Fiji

The Republic of Fiji and New Zealand have a history of strong ties spanning people-to-people links, business, sport, culture and education.

New Zealand official diplomatic relations with the Republic of Fiji began in 1970 following Fiji independence. Our relationship continues to grow steadily in the areas of two-way trade, tourism, foreign policy, climate change and development cooperation.  

Development cooperation and sustainability

In accordance with the New Zealand-Fiji Duavata Partnership 2022–2025, our bilateral cooperation centres on deepening relationships with Fiji and strengthening governance and institutions to support Fiji’s economic resilience, community well-being and security. A relationship built on shared values and partnership is at the centre of our approach.

New Zealand development assistance has included support to governance, gender equality, health, housing, security and defence, private sector development, climate change and disaster resilience, labour mobility, education, agriculture, and fisheries.

The latest information on our development cooperation activities in Fiji, including activity details and descriptions, start and end dates, geographic and sectoral focus, and expenditure figures, is available at DevData(external link).

Trade and investment

Fiji is one of the largest and most advanced economies in the Pacific. It has significant manufacturing and thriving tourism industries. Fiji’s natural resources include fish, forests and mineral resources. In 2024, the Fiji Prime Minister Rabuka and New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon agreed an ambition to grow two-way trade to NZ$2 billion by 2030.

New Zealand has strong trade and investment links with Fiji. The New Zealand Government aspires to deepen our economic integration and promote shared prosperity, security and well-being. New Zealand’s main imports from Fiji include vegetables and apparel, while Fiji’s main imports from New Zealand include dairy and mechanical machinery.

In May 2024, Fiji announced it would sign and ratify the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). IPEF was launched in May 2022 by the US, with Fiji being the only Pacific economy to sign on as a negotiating partner. 

Further information about New Zealand's trade profile with Fiji can be found on the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

People and culture

Our relationship with Fiji reflects a common Pacific identity and shared history. There are many Fijians living in New Zealand and Fiji is a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders.

Fiji is an important regional hub and a key partner for New Zealand in the Pacific. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is in Suva, as is the University of the South Pacific main campus.

Fijians can participate in the Recognised Seasonal Employer(external link) (RSE) scheme, which creates mutual benefit for New Zealand's horticulture sector and for the workers’ families and communities.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme(external link) provides tertiary and short-term training scholarships to Fijian scholars. 

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