Source: Maritime New Zealand
On 11 September 2026, Maritime NZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to deliver a fifth phase of the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP) through to June 2031. This phase will work with five participating member states – Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau and Tonga.
Supported by MFAT’s International Development Cooperation programme, the PMSP was established in 2012 to deliver maritime safety activities in the Pacific.
Sharyn Forsyth, Deputy Chief Executive – Partnerships and Engagement, underscored New Zealand’s commitment to working alongside Pacific partners to create safer, more connected and more resilient communities. The programme will contribute to strengthened supply chains and sustainable economic development across the region.
“This renewed programme will focus on four key areas: community education and awareness, regulatory strengthening, safe operations, and maritime incident response,” says Sharyn.
“It is an investment in long-term change and will help maritime authorities, operators and communities strengthen their ability to respond to emergencies, while reducing risk and improving safety practices.”
Maritime NZ is actively working with partner countries to scope and implement the new phase of PMSP. Funding committed through to 2031 will provide greater certainty for partners and create the conditions for sustained progress towards long-term maritime safety and capability outcomes.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/25/new-zealand-commits-to-continuing-to-work-alongside-pacific-partners/