‘The Bonds That Unite Us as Pacific Peoples’ – NZ Hosts FFC142 Officials at the Grand Hall Parliament
Pacific solidarity, shared ocean stewardship, and regional partnership took centre stage on Monday evening, as senior fisheries officials, diplomats, and regional partners gathered for an official welcome reception alongside the 142nd Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC142) Officials Meeting in Wellington.
Performers provided some entertainment during the opening dinner. Photo: FFA
Hosted at the Grand Hall of Parliament by New Zealand Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Hon. Shane Jones – and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters, the evening brought together representatives from across the Pacific at a time when the region faces growing economic pressures, climate challenges, and increasing global interest in Pacific tuna resources.
In his address, Minister Jones spoke of the enduring relationships that continue to bind Pacific nations together through fisheries cooperation and shared stewardship of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa – the Pacific Ocean.
“Fisheries remain an incredibly important shared resource for all of us,” Minister Jones said.
“While New Zealand may have different fisheries interests, I can assure you that the pelagic species that make their way into our part of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa are deeply treasured.”
He acknowledged the critical importance of tuna resources to Pacific Island economies and reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to working alongside Pacific neighbours to ensure the sustainable management of the region’s fisheries.
“We greatly value the opportunity to enjoy them, harvest them responsibly, and manage them together as a shared collective resource,” he said.
The evening also highlighted the broader challenges facing Pacific fisheries, including rising fuel prices, increasing operational costs, and growing pressures on regional economies.“New Zealand stands ready to work effectively and collaboratively with your governments, right through to your respective agencies and authorities, to find practical solutions,” Minister Jones told delegates.
Among those attending the reception were senior regional fisheries officials, including Under-Secretary of Fisheries and Oceans Jenny Marcroft, alongside members of the diplomatic corps and development partners.
Despite the serious themes discussed, the evening was marked by warmth, humour, and the long-standing friendships shared across the Pacific fisheries community. Minister Jones drew laughter from guests as he joked about Wellington’s cooler autumn weather compared to the tropical climates many delegates had travelled from.
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop gave some brief remarks to acknowledge the hosting of the opening dinner by Minister Jones. Photo: FFA
Minister Jones used the opportunity to meet FFA Members who are in Wellington for the Annual FFC Officials 142nd Meeting from 11 – 15 May 2026. Photo: FFA
“When discussions began last year about New Zealand hosting this event in 2026, I did warn that it would fall during an election year for us,” he said.
“So unfortunately, there would be no tropical Solomon Islands warmth or Tonga-style crab expeditions in Tokelau weather conditions here in Wellington.”
The light-hearted remarks reflected the close relationships and camaraderie built over decades of regional cooperation.
The reception provided an opportunity for delegates to reconnect ahead of a busy week of discussions on some of the Pacific’s most pressing fisheries priorities, including tuna management, regional governance reforms, monitoring and surveillance cooperation, climate change impacts, and preparations for upcoming Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission negotiations.
“I encourage everyone to use this gathering as a productive opportunity, not only to discuss the challenges before us, but also to strengthen the bonds that unite us as Pacific peoples,” Minister Jones said.
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 |
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