NZ pledges $10m boost for Vanuatu

New Zealand will help Vanuatu complete its construction of three climate-resilient wharfs in an effort to support the economic recovery of the Pacific region.

The announcement was made by Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio, who was in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, to represent Aotearoa at the South Pacific Community (SPC) Ministerial Conference. He would also meet with their new Prime Minister Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau.

Sio said a $10 million funding boost would aid in the completion of wharfs, as part of the Vanuatu InterIsland Shipping Support Project (VISSP).

Earlier support from New Zealand helped VISSP complete two wharfs, establish a Vanuatu office of a maritime regulator, and introduced reforms to strengthen maritime safety oversight capacity, he said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said the completion of the wharfs would help improve interisland connectivity and support greater access to health services and education.