Consulate General for the Republic of Vanuatu in New Zealand

The Consul General of Vanuatu was pleased to host a dinner and discussions with the Speaker of Parliament, The Honourable Stephen Dorrick Felix MP, together with Mrs Rose Felix, The Honourable Marie Louise Paulette MP, The Honourable Danny Silas MP and their delegation, along with MFAT’s Steve Hamilton, during their recent visit to New Zealand.

The evening provided a valuable opportunity for warm discussions and engagement, further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Vanuatu and New Zealand. 🇻🇺🤝🇳🇿

This week, the Consulate General was pleased to facilitate a series of strategic meetings for the visiting team from the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

The programme formed part of a fact-finding visit to explore new and emerging export opportunities for Vanuatu products in the New Zealand market.

The delegation engaged in productive discussions with key partners including the MFATNZ Innovation Hub, New Zealand Pacific Business Council, Pacific Trade & Invest, and the Vanuatu Tourism Office New Zealand and the Consul General.

The visit also included valuable on-the-ground insights through site visits to Ōtāhuhu Town Centre, Farro Fresh, and the Auckland Museum Store.

These engagements provided important perspectives on retail positioning, consumer trends, and potential pathways for Vanuatu exporters to strengthen their presence in New Zealand.

We look forward to continued collaboration that supports trade growth and deepens economic ties between Vanuatu and Aotearoa New Zealand. 🇻🇺🤝🇳🇿

This is great news for tourism and our RSE workers. Connecting Christchurch to 🇻🇺

🌴 Tropical escapes just got closer for the South Island 🌴

From 1 July 2026, South Island travellers can trade winter layers for island time, with Solomon Airlines launching a new direct service from Christchurch to Port Vila, Vanuatu.

➡️ Christchurch (CHC) → Port Vila (VLI)
➡️ Twice weekly – Thursdays and Sundays

It’s the first ever scheduled commercial flight from the South Island to Vanuatu! Making it easier than ever to step straight into warm weather, laid-back island vibes, and unforgettable Pacific adventures.

With Vanuatu two hours behind New Zealand in winter, you can have breakfast at home and be sitting down to a relaxed seaside lunch in Port Vila the very same day. Now that’s a getaway done right 🌞🌊

Read more here: https://loom.ly/uxI7GUo

Supporting Vanuatu on the Regional Stage! 🇻🇺

The Consulate General of Vanuatu in New Zealand was pleased to be represented by Consul General McKenzie Kalotiti at the opening OFC Pro League match between Vanuatu United FC and Fiji’s Bula United FC.

It was an exciting and closely contested game, ending in a hard-fought 2–2 draw. The match showcased great talent, sportsmanship, and the strong football spirit of the Pacific.

We are proud to support our Vanuatu athletes and to see our nation represented with pride in regional competitions. Wishing Vanuatu United FC all the best for the rest of the tournament!

The Toloa Scholarships and Community Fund help Pacific students and community programmes develop skills, confidence, and pathways into science, technology, engineering, and math's careers are now open for applications. Ni-Vanuatu students residing in NZ and attending Secondary and Tertiary education can apply.

Toloa Scholarships | Ministry for Pacific Peoples Our programmes aim to create thriving, resilient and prosperous Pacific communities in Aotearoa. We have a range of funding available for Pacific communities, youth and established providers.

Ministry of Pacific Peoples NZ has advised that Applications are open for the Pacific Languages Community Fund.

This year, a total of $1.305 million is available, with funding offered at three levels to suit projects of all sizes - from smaller initiatives under $20,000 to larger initiatives up to $100,000.

They are looking for projects that help communities learn or strengthen Pacific languages, that engage youth under 30, and that reflect the priorities and traditions of the people they serve.

Applications close at 12pm on Friday 28 November 2025, with successful projects running from January to October 2026.

For a full list of 2025 Recipients including our Ni-Vanuatu Bay of Plenty Association as well as the link to the application form for 2026 funding.

Pacific Languages Community Fund | Ministry for Pacific Peoples Our programmes aim to create thriving, resilient and prosperous Pacific communities in Aotearoa. We have a range of funding available for Pacific communities, youth and established providers.

Great to see Vanuatu Taro coming to New Zealand.

Vanuatu Bislama Lanwis Wik - Celebrating Vanuatu Bislama Language Week 🌺

For the first time ever, Aotearoa New Zealand is officially celebrating Vanuatu Bislama Language Week. Bislama