Solomon Islands

New Zealand and Solomon Islands share a strong and enduring relationship, shaped by shared history, regional cooperation, and consistent engagement. Our connection includes high-level visits, collaboration through regional forums, and historical ties—such as the deployment of New Zealand forces during the Second World War.

The relationship is supported by ongoing partnerships in key sectors including education, fisheries, and security. New Zealand is committed to being a trusted and values-based partner to Solomon Islands.

Our Statement of Partnership signed in 2019, sets out the strategic direction for our relationship and outlines the principles that guide our cooperation. These include respect for sovereign rights, friendship and understanding, collective ambition and mutual benefit, and a shared commitment to sustainability.

Development cooperation and sustainability

Solomon Islands is currently classified by the United Nations (UN) as a Least Developed Country (LDC), with graduation from LDC status scheduled for December 2027.

New Zealand’s development partnership with Solomon Islands focuses on strengthening the country’s ability to deliver services to all its citizens, enhancing social and economic resilience, and supporting the sustainable management of natural resources.

Key areas of cooperation include:

•    Education and youth development
•    Fisheries
•    Infrastructure
•    Economic and financial reform
•    Climate change resilience
•    Humanitarian and disaster response

Solomon Island scholars are eligible for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme(external link) which offers undergraduate and postgraduate tertiary scholarships, thematic short-term training, and vocational/professional short-term training. More information, including availability and application processes, are available here(external link).

For detailed information on our development cooperation activities—including project descriptions, timelines, sectoral and geographic focus, and expenditure data—please visit DevData(external link).

Defence and security

New Zealand and Solomon Islands share a long-standing peace and security partnership, built on decades of cooperation through both stable periods and times of domestic unrest.

New Zealand, alongside allied forces, participated in the Solomon Islands campaign during World War II from January 1942 to August 1945.

Between 1998 and 2003, Solomon Islands experienced a period of internal conflict known as The Tensions. In response, New Zealand contributed personnel to the 14-year multinational Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), supporting efforts to stabilise the economy, restore law and order, and strengthen governance.

Following civil unrest in 2021, Solomon Islands requested regional security support. New Zealand joined Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji under the Solomon Islands International Assistance Force (SIAF) to help maintain peace and stability.

New Zealand also maintains a long-standing policing partnership through the Solomon Islands Policing Support Programme (SIPSP). This programme focuses on community policing, crime prevention, and promoting good governance within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

Trade and investment

New Zealand maintains a modest but valued trade relationship with Solomon Islands. Both countries are parties to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations(external link) (PACER Plus) and remain committed to realising the full benefits of the agreement to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region.

Solomon Islands’ economic development priorities focus on expanding its economic base and improving connectivity through infrastructure investment. Key sectors identified by the Solomon Islands Government include:

•    Fisheries
•    Tourism
•    Forestry
•    Mining
•    Agriculture

New Zealand continues to support Solomon Islands’ efforts to strengthen these sectors through targeted development cooperation and regional trade initiatives.

People and culture

New Zealand’s relationship with Solomon Islands is built on more than a century of engagement and strong people-to-people links. Across New Zealand, there are active Solomon Islands community groups that contribute to our diverse and vibrant society.

Education has long been a cornerstone of our bilateral ties. Many prominent Solomon Islanders—including current political leaders, constitutional office holders, and senior public servants—have completed secondary or tertiary studies in New Zealand, strengthening institutional and personal connections between our countries.

Solomon Islanders 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 workforce needs while contributing to the livelihoods of workers’ families and communities in Solomon Islands

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