Her Excellency Nicci Simmonds, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Vanuatu, paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Job Sam Andy, Vanuatu’s Minister of Justice, Sports, and Community Services, last Friday.
High Commissioner Simmonds reaffirmed New Zealand’s ongoing commitment, particularly within the Vanuatu’s justice sector. She highlighted several key areas where New Zealand has been actively involved, including:
- Empowering women’s projects in partnership with the Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA)
- Support for civil society projects that focus on vulnerable groups, including disability, youth, and women
- Justice and Gender Protection Cluster, which has been instrumental in responding to natural disasters.
- Assistance to correctional centers, including the development of facilities
- Capacity-building exchanges for correctional officers with New Zealand’s corrections services
She also noted that the New Zealand government continues to provide funding support for key priority areas in 2025, including:
- Identifying funding opportunities through discussions with program managers
- Supporting policy reviews, particularly in gender equality and women’s empowerment
Minister Andy expressed his deep gratitude for New Zealand's substantial contributions to Vanuatu’s justice sector. These projects have had a real and lasting impact on improving our justice system and the welfare of our citizens,” said Minister Andy.
Honorable Minister Job Sam Andy also stressed the importance of progressing the Hall of Justice project this year, and both parties confirmed their commitment to moving forward with support for the project.
The ongoing collaboration between New Zealand and Vanuatu remains a cornerstone of the nation’s development.