The New Zealand Government has announced a $714 million budget increase in its development assistance with the Pacific, a key focus on May 8.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters outlined that this increase is for New Zealand’s development cooperation (foreign aid budget) over the next four-years.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Ms Tiffany Babington said this is a clear and positive message about New Zealand’s relationship with Tonga and wider region.

“New Zealand is of the Pacific, we want our region to thrive and we value the close connections that we have across the region.”

She said this funding will assist Pacific partners make progress towards the UN Sustainable Development goals; support youth across the region with access to health services, education and training, support good governance, human rights and gender equality and promote the sustainable and includes growth of Pacific economies.

In addition, climate change is another area signaled for particular support and much of this will be directed at the Pacific.

“We look forward to continue engaging with the Tongan Government on our current joint priorities including Cyclone Gita recovery efforts and working with them to identify new priorities for support.”