NZ govt gives NZ$35.8m to USP and signs 10 year partnership

The New Zealand government has reaffirmed their 55-year partnership with University of the South Pacific and will contribute NZ$35.8 million to the University in the next five years to support USP’s long-term planning, innovation and stability.

This has been confirmed by New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region) Minister, Carmel Sepuloni following bilateral talks with USP Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia today.

New Zealand and USP have also signed a new 10-year partnership.

Professor Ahluwalia says the money provided is for the university to deliver strategic plans which encompasses the best education over their campuses without which they would not survive.

Sepuloni says now more than ever, and in true Pacific spirit, they must continue to maintain regional solidarity and be unified in what is a very important partnership for New Zealand.

She says the partnership further provides New Zealand with the opportunity to support the University’s strategic direction, as well as to deliver against shared priorities while it also supports Pacific action on the region’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and work towards countries’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Sepuloni further says New Zealand is committed to upholding regional security and stability in the Pacific.

She says it is even more important now that they strengthen even further the relationships with their Pacific whanau, and work with them to maintain and build on the institutions that have long maintained peace and security within the region.

The NZ Deputy Prime Minister adds this partnership is an excellent demonstration of their commitment to a regional approach making them stronger together.