A pet project achieved an important first step today.

The Pacific Island High Commissions, based in Wellington, have formed Blue Forum - Pacific High Commissioners' New Zealand Forum and Minter Ellison Rudd Watts (Wellington-based international law firm) provided the venue and their invaluable support.

Attending were High Commissioners from Vanuatu, Samoa, Tuvalu and Papua New Guinea, as well as representatives from New Zealand business and Mfat.

High Commissioner Jimmy Nipo of Vanuatu is the driving force behind Blue Forum and acted as inaugural chair.

The meeting heard from HC Nipo about the lessons from the 17 December 2024 Vanuatu earthquake and discussion considered the need to strengthen infrastructure and preparedness, across the Pacific, in the face of inevitable civil emergencies.

Discussion also considered the benefits of the forum to share information and ideas, with a view to supporting meaningful partnerships and development.

I consider the inaugural meeting to be an important step toward enhancing the relationships the Pacific has between countries, and with New Zealand.

Where there are opportunities to build capabilities in the Pacific, New Zealand is well placed and any efforts to improve the economies and resilience of Pacific countries can only help connectivity, resilience and trading conditions. It's great for the Pacific and for New Zealand businesses, such as my own - Flightdec.

Looking to the future, Blue Forum will meet monthly.