NZ Invests $16.4 Million in North Pacific Governance and Audit Support

Palau marks the final stop on the delegation's Pacific tour, which has already covered Fiji, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

New Zealand is set to enhance governance and audit activities in the North Pacific with a $16.4 million investment, announced Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters during his visit to Koror, Palau.

"Supporting good governance and robust institutions is a crucial component of our development efforts in the Pacific. We are proud to contribute to the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions to further its work in the North Pacific," Peters stated.

This funding is part of a larger regional governance initiative aimed at boosting public service performance, increasing access to justice, reducing corruption, and improving electoral processes in the Pacific Islands.

Peters, who has been leading a cross-party delegation through Fiji, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau, emphasized the importance of direct engagement. "Our on-the-ground interactions with political and community leaders help us gain a deeper understanding of the issues that are most significant to our Pacific partners," he noted.

Accompanying Peters in Palau are Hon Jenny Salesa, Chair of the Labour Pacific Caucus; Tim van de Molen, Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee (FADTC); and FADTC member Teanau Tuiono.

Palau marks the final stop on the delegation's Pacific tour, which has already covered Fiji, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Peters has now visited 14 of the 17 Pacific Islands Forum members this year and plans to visit French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Kiribati by year’s end.

The delegation is scheduled to return to New Zealand on Friday, 16 August.