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New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Jonathan Curr, SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau and Hon. Shane Jones after their discussion today
The Vice-Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Professor Transform Aqorau, today met with the Honourable Matua Shane Jones, New Zealand Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, to discuss key areas of collaboration between Solomon Islands and New Zealand.
The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including fisheries developments in the region and the outcomes of the recent Honiara Oceans Summit. Both parties acknowledged the significance of sustainable fisheries management and the need for strong regional cooperation to protect and enhance the Pacificโs ocean resources.
A key highlight of the meeting was SINUโs proposed partnership with Victoria University of Wellington to support the upgrading and upskilling of teachers to meet the Bachelor-level qualification requirements mandated by the Solomon Islands Education Act 2023. Minister Jones and Professor Aqorau discussed the role that New Zealand could play in supporting this initiative, particularly through micro-qualifications that provide flexible learning pathways for Solomon Islands educators.
The discussions also touched on broader geostrategic issues of interest in the Pacific, recognising the dynamic and evolving landscape of regional cooperation and development.
Speaking on the importance of New Zealand-Solomon Islands cooperation, Professor Aqorau expressed appreciation for the New Zealand Governmentโs continued support for SINU, particularly in infrastructure development.
“New Zealand has been a valued partner in advancing education and skills development in the Solomon Islands. We are especially grateful for the support towards the construction of the School of Tourism facilities at SINU, which will play a crucial role in training the next generation of tourism professionals. Our discussions today reaffirmed the strong partnership between our nations and explored new opportunities to collaborate in education, fisheries, and workforce development,” said Professor Aqorau.
Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the prospect of a short-term, intensive training programme that would equip Solomon Islandersโparticularly those recruited from villagesโfor employment in New Zealandโs seafood and aquaculture industries. This initiative, in partnership with Wellington Uni Professional, aims to provide a Certificate in Workplace English & Seafood Handling, ensuring workers are well-prepared before departing for New Zealand.
“This initiative represents a tangible way in which our institutions can work together to directly support New Zealand industry while simultaneously contributing to human capital development in the Solomon Islands,” Professor Aqorau added.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering strong, mutually beneficial partnerships between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands, particularly in education, fisheries, and economic cooperation. The discussions mark a step forward in strengthening the ties between the two nations and ensuring that their collaboration continues to deliver real and lasting benefits for their people.
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