27 Jan 2020

NZ govt to establish 'Pacific-led hub' for public sector

4:28 pm on 27 January 2020

New Zealand has announced the creation of a Pacific-led hub aimed at strengthening public services across the region.

Winston Peters

Winston Peters. Photo: RNZ / Ana Tovey

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said strengthening public services was a "core focus" of New Zealand's 'Pacific Reset' policy, and was part of efforts to improve democratic governance in the region.

The Pacific Public Service Fale will be based in Wellington and would offer technical assistance, advice, training and exchange opportunities for public servants from the Pacific.

The initiative would contribute to "better transparency and accountability, gender equality, human rights, and governance".

"Pacific countries want strong public sectors to deliver the services that are critical to the well-being of their people, and this Pacific Public Service Fale will assist in providing exactly that to all Pacific Islands Forum Members and Tokelau," Mr Peters said in a statement.