New initiative to support Pacific to respond to cybersecurity risks

New Zealand will provide NZ$10m over five years to support Pacific countries as they develop national cybersecurity strategies, secure infrastructure and data, enhance online safety, and implement robust cyber-crime laws across the Pacific.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters and Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Kris Faafoi today announced a new initiative to support Pacific countries to respond to cybersecurity risks in the region.

"With improvements in connectivity in the region, Pacific countries are seeing an increased risk of cybersecurity threats and New Zealand is committed to supporting our Pacific neighbors to provide a safe, secure online environment for their citizens and to maximize the benefits of a free and open internet while minimizing cybersecurity risks," Mr Peters said.

New Zealand will provide NZ$10m over five years to support Pacific countries as they develop national cybersecurity strategies, secure infrastructure and data, enhance online safety, and implement robust cyber-crime laws across the Pacific.

"Building cyber capability in the Pacific is one of the priority actions of New Zealand's cybersecurity strategy," Mr. Faafoi said.

"As part of this initiative, we will be creating a dedicated Pacific Partnership Advisor role within New Zealand's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT NZ) to work with Pacific countries to lift their cybersecurity capability."

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)