Solomon Islands

About Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands is made up of six major islands and around 900 smaller ones, located between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. It is home to around 610,000 people.

New Zealand’s relationship with Solomon Islands has developed over many years of close association dating back to early missionary linkages with Bishop Selwyn in the mid-nineteenth century.

Find out more about Solomon Islands.

Trade

The trading relationship between New Zealand and Solomon Islands is modest, accounting for 3% of our trade in the Pacific.

Fisheries are an important source of income and food for Solomon Islands. We have an agreement that allows New Zealand fishing companies to enter into contracts directly with the Solomon Islands government.

Tourism is also seen as a key area for future economic growth. Increasing connectivity and air links is a key priority to enable tourism, and New Zealand is the lead donor in aviation infrastructure and management reform. We also work with Solomon Islands to support their efforts to strengthen economic governance, and create an enabling environment for business.

2018 statistics

Sources: *MBIE Trade Intelligence May 2019(external link)   ^IMF WEO April 2019(external link)

Development cooperation

New Zealand’s long term objectives are to help Solomon Islands’ government achieve a stable, resilient and socially cohesive society; an economy that enables prosperity and more equitable distribution of benefits; and deliver for all citizens and engage constructively in the region.

Find out more about our current priorities, achievements and activities in Solomon Islands.

Embassies

• New Zealand is represented in Solomon Islands by the New Zealand High Commission, Honiara
• Solomon Islands is represented in New Zealand by the High Commission of Solomon Islands, Wellington(external link)

Recent official visits

New Zealand to Solomon Islands

• 2019: Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters will lead the Pacific Mission to Melanesia, including Solomon Islands.
• 2017: Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett led a high level delegation, including NZDF and NZ Police officials, to the RAMSI drawdown celebrations.
• 2013: A high level delegation led by Prime Minister John Key visited for the 10th anniversary of RAMSI.
• Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully has visited several times: with the Prime Minister and several Pacific Island leaders in January 2009; in February 2010, in August 2010, in June 2011, in January 2012, in August 2013, August 2015 and most recently in February 2017.

Solomon Islands to New Zealand

• 2018: Prime Minister Rick Hou visited New Zealand in June.
• 2017: Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Milner Tozaka visited New Zealand in March and again in July on invitation of MBIE to observe the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme. He also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully to discuss the bilateral relationship.
• 2016: Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Milner Tozaka visited New Zealand for Pacific Trade Ministers Meeting and signed a Joint Commitment for Development with Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully.
• 2014: Finance Minister Rick Hou and Minister for Infrastructure Development Seth Gukuna visited New Zealand as part of an Aviation Study Tour.
• 2014: Prime Minister Lilo led a delegation to New Zealand.
• 2013: Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon Clay Forau visited New Zealand.
• 2011: Prime Minister Danny Philip for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.