s resilience in the face of ongoing climate and economic challenges.
New Zealand’s development assistance programme in Tonga supports a wide range of sectors, in line with the jointly agreed Statement of Partnership. The programme includes reform-linked budget support, health and education services, policing and security, climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness, and major infrastructure investments.
Two infrastructure projects in particular are expected to receive attention: the construction of a new Parliament building in central Nukuʻalofa and the deployment of a second undersea telecommunications cable, aimed at improving Tonga’s digital connectivity and regional integration.
The spokesperson also highlighted the important role of Tongan workers in New Zealand’s agricultural economy, noting that over 600 Tongans participated in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in 2024 alone.
“They play a vital role in New Zealand’s agricultural sector and represent the human connections that bind our two countries,” the statement said.
New Zealand also acknowledged regional concerns around visa policies, particularly the need for improved responsiveness to urgent cultural and family travel requests. Pacific communities, including Tonga, have long called for reforms to better accommodate the realities of life in the region.
Minister Peters’ visit is part of a broader Pacific mission involving cross-party support from the New Zealand Parliament.
“New Zealand’s commitment to the Pacific is enduring, transcending changes in government or politics. That is why we are here with a senior parliamentary delegation—to listen, to engage, and to better understand the Pacific’s priorities.”
The visit is expected to further reinforce the warm bonds of friendship and cooperation between Tonga and New Zealand and chart a shared course forward on mutual development and security priorities.
