Fiji

New Zealand and the Republic of Fiji share a longstanding and close relationship, built on strong people-to-people connections and cooperation across business, sport, culture, and education.

Formal diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Fiji were established in 1970, following Fiji’s independence. Since then, our partnership has continued to grow, with collaboration spanning trade, tourism, foreign policy, security cooperation, climate change, and development support.

New Zealand remains committed to working alongside Fiji to promote shared prosperity, resilience, and regional stability, as outlined in the Duavata Partnership – the guiding framework for bilateral cooperation between Fiji and New Zealand.

Development cooperation and sustainability

Fiji has a high level of human development compared to many of its Pacific neighbours but still faces significant social and development challenges. Already high rates of poverty, housing insecurity, gender and economic inequalities, drug and alcohol use, and incidences of family violence significantly worsened due to the pandemic.

Fiji is also highly vulnerable to climate change effects such as sea-level rise and increased frequency of drought and is regularly affected by climate related disaster events.

Our development cooperation with Fiji continues to evolve from smaller direct intervention projects to more strategic policy reform programmes. We continue to leverage our long-term relationships in Fiji to improve the standard of social housing and climate-resilient infrastructure, reduce gender-based violence, build parliamentary capability, implement fiscal and business reforms, and support improved disaster preparedness.

Comprehensive information on New Zealand’s development cooperation activities in Fiji is available on DevData(external link).

Fijian 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).

Trade and investment

Fiji is one of the largest and most developed economies in the Pacific, with strong manufacturing and tourism sectors. Its natural resources—including fisheries, forests, and minerals—contribute significantly to its economic base.

New Zealand and Fiji maintain robust trade and investment ties, and Fiji is our largest trading partner in the Pacific. In 2024, Prime Ministers Rabuka and Luxon set a shared ambition to grow two-way trade to NZ$2 billion by 2030, reflecting a commitment to deepening economic integration and promoting mutual prosperity, security, and well-being.

New Zealand’s key imports from Fiji include vegetables and apparel, while Fiji’s main imports from New Zealand include dairy products and mechanical machinery.

Fiji is also an active regional player. In May 2024, it announced its intention to sign and ratify the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), becoming the only Pacific Island country to join as a negotiating partner. IPEF, launched by the United States in 2022, aims to strengthen economic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.

For more information on New Zealand’s trade profile with Fiji, visit the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

People and culture

New Zealand’s relationship with Fiji is grounded in a shared Pacific identity and a long-standing history of connection. Many Fijians live in New Zealand, contributing to our communities and culture, while Fiji remains a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders.

Fiji is a key regional partner and an important hub in the Pacific. Suva is home to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the main campus of the University of the South Pacific—both central to regional cooperation and development.

Fijian citizens are eligible to participate in New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer(external link) (RSE) scheme. This programme supports New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors while providing valuable income and opportunities for workers, their families, and communities in Fiji.

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