New Zealand Welcomes Pacific Fisheries Senior Officials to Wellington for FFC142

Pacific fisheries senior officials from across the region were warmly welcomed to Wellington on Monday as the 142nd Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Officials Meeting officially got underway in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Hosted by the New Zealand Government, the opening session began with a traditional Māori pōwhiri at Te Papa Tongarewa, setting a respectful and deeply cultural tone for the week of regional fisheries discussions ahead.

Welcoming delegates to Wellington, New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries Associate Deputy Director-General for Trade and International Relations, Diana Reaich, said it was a privilege for New Zealand to host the meeting and return the hospitality Pacific countries have shown over many years. 

“Over many years, New Zealand has been very privileged to receive the generous hospitality from many of you across the Pacific region – and, of course, most recently in beautiful Niue,” Ms Reaich said.

“It is therefore fitting that we now have the opportunity to return that Manaakitanga and welcome you here today.”

She acknowledged mana whenua and Te Papa Tongarewa for the morning’s pōwhiri, describing it as a warm and gracious welcome into the meeting space.

Ms Reaich also recognised the leadership of Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director-General Noan David Pakop and the work of the Secretariat at a time when regional fisheries issues are becoming increasingly complex.

“The scale of the work currently underway is immense,” she said.

“I want to convey our deep appreciation to you and to the Secretariat for your dedication and commitment to advancing the work of the FFA.”

A special tribute was also paid to outgoing FFC Chair Poi Okesene of Niue, whose term comes to an end at this meeting.

Ms Reaich praised his steady leadership and commitment throughout the past year, saying his guidance had helped foster unity and constructive dialogue among Members during important regional negotiations.

“I am sure you will all agree that his leadership has been instrumental in fostering unity, constructive dialogue, and a clear focus on outcomes that serve the long-term interests of Pacific fisheries and Pacific communities,” she said.

In a lighter moment that drew smiles from delegates around the room, Ms Reaich shared that she had spoken with Mr Okesene earlier and that his family was looking forward to spending more time with him after a demanding year as Chair.

“He mentioned that his children and grandchildren are looking forward to seeing a little more of him over the coming year,” she said.

Her remarks also highlighted the importance of recent regional achievements, including the adoption of the South Pacific albacore management procedure and seabird conservation measures at last year’s Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting.

“These achievements clearly demonstrate what we can achieve when we work together with shared purpose and commitment,” Ms Reaich added.

She noted that fisheries remain central to the Pacific region’s economic security, food security, and livelihoods, underpinning national economies and supporting communities across the region.

“It is therefore critical that the FFA continues to play a leading role in safeguarding these resources, strengthening regional solidarity, advancing collective interests, and ensuring that management decisions are grounded in sustainability and long-term benefit,” she said.

As delegates prepare for a week of discussions on fisheries management, regional cooperation, climate impacts, and strategic priorities, Ms Reaich acknowledged that the conversations ahead would not always be easy but they would be important.

“The work ahead is complex, and at times uncomfortable and difficult, but also deeply consequential,” she said.

“The decisions and deliberations we undertake this week will have very real impacts on our people, our communities, and generations to come.”

She said the meeting was an opportunity to build on the strong foundations developed over decades of Pacific regional cooperation and to turn shared ambitions into practical outcomes for Pacific peoples.

The 142nd Forum Fisheries Committee Officials Meeting continues this week in Wellington.

WELLINGTON, 12 MAY 2026

Media Contacts: Emily V. Moli FFA Communications Manager e: [email protected] Ernest Ta'asi FFA Communications Officer e: ernest.ta’[email protected] Priscilla Ragu FFA Communications Officer e: [email protected]

About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int