NZ raises topic of Nauru aid

AUSTRALIA and New Zealand have taken Nauru to task over its deteriorating state of democracy and rule of law during Pacific foreign ministers’ talks in Sydney yesterday.

NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully raised the issue of aid with Nauru’s President Baron Waqa on the sidelines of the Pacific Island forum.

“I have asked ministry officials to complete discussions regarding our current concerns prior to the next tranche of New Zealand funding ... scheduled for August this year,” Mr McCully said.

New Zealand is the principal funder of Nauru’s justice system, chipping in $A1.07 million as part of a broader aid package.