NZ to focus on Pacific after increasing budget for aid

The New Zealand Government has announced an increase in its development assistance budget, with the Pacific a key focus.
On Tuesday, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters outlined a budget increase of NZ$714mil (K1.6bil) for New Zealand’s development cooperation over the next four years.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Sue Mackwell, says that this announcement sends a positive message about New Zealand’s intentions for an ambitious and enhanced partnership with PNG and the wider region.
“New Zealand is of the Pacific, we want our region to thrive, and we value the close connections that we have with Papua New Guinea and across the region,” says Mackwell.
With this funding, the New Zealand government is signalling its intention to assist Pacific partners to make progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Peters’ budget speech has emphasised the importance of enhancing access to health services, education and training in supporting young people across the region to access these services. Greater focus will also be given to good governance, human rights, and gender equality; as well as promoting the sustainable and inclusive growth of Pacific economies.