What the High Commission does

New Zealand and Fiji have longstanding and close links through our shared history, culture, migration, business, education and sport.

The New Zealand High Commission in Suva is the face of the New Zealand Government in Fiji as well as its representative office to Tuvalu and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Its role is to manage the New Zealand relationship with Fiji, Tuvalu and other regional and international partners based in Fiji, and to convey the New Zealand Government’s views on key issues.

The office of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in Suva serves Fiji and other countries in the region, and handles visa applications for persons in Fiji wishing to travel to New Zealand. Approximately 15,000 applications are processed by the INZ Suva office on an annual basis.

New Zealand is one of the largest aid donors in the Pacific. The New Zealand Aid Programme at the High Commission in Suva plays an important role in managing the aid relationships with Fiji, Tuvalu and Pacific regional organisations and agencies.

Fiji is a close neighbour and New Zealand is committed to helping the people of Fiji through our programme of international development assistance. Key sectors of New Zealand’s Official Development Assistance to Fiji include promotion of democratic governance; strengthening of civil society; and, improving the livelihoods and economic opportunities for the people of Fiji. New Zealand is also on hand to help in times of emergency or when disaster strikes. A recent example is the delivery of emergency relief supplies after Cyclone Tomas and an ongoing project to rebuild homes in affected areas.

The High Commission has traditionally had an important role in facilitating trade and investment between New Zealand and Fiji. New Zealand is a major source of tourists for Fiji’s tourism sector, which is a key income earner for many in Fiji. Key trade commodities exported from New Zealand to Fiji are NZ$356m.

The New Zealand High Commission in Suva provides consular services to New Zealanders visiting Fiji or residing in Fiji. New Zealanders requiring assistance can contact a 24 hour consular emergency phone number 992 1956.

The links between Fiji and New Zealand run deep and over the years both countries have developed a long and treasured history. The New Zealand High Commission continues to play an important part in fostering this relationship.