In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Historic PNG-Australia Pukpuk Treaty comes into force
2. TUVALU — Tuvalu PM condemns China’s missile test, uges powers to keep Pacific free of Military threats
3. VAN — Vanuatu calls on China to halt ballistic missile tests in the Pacific
4. PALAU — Palau condemns China’s ballistic missile test in the Pacific
5. TONGA — Tonga ratifies the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
6. PNG — PNG Education sets up taskforce to counter El Nino impacts
7. PACIFIC — Pacific leads global negotiations to tackle plastic pollution
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Banaba Island mining plans shift as Rabi leaders say Australia firm out of the picture
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji and Kiribati strengthen cooperation in infrastructure and sustainable development
10. PACNEWS BIZ — March quarter tourism revenue climbs to $310.6m
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Pacific Indigenous Leaders Unite Around Shared Vision for Traditional Knowledge, Climate Resilience and Community Stewardship
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Kiwi sailors benefit from deployment with Cook Islands Police
PAC – DIPLOMACY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 1: Wed 08 Jul 2026
Historic PNG-Australia Pukpuk Treaty comes into force
BRISBANE, 09 JULY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — The Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, comes into force Wednesday.
James Marape and Anthony Albanese, the prime ministers of the two countries, are meeting in Brisbane to discuss the treaty, which was signed in October last year.
The Pukpuk Treaty, PNG’s first-ever defence alliance and Australia’s first in over seven decades, strengthens defence cooperation between PNG and Australia through intelligence sharing, logistics and training.
It includes a pathway for up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans to join the Australian Defence Force.
The treaty has been criticised by China and a former PNG Defence Force commander for infringing PNG’s independence and sovereignty.
Marape said the agreement would boost PNG’s security capabilities while maintaining national sovereignty and independence.
The Australian government views the treaty as one of its major “breakthroughs in the Pacific”, as it strives to solidify its role as the partner of choice in the region.
Meanwhile, Albanese will host Marape, alongside the leaders of Samoa and Tonga, at the grand final of the State of Origin at Suncorp Stadium Wednesday night.
“The Albanese Labor Government is helping grow rugby league across the Pacific,” the Australian Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement…. PACNEWS
TUVALU – SECURITY/DEFENSE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Thu 09 Jul 2026
Tuvalu PM condemns China’s missile test, uges powers to keep Pacific free of Military threats
FUNAFUTI, 09 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo has condemned China’s recent launch of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, saying it goes against the region’s long-standing commitment to peace, security and a nuclear-free Pacific.
“I share the same grave and serious concern and disappointment of other Pacific leaders for the recent launch of a Nuclear Capable Ballistic Missile into the Pacific Ocean by China,” Prime Minister Teo said.
“The Pacific region has long advocated for peace, security, and freedom from nuclear threats.”
He said the missile launch comes as Pacific Island countries are reaffirming “their collective vision of the Pacific as a region of peace, security, and cooperation” under the Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration adopted by Pacific Leaders in Honiara in September 2025.
Prime Minister Teo said the launch is also inconsistent with the region’s commitment to a nuclear-free Pacific.
“The launch is also contrary to the objectives and aspirations of Pacific countries for a nuclear free Blue Pacific Continent pursuant to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (or the Rarotonga Treaty) that Tuvalu is a party to.”
The Tuvalu leader joined other Pacific leaders in calling on military powers to respect the region’s commitment to peace.
“As a leader of one of the smaller island countries in the Pacific, I join the call of other Pacific Leaders on all countries with military capabilities to respect our collective determination for the Blue Pacific Continent to be defined by peace, cooperation, and stewardship and not by militarisation and strategic competition amongst the major powers, and for those superpowers to refrain from using the Pacific Ocean as a testing ground for their military arsenals,” he said…. PACNEWS
VAN – SECURITY/DEFENSE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Thu 09 Jul 2026
Vanuatu calls on China to halt ballistic missile tests in the Pacific
PORT VILA, 09 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — Vanuatu has expressed grave concern over China’s recent ballistic missile launch in the Pacific, saying it undermines the region’s commitment to peace and a nuclear-free Pacific.
