Three agreements worth NZ$8 million were signed between New Zealand and Tonga to strengthen Tonga’s education and justice systems, and public sector management through policy reform.

The agreements, part of New Zealand's development support to Tonga, were signed by New Zealand High Commissioner HE Tiffany Babington and the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa.

The High Commissioner said that as New Zealand is a close friend of Tonga, it would continue supporting Tonga’s economic and social well-being, including stability, resilience and good governance.

“New Zealand recognises that quality education remains a top priority for Tonga, and that Tonga is committed to championing good governance and access to justice including for youth,” she said.

The MInister thanked New Zealand for partnering with Tonga to achieve its priorities.

The first agreement for NZ$3 million is allocated to a two-year Tonga Education Support activity to raise the professional capability of teachers and principals.

The second agreement for NZ$3 million is allocated to a three-year Tonga Justice Sector Support Program to improve the justice system including short-term funding for a Tongan Supreme Court Judge, workforce planning, capability building and information management for the Supreme and Magistrates’ Courts. It also includes the establishment of the Youth Diversion Scheme. It will ensure Tongans access a fair and effective justice system and strengthened rule of law.

The third agreement is a grant contribution of NZ$2 million to progress Tonga’s policy reform measures through public finance management, public service delivery, and fiscal resilience. This includes a new performance management system that links pay to performance, and new salary bands for consistency across government jobs.

In addition to the agreements, technical assistance from the World Bank is provided to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to track significant procurement and performance.