South Pacific Defence Ministers Meet in Auckland to Address Regional Security

The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) brings together leaders from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, France (New Caledonia), Tonga, Chile, and Papua New Guinea.

Partnership and forward-looking strategies are central themes as Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific gather in Auckland to discuss pressing regional security challenges, Defence Minister Judith Collins said today.

The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) brings together leaders from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, France (New Caledonia), Tonga, Chile, and Papua New Guinea. The meeting fosters collaboration on shared security concerns in the region.

"Collaboration through SPDMM remains a vital part of New Zealand’s defence relationships with our closest neighbours," Collins said. "In a region of this size, it's essential we work together to address regional issues with regional solutions."

The discussions this year focus on future security goals, strategic competition, and climate challenges. New Zealand's active role as a long-standing defence partner in the South Pacific, particularly in areas such as disaster relief, leadership, and technical training, was underscored by Collins.

The 11th SPDMM also welcomed Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Hon Baron Waqa, attending for the first time. Key topics include climate-induced disaster response, trans-national crime, and the growing role of emerging technologies in maritime security.

“This year we highlighted the importance of innovation, with a display of the Bluebottle, an uncrewed surface vessel powered by renewable energy. It can patrol vast ocean areas, undertake surveillance, and gather meteorological data—all critical for our region,” Collins added.

SPDMM concludes on 3 October.