4 Jul 2024

New Zealand to support better education outcomes in Nauru

4:01 pm on 4 July 2024
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters (left) exchanges pleasantries with the President of Nauru David Adeang. July 2024

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters (left) exchanges pleasantries with the President of Nauru David Adeang. July 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Caleb Fotheringham

New Zealand is committing five million dollars to support education in Nauru.

Deputy prime minister Winston Peters announced the funding during his visit to the Pacific Island nation this week.

"The good functioning of Nauru's education system is vital to the country's future, so we are pleased to be contributing $5 million to efforts in conjunction with Australia to strengthen the provision of high-quality schooling," Winston Peters said.

"At the same time, we know how valuable our scholarships programme for Nauruan students is, and we are committed to lifting that as well.

Nauru was the second stop of a three country Pacific tour that started in Solomon Islands on Monday and will conclude in Niue tomorrow.

While in Nauru, the New Zealand delegation met with President David Adeang, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea, and other Ministers and Members of Parliament.

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

Discussions centred around shared economic and development priorities and regional challenges.

"Nauru is a key player in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and New Zealand looks forward to working with Nauru in helping to shape the Forum agenda," Mr Peters said.

"We are also determined to help Nauru ensure it is making the most of its resources, including fisheries, to boost economic resilience."

Winston Peters delegation includes Minister of Customs and for Seniors Casey Costello; Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee (FADTC) Tim van de Molen; FADTC members Damien O'Connor and Teanau Tuiono; and Chair of the Labour Pacific Caucus, Jenny Salesa.

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