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04/03/2026Published On: 04/03/2026
The Fiji High Commission team in Wellington, led by High Commissioner H.E. Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, met with former New Zealand Member of Parliament Mr. Arthur Anae to strengthen coordinated advocacy on visa issuance matters affecting Pacific Islanders entering New Zealand.
The delegation included Second Secretary Mr. Samuela Kanakatakata, Consular Officer Mr. Emosi Simolo, and Business Development Manager Mr. Kritesh Maharaj.
The engagement followed the formal submission presented to the New Zealand Parliament on 11 February 2026 regarding visitor entry arrangements for Pacific nationals, which was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Winston Peters.
Discussions focused on practical challenges faced by Pacific Islanders in visa processing, consistency in decision-making, turnaround times, and the broader implications for families, labour mobility, education access, and business travel.
The High Commission and Mr. Anae agreed on the importance of sustained and coordinated advocacy to ensure that visa frameworks:
- Reflect the spirit of Pacific partnership and regional solidarity;
- Are administered in a transparent, fair, and culturally informed manner;
- Facilitate, rather than inadvertently hinder, legitimate travel and economic participation;
- Support the three-month visa-on-arrival consent framework for Pacific peoples in a way that is practical and accessible.
Fiji was among the first Pacific countries to formally acknowledge and support the visa-on-arrival initiative, underscoring its commitment to strengthening people-to-people connectivity. However, both parties noted that effective implementation remains critical to ensuring that the policy intent translates into meaningful outcomes for Pacific communities.
The meeting reaffirmed that visa access is not merely an administrative matter, but a cornerstone of Pacific integration — impacting trade, labour mobility pathways, remittances, tourism flows, and family unity.
The Fiji High Commission emphasised its commitment to working collaboratively with Pacific leaders, parliamentarians, and New Zealand authorities to address concerns constructively and to advance solutions grounded in partnership and mutual respect.
The Mission will continue to engage proactively with stakeholders to ensure that Pacific mobility arrangements are responsive, equitable, and aligned with the shared values underpinning Fiji–New Zealand relations.
