Vanuatu

New Zealand and Vanuatu share a warm and enduring relationship, grounded in our shared Pacific identity and strengthened by deep people-to-people connections and close development cooperation.

Vanuatu gained independence in 1980, and New Zealand established its High Commission in Port Vila in 1987, reflecting our commitment to long-term partnership and regional engagement.

In 2023, New Zealand and Vanuatu signed a Statement of Partnership(external link), outlining the shared values, priorities, and principles that guide our bilateral relationship and future cooperation.

Development cooperation and sustainability

Vanuatu faces a range of development challenges, including its geographic dispersion, a rapidly growing youth population, and its status as one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.

New Zealand’s development partnership with Vanuatu focuses on:

•    Strengthening public sector performance and service delivery, particularly in education
•    Supporting governance and electoral systems
•    Improving access to energy and water
•    Enhancing shared prosperity through tourism, labour mobility, and productive sector growth
•    Building resilience through climate change adaptation and disaster response initiatives

New Zealand has consistently provided humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu in times of crisis, including support following the December 2024 Port Vila earthquake, Cyclones Pam, Harold, Kevin, and Judy, and the volcanic eruption on Ambae Island.

Vanuatu scholars are eligible for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 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). Many of Vanuatu’s political leaders have studied in New Zealand, further strengthening our people-to-people ties.

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

Trade and investment

Vanuatu’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, agriculture, labour mobility, and its citizenship programmes. As a popular destination for New Zealand travellers, tourism plays a vital role in Vanuatu’s economic development. Vanuatu is also a significant trading partner for New Zealand within the Pacific region.

New Zealand works alongside Vanuatu to promote sustainable economic growth through:

•    Supporting tourism development
•    Enhancing trade readiness and economic integration
•    Encouraging private sector growth
•    Improving labour mobility opportunities

Both countries are parties to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus(external link) (PACER Plus), which came into force on 13 December 2020. This agreement supports regional trade and investment, contributing to broader economic resilience and cooperation.

For the latest data on New Zealand’s trade profile with Vanuatu, please visit the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

People and culture

New Zealand and Vanuatu share a close and enduring relationship, shaped by long-standing people-to-people links. These connections date back to the 1860s, when New Zealand missionaries first visited Vanuatu, and continue today through education, labour mobility, and community engagement.

Vanuatu citizens are eligible to participate in the Recognised Seasonal Employer(external link) (RSE) scheme, 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 wellbeing of workers’ families and communities in Vanuatu.

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