In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said the government was “seriously concerned” by the launch.
“As a State Party to the Treaty of Rarotonga and a country that has consistently advocated for a nuclear-free Pacific since independence, Vanuatu is deeply troubled by this action.
“The Pacific must remain a zone of peace, free from nuclear weapons and militarisation,” the statement said.
The government reaffirmed its relationship with China while stressing that all partners must respect regional decisions.
“China is one of Vanuatu’s valued development partners, and we reaffirm our commitment to the relationship we have built since independence. However, all partners operating in our region must respect the collective decisions of Pacific Island countries. This includes the ‘Ocean of Peace’ declaration agreed by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders at the margins of the Leaders’ Retreat in Honiara in 2025.”
Vanuatu also raised concerns about the lack of consultation before the missile launch.
“We are also concerned by the lack of prior consultation and transparency surrounding this launch. Such actions raise questions about commitments to peace, security and stability in the Blue Pacific, and are inconsistent with the spirit of partnership and regional respect that we value.”
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the Treaty of Rarotonga and called for an end to ballistic missile testing in the region.
“Vanuatu therefore reaffirms its commitment to a nuclear-free Pacific and to the principles of the Treaty of Rarotonga. We call upon all countries, including China, to immediately cease ballistic missile testing in the Pacific region.”
It also urged greater transparency over activities that could affect the region.
“We urge full transparency and prior consultation with Pacific Island countries on any activities that may impact the security and environment of our Ocean. At the same time, we remain committed to working with all development partners, in ways that uphold Pacific regionalism and the Ocean of Peace.”
The statement concluded: “The Pacific is our home. Our security, livelihoods and future depend on it remaining a region of peace…. PACNEWS
PALAU – SECURITY/DEFENSE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Thu 09 Jul 2026
Palau condemns China’s ballistic missile test in the Pacific
KOROR, 09 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Government of Palau has condemned China’s recent ballistic missile launch in the Pacific, describing it as a serious threat to regional peace and security.
In a statement, the Office of the President said the missile test undermines the Pacific’s long-standing commitment to peace and runs counter to the values upheld by Pacific Island countries.
President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. said the Pacific has consistently opposed actions that increase military tensions in the region and reaffirmed Palau’s support for a peaceful, rules-based international order.
“Pacific nations have worked for decades to ensure our region remains a place of peace. Actions that heighten military tensions have no place in our Blue Pacific,” President Whipps said.
He said Palau stands with other Pacific leaders who have voiced concern over the missile launch and called on all countries to exercise restraint and respect international law.
The statement said Palau remains committed to working with regional partners to protect the Pacific as a region free from conflict and to uphold peace, stability and security…. PACNEWS
TONGA – NUCLEAR TEST BAN: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 1: Wed 08 Jul 2026
Tonga ratifies the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
NUKU’ALOFA, 09 JULY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Tonga has ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, capping the universalisation of the accord across the Pacific region, where the legacy of nuclear testing remains conspicuous.
“Tonga’s ratification is a proud moment for the Pacific and a meaningful contribution to the global effort to ban nuclear test explosions for good,” said Robert Floyd, executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation.
“The kingdom has long stood on the right side of this issue: as a party to the Treaty of Rarotonga, as a consistent voice for non-proliferation and disarmament and as a country that understands how nuclear testing has impacted this region,” he added.
Tonga was the 179th state to ratify the treaty, which has 188 signatory states.
“For a part of the world deeply impacted by nuclear testing, it is a milestone long in the making,” CTBTO said of Tonga’s action.
The Marshall Islands is still bearing the impact of the 67 U.S nuclear tests between 1946 and 1958, causing widespread environmental, health and social impacts.
The treaty is an integral part of the global disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. CTBTO noted that adherence to the pact is “nearly universal,” but is still nine ratifications short of entering into force.
“The Pacific has felt the pain of nuclear testing. Ratifying the CTBT is our contribution to ensuring that no one, anywhere, has to go through that again,” Viliami Va’inga Tōnē, Tongan ambassador, said during the 7 July signing ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Signing the treaty was more than a legal formality for Tonga; rather, it represents what the tiny kingdom stands for,” said Tōnē, Tonga’s permanent representative to the UN.
Izumi Nakamitsu, UN high representative for disarmament affairs, said Tonga’s ratification was the culmination of years of dialogue among state signatories, regional partners, the CTBTO and Tongan leadership.
The final action reflected Tonga Prince Tupouto’a Ulukalala’s commitment to contributing to international peace and security, Nakamitsu said…. PACNEWS
PNG – EL NINO: NBC PNG PACNEWS 1: Wed 08 Jul 2026
PNG Education sets up taskforce to counter El Nino impacts
PORT MORESBY, 09 JULY 2026 (NBC PNG) — A taskforce has been set up by the Education Department to counter and minimise the impacts of El Nino on students learning across the country.
The slow onset weather condition predicted to peak between October to December, is a concern especially with schools going into examinations beginning September and ending in October.
Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra told NBC News the taskforce will develop a plan expected to address how schools and students operate during this time, measures to be employed among others.
“We have assigned the task force to produce plans and strategies.
“The team will look at options to address the effects that we might have on teaching and learning.” Dr Kombra said.
Grade 12 students across the country have the first written expression examinations on 3 August, followed by Grade 12 STEM student examinations from 31 August – 04 September.
Grade 10 students then sit their examinations the following month from 5-9th, Grade 12’s from 12-16 and concluding with Grade 8’s from 19-22nd October.
Experts predict this examination period is also the peak period for the El Nino, with drought expected across the country.
This El Nino lasts on average between 9-18 months but if it eases, it’s anticipated to do so around mid-2027…. PACNEWS
PAC – PLASTIC POLLUTION: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 1: Wed 08 Jul 2026
Pacific leads global negotiations to tackle plastic pollution
SUVA, 09 JULY 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — Last week, more than 190 governments met in Nairobi, Kenya, to continue negotiations on a new legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
The Informal In-Person Meeting of Heads of Delegation to the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution was held from 30 June to 3 July 2026. These negotiations are taking place under United Nations Environment Assembly Resolution 5/14, adopted in 2022, which called for the development of an international legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution across its full life cycle, from production and design to use and disposal.
Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, was selected to serve as one of the co-facilitators alongside Elife Moore from Austria for discussions on “Means of Implementation”. This part of the treaty is central to how countries will be supported to put the agreement into practice.
The discussions under this cluster focused on finance, capacity-building, technical assistance, technology transfer and international cooperation. These issues are critical for developing countries and Small Island Developing States, including those in the Pacific, where plastic pollution directly affects oceans, coastal communities, food security, biodiversity and livelihoods.
Dr Michael said the role of the co-facilitators was to help countries have a constructive and focused discussion on what will be needed to implement the future treaty.
“As co-facilitator, my role has been to help guide discussions on how the future plastics treaty can be supported by implementation arrangements that are predictable, adequate, accessible and responsive to country needs,” Dr Michael said.
“The treaty must not only set ambition. It must also provide the means for countries to deliver. For developing countries and Small Island Developing States, implementation support will be central to whether this agreement succeeds.”
Dr Michael said a strong treaty must also be a fair and implementable treaty. Countries must have the support needed to turn commitments into practical action.”
The Nairobi meeting was part of continuing informal work to help countries narrow differences and identify areas of common ground ahead of the next stage of negotiations.
Dr Michael is expected to continue serving as co-facilitator during the next informal meeting scheduled for September 2026, as countries work towards finalising the global plastics treaty.
Fiji’s role in the process reflects the importance of ensuring Pacific voices are part of shaping global solutions to plastic pollution, particularly on issues of fairness, accessibility and implementation support for vulnerable countries…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
KIRIBATI – MINING: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 09 Jul 2026
Banaba Island mining plans shift as Rabi leaders say Australia firm out of the picture
BANABAN, 09 JULY 2026 (PMN) — The Rabi Council of Leaders says plans to explore resource extraction on Banaba have entered a new phase.
The council said in a statement that it is no longer working with Australian company Centrex Limited and is instead pursuing the project with the governments of Kiribati and Nauru.
Banaba is a small island in western Kiribati that was heavily mined for phosphate during the colonial era, forcing most Banaban people to relocate to Fiji’s Rabi Island after the Second World War.
The statement marks the council’s first public response to questions raised after PMN News reported on court filings relating to the proposed mining project and ongoing concerns over the management of the Banaban Trust Fund.
In a written response, the council said Centrex was “no longer relevant” to its plans.
“Centrex Ltd is no longer relevant to the RCL,” the statement said. “With a mandate given by the majority Banaban landowners, the RCL is now working closely with the Republic of Kiribati through the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources and the Republic of Nauru through the Republic of Nauru Phosphate Corporation (RONPHOS) for a feasibility study to be carried out on Banaba.”
The council said residents on Rabi were updated during consultations held last week and claimed there was strong support for the proposal.
“There is no issue and the people are happy and eagerly awaiting the completion of all project processes and negotiations.”
The council also rejected suggestions that renewed discussion about mining was being used to distract from questions surrounding the Banaban Trust Fund.
“There is no issue and the people are happy and eagerly awaiting the completion of all project processes and negotiations.”
The council also rejected suggestions that renewed discussion about mining was being used to distract from questions surrounding the Banaban Trust Fund.
It said the proposed project was designed to create a new source of income for future generations rather than rely on the trust fund.
“The proposed project on Banaba is an investment on its own and the primary purpose is to generate income in order to uplift the livelihood of the Banaban community both on Rabi and Banaba,” the council said.
“The project on Banaba has nothing to do with the Banaban Trust Fund (BTF).”
According to the council, revenue from the project could support education, housing, infrastructure and community programmes while allowing the trust fund to continue growing.
The council also strongly rejected claims that the community is divided over the proposal.
“Our report is wrong to state that ‘dispute is intensified in recent weeks as community groups…’ There is no dispute on Rabi, people are living happily and going on with their normal daily lives.”
The council also dismissed the legitimacy of the group identified in PMN’s previous report, saying the council does not recognise the Rabi District Council of Social Services and maintains it alone is the statutory body representing the Banaban community.
“The RCL is the only legitimate statutory body recognised under law representing the Banaban community and the landowners on Rabi.”
The council said the proposed project had been endorsed by “the majority Banaban landowners” and all villages on Rabi, although it did not provide details of when that endorsement took place.
On questions surrounding the Banaban Trust Fund audit, the council said inquiries should be directed to the Trust Fund’s secretary and chairman.
The latest statement comes after court documents previously reported by PMN showed an earlier proposal involving Centrex had been put on hold following community objections.
The Office of the Fiji Prime Minister also told the High Court it had “no record of any executed agreement” between the Rabi Administrator and Centrex Limited.
The council’s latest response suggests the proposal has since moved in a different direction, with discussions now centred on a feasibility study involving Kiribati and Nauru rather than Centrex…. PACNEWS
PAC – DEVELOPMENT: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 09 Jul 2026
Fiji and Kiribati strengthen cooperation in infrastructure and sustainable development
SUVA, 09 JULY 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation to address shared development priorities, with a focus on building more resilient infrastructure, improving essential services and advancing sustainable solutions for Pacific communities.
The Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, met with Kiribati’s Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, Tekeeua Tarati, at the Ministry’s Headquarters at Nasilivata House, Samabula.
The meeting highlighted the strong partnership between the two Pacific nations and provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on infrastructure development, renewable energy, water security, maritime transport and sustainable development.
Discussions also focused on Fiji’s progress in renewable energy, the transition towards Electric Vehicles (EVs), sustainable construction practices and efforts to modernise and reduce emissions in the maritime sector.
Minister Tuisawau reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to collaborating with Pacific neighbours by sharing knowledge and experiences that can support practical solutions to common challenges faced by Small Island Developing States.
Both ministers welcomed continued cooperation and future partnerships that will strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure, energy security, water systems and maritime connectivity for the benefit of the people of Fiji and Kiribati…. PACNEWS
FIJI – TOURISM: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 09 Jul 2026
March quarter tourism revenue climbs to $310.6m
SUVA, 09 JULY 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Fiji’s hotel and tourism accommodation sector recorded a strong start to 2026, with overall takings rising 12.3 percent to $310.6 million (US$155.3 million) in the March quarter, according to the latest provisional statistics released by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics.
The increase was driven by higher revenue from accommodation, food, liquor, telephone and other miscellaneous charges, compared to $276.7 million (US$138.35 million) recorded during the same period last year.
Employment across licensed hotels, resorts and lodging houses also grew, with the number of paid employees increasing by 1.7 percent to 13,249 workers.
Accommodation demand remained steady, with the room occupancy rate edging up to 49.7 percent, an increase of 0.2 percentage points from the March quarter of 2025.
The number of rooms available increased marginally by 0.2 percent to 882,753, while rooms sold rose by 0.4 percent to 438,521.
Growth was stronger for bed capacity, with beds available increasing by 2.2 percent to 1.81 million, while beds sold climbed 3.9 percent to 904,628.
As a result, the bed occupancy rate improved by 0.8 percentage points to 49.9 percent.
The Bureau also noted regional differences in accommodation performance.
Room occupancy increased in the Nadi, Lautoka, Mamanuca and Yasawa Group areas during the March quarter, while occupancy declined in Suva, the Northern Division, the Coral Coast and other areas.
Visitor trends showed that Australia remained the dominant source market for Nadi, the Coral Coast and the Mamanuca and Yasawa Group, while the Northern Division recorded a large number of visitors from the United States.
In the Suva area, many visitors came from Japan and other Pacific Island countries.
The Bureau’s data also shows tourist arrivals for the March quarter reached 196,977, up from 184,119 during the same period in 2025, reflecting continued growth in Fiji’s tourism sector…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Pacific Indigenous Leaders Unite Around Shared Vision for Traditional Knowledge, Climate Resilience and Community Stewardship
Pacific leaders unite to strengthen traditional governance, intergenerational knowledge transfer and community-led solutions for climate resilience
RAROTONGA, 09 JULY 2026 (CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL) — Indigenous leaders, traditional authorities, youth representatives and conservation practitioners from eight Pacific nations have concluded a landmark Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange, reaffirming the critical role of traditional governance, Indigenous knowledge and intergenerational leadership in addressing the region’s environmental and climate challenges.
Convened by Conservation International, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Ui Ariki Ngateitei o te Kuki Airani (UANKA), the NGO arm the House of Ariki), the week-long Exchange brought together participants from the Cook Islands, Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to share experiences, working solutions, and strengthen Indigenous-led conservation across the Pacific.
Participants recognised that many Pacific communities face similar challenges, including the loss of traditional knowledge as younger generations spend more time away from their customary lands and waters. The Exchange created space for leaders to discuss practical ways to keep knowledge alive through culture, governance, hands-on education and community-led stewardship.
Of interest was the establishment of UANKA and how the Indigenous trust entity, established by the House of Ariki, integrates customary leadership values within a self-determined legal framework. Participants were inspired to hear how UANKA is directly helping its communities deliver on-the ground action – advancing culture-based environmental education and intergenerational knowledge transfer, customary leadership and governance as well as community and environmental wellbeing.
Separately, chiefs visiting from the Lau islands of Fiji shared how they have collaborated to produce a culturally grounded governance training manual to support biodiversity protection across generations, – capturing spoken traditional knowledge in written form, ensuring this ancestral knowledge is not lost and it can continue to guide customary leadership, conservation practice and community decision-making.
The Exchange highlighted the importance of creating more opportunities for elders, traditional leaders and youth to work together and ensure cultural knowledge continues to guide the stewardship of lands and seas.
Leausalilo Schannel van Dijken, Senior Director of Marine and Heritage at Conservation International, said the Exchange demonstrated that the Pacific’s greatest strength lies in its people. “Across the Pacific we are connected by generations of knowledge, stewardship and responsibility. This Exchange has shown that while every island has its own culture and traditions, we share many of the same aspirations for our people and our environment. By strengthening relationships, sharing knowledge and investing in the next generation of Indigenous leaders, we are building a stronger foundation for nature, climate resilience and community wellbeing across our shared ocean.”
Held during the 60th anniversary of the Cook Islands House of Ariki, the Exchange reinforced the importance of customary leadership in shaping the future of conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development in the Pacific.
The Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange was supported through the Global Environment Facility Inclusive Conservation Initiative, New Zealand’s MFAT Manaaki Fund and the European Union-funded COLORS Project…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Kiwi sailors benefit from deployment with Cook Islands Police
RAROTONGA, 09 JULY 2026 (NZDF) — Four Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) personnel have completed a seven-week deployment throughout the Cook Islands and French Polynesia aboard the Cook Islands Police patrol vessel Te Kukupa II.
Supporting maritime security operations and a humanitarian assistance exercise, Midshipman Imogen Herbert, Leading Combat Systems Specialist Leon Fortes, Leading Chef Monique Manuel and Able Communications Warfare Specialist Brodus Murray augmented the Cook Islands maritime police crew on Te Kukupa II.
Midshipman Herbert said the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Pacific environment was one of the most rewarding aspects of the deployment.
“Visiting communities with populations of only a few hundred people gave us a real appreciation of the unique challenges faced by Pacific Island nations and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation,” she said.
While the Navy personnel brought specialist knowledge and operational experience to their time on Te Kukupa II, they gained an appreciation for the Cook Islands’ culture and the close connection between its people and the maritime environment.
“From day one, the crew of Te Kukupa II welcomed us as part of the team. Over the seven weeks living and working together, we developed great friendships and learned a tremendous amount.”
During Operation Tui Moana, the crew completed around 15 boardings of vessels suspected of fishery violations as well as supporting maritime security operations throughout the Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
There was also an opportunity to visit a local school on Penrhyn, the northernmost atoll in the Cook Islands group, and deliver much needed sports equipment.
The deployment concluded with the French-led Exercise Marara in Tahiti, involving 12 Pacific partner nations across land, air and maritime domains. The exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief designed to strengthen the coordination between Indo-Pacific partners using a simulated large-scale natural disaster scenario.
Cook Islands Police Commissioner Teokotai Joseph said the seven-week deployment demonstrated the strength of the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.
“This is the second time this year that RNZN personnel have augmented the crew of Te Kukupa II on an international deployment and we are very grateful for the additional skills, experience and perspectives they have provided to enhance our capability.
The deployment provided an important opportunity to learn from one another and develop professional relationships and personal connections that underpin the long-standing partnership between our two services. We thank them for their outstanding contribution.”
For Midshipman Herbert and the other RNZN personnel, the deployment delivered operational and personal rewards.
“It reinforced the importance of working together with our Pacific partners and showed that by sharing knowledge, experience and friendship, we all become stronger.”…. PACNEWS
