Nauru

The Republic of Nauru is the world’s smallest independent republic, with a population of approximately 12,000 and a land area of just 21 square kilometres.

New Zealand and Nauru share a long-standing relationship, built on common interests in Pacific regional cooperation, including security, fisheries, trade, and sustainable development.

Both countries are members of the Pacific Islands Forum(external link) and are signatories to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER Plus)(external link), which supports regional economic integration and inclusive growth.

Development cooperation and sustainability

New Zealand’s development partnership with Nauru focuses on strengthening economic resilience, supporting education, and promoting shared regional values.

We engage regularly through the governance of the Intergenerational Trust Fund for the People of Nauru(external link), which is dedicated to supporting Nauru’s long-term economic sustainability.

Our cooperation includes initiatives to build public sector capability, address sustainable development challenges, and enhance Nauru’s participation in the Recognised Seasonal Employment (RSE) scheme. Nauruans are also eligible for tertiary and short-term training scholarships through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme(external link).

New Zealand and Nauru also have a long-standing partnership in the education sector. For example, see: Focus on resilience and education in Nauru(external link).

For detailed information on New Zealand’s development cooperation activities in Nauru—including project descriptions, timeframes, sectoral focus, and expenditure—visit DevData(external link).

Trade and investment

Nauru’s economy has historically been based on its rich phosphate deposits. As these resources have declined, Nauru’s key sources of revenue now include residual phosphate mining, the operation of the Regional Processing Centre for asylum seekers, and the issuance of fishing licences.

For the latest information on New Zealand’s trade relationship with Nauru, including export and import data, visit the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

People and culture

New Zealand and Nauru share a warm and enduring relationship, built on strong Pacific cultural ties and a shared regional history.

Many Nauruan students choose to pursue tertiary education in New Zealand, contributing to deeper educational and cultural connections between our countries.

Nauruan citizens are also eligible to participate in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme(external link), which provides valuable employment opportunities in New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors. The scheme delivers mutual benefits—supporting New Zealand’s seasonal labour needs while generating income and skills that benefit workers’ families and communities in Nauru.