NZ and Australia Back Humanitarian Relief Warehouses Across the Pacific

Foreign Ministers Winston Peters and Penny Wong unveiled the initiative, which aims to enhance disaster response capabilities in the region.

New Zealand and Australia have announced their support for the establishment of humanitarian relief warehouses across the Pacific, in collaboration with several international partners. Foreign Ministers Winston Peters and Penny Wong unveiled the initiative, which aims to enhance disaster response capabilities in the region.

“The Pacific faces numerous natural hazards and risks, including cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, volcanoes, and disease,” said New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters. “This initiative ensures that Pacific countries can access humanitarian relief supplies within 48 hours of a disaster, addressing immediate needs swiftly.”

Peters and Wong are currently in Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, where the initiative was discussed. The combined investment of NZ $47.5 million from New Zealand and Australia will fund the construction of warehouses in 14 Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. This effort is supported by additional partners including the United States, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong praised the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program, emphasizing its role in ensuring timely support and supplies for affected communities. “This initiative is a practical example of how we are collaborating to tackle shared challenges and provide critical assistance when disasters occur,” Wong stated.

The program reflects a strong commitment from Australia and New Zealand to enhance disaster preparedness and response across the Pacific region.