NZ gives $15.06m as climate change support

New Zealand will be providing about $15.06 million of climate change support for Fiji to respond to the impacts of climate change.

This has been announced by New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins while meeting Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Wellington this morning.

Rabuka says this additional funding from New Zealand is very welcome as it will support Fiji to implement discrete projects in renewable energy, infrastructure resilience, climate policy, and capacity strengthening.

He says this official visit marked a significant milestone in the New Zealand–Fiji relationship, clearly demonstrating a commitment to elevating how we work together.

The Prime Minister says says the Duavata Relationship Statement of Partnership is the platform from which they are able to approach issues of mutual interest and importance to Fiji and New Zealand, such as, climate change, social well-being, regional security, and building economic resilience.

Hipkins says New Zealand and Fiji are connected by a kinship forged in Pacific culture, identity and interests, founded on our long history, friendship, and mutual respect.

He says he and Rabuka exchanged views on a wide range of issues that are important to both countries and region, including strengthening regional institutions which have long served pacific interests, as well as economic and security matters that are impacting the region. The New Zealand Prime Minister says they had an inspired discussion on how they can further cooperate on combating the effects of climate change and adds it is clear it remains the single greatest threat to lives and livelihoods in the Pacific region.

Hipkins says many New Zealanders have experienced first hand through Cyclone Gabrielle the devastation it causes communities, and this additional funding will assist Fiji to deliver community-based climate adaptation and mitigation projects.

He further says climate change is an issue we must all face together, and New Zealand’s international climate finance commitment of NZ$1.3 billion will help address the increased vulnerability climate change creates for economies, communities, food and water security, and ecosystems in the Pacific.

Hipkins and Rabuka have reaffirmed the strength and spirit of New Zealand and Fiji’s relationship, as outlined in the Duavata Relationship Statement of Partnership.

They also discussed their vision for the region, in line with the goals set out in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent by Pacific Leaders during the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji, last year.

Prime Minister Rabuka last officially visited New Zealand in 1998, over 25 years ago.