Working together to end poverty and injustice

Pacific Islands Forum, Auckland, 6-9 September 2011

E kore e ngaro he kakano i ruia mai i Rangiatea
'The seeds from Rangiatea shall not be lost'

New Zealand’s interests lie in a sustainable and culturally rich Pacific region.

New Zealand, along with Australia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Tonga and (Western) Samoa established the Pacific Islands Forum in 1971 as a trade body, but it grew to encompass more members and a wider, more formalised remit.

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is now the key regional political grouping, with 16 independent and self-governing states members. It is the primary body for Pacific Island leaders to discuss the political, economic and developmental issues facing our region.

High profile

The PIF meets annually and brings together the 16 Heads of Government from states of the Pacific Islands region. This is the 42nd PIF, in the 40th year of the organisation's history. It is being held, along with a range of related meetings, in Auckland from 6–9 September 2011. This coincides with New Zealand hosting the biggest sporting event in its history, the Rugby World Cup.

This means the eyes of the world will be on New Zealand, with high-profile guests (including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and EU President Jose Barroso), events and opportunities for Pacific leaders to get involved with. The spotlight will be on the Cloud, a new development on Auckland's waterfront. This exciting space is being used to showcase Pacific trade and culture, and Oxfam will be there. In addition, Oxfam New Zealand is hosting and participating in a number of Pacific Civil Society events.

Oxfam in the Pacific

Oxfam New Zealand has a close relationship with many communities and partner organisations across the Pacific. The Pacific Islands Forum is fantastic platform for us to highlight the many issues affecting the livelihoods and wellbeing of people living in some of the most least developed countries in the world. You can find out how we are improving livelihoods across the Pacific here:

• Tonga
• Vanuatu
• Solomon Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Timor Leste
• Samoa
• Fiji

The Pacific Islands Forum provides a regional response to the challenges Pacific people face, including climate change, trade and political instability.

Find out more

• Events and activities
  Find out what's taking place at the Pacific Island Forum and the other meetings coinciding with the PIF. Oxfam is also hosting meetings with civil society leaders that the public are welcome to attend.
• Pacific showcase
  The newest addition to Auckland's waterfront will be home to the best of Pacific culture during the PIF. Visit Oxfam's stand highlighting support for Pacific agricultural producers and the opportunities for Fairtrade and organics to add value to export.
• About the Pacific Islands Forum
  Find out more about the PIF, its members and its work.
• Oxfam's work in the Pacific
  See how Oxfam is working with partners in Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, PNG, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.
• Ministry of Pacific Island Afffairs
  The New Zealand government department dedicated to the social, political and cultural development of Pacific peoples living in New Zealand Aotearoa.