PILLAR welcomes today’s Kiribati–New Zealand Statement of Partnership announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, strengthening ties with a key Pacific partner.

Nathan Seiuli, Executive Director of PILLAR, said the agreement reflects a timely and practical commitment to regional cooperation and stability.

“New Zealand’s long-term security is inseparable from the security and independence of our Pacific neighbours,” said Seiuli. “Strong partnerships help Pacific nations remain sovereign and resilient, and that directly strengthens New Zealand’s security too.”

Seiuli said strategic competition in the Pacific has intensified and requires consistent engagement grounded in mutual respect and shared interests.

“In 2026, nobody should be surprised that the Pacific is a focus of great power rivalry,” said Seiuli. “New Zealand must be a reliable neighbour, working alongside Pacific partners to deter coercion and foreign interference, and to strengthen the institutions that keep nations free.”

PILLAR said defending national sovereignty is inseparable from defending civil liberties.

“When foreign interference succeeds, everyday New Zealanders pay the price through weaker democratic control and diminished freedom,” said Seiuli. “Regional partnerships that strengthen sovereignty also help safeguard the liberties we cherish at home.”

About PILLAR

PILLAR (Protecting Individual Life, Liberty, and Rights) is a civil society organisation dedicated to defending fundamental freedoms in New Zealand. Through research, advocacy, and education, PILLAR works to ensure that responses to modern challenges remain consistent with democratic values and the protection of individual rights.

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