New Zealand supports Nauru in improving education outcomes

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters (left) greets Nauru President David Adeang. July 2024
photo: RNZ Pacific Photo/Caleb Fotheringham

New Zealand has pledged $5 million to support education in Nauru.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters announced the funding during a visit to the Pacific island nation this week.

“A well-functioning education system in Nauru is vital to the country’s future, so we are pleased to join Australia in donating $5 million to strengthen the provision of high-quality schooling,” Winston Peters said.

“At the same time, we know how important our scholarship program is for Nauruan students and we are committed to enhancing this.

Nauru is the second stop on a three-nation Pacific tour that began in the Solomon Islands on Monday and ends in Niue tomorrow.

While in Nauru, the New Zealand delegation met with Nauru’s President David Adeang, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Angemiah, and other ministers and members of Parliament.

“New Zealand and Nauru have a long and warm relationship and we are strengthening our engagement through enhanced political, security and development cooperation,” Winston Peters said.

Discussions focused on shared economic and development priorities and regional challenges.

“Nauru is a key participant in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and New Zealand looks forward to working with Nauru to help shape the forum’s agenda,” Mr Peters said.

“We are also determined to help Nauru fully exploit its resources, including fisheries, to build economic resilience.”

Winston Peters’ delegation included Customs and Seniors Minister Casey Costello, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee (FADTC) chair Tim van de Molen, FADTC members Damien O’Connor and Teanau Tuiono, and Labor Pacific Caucus chair Jenny Salesa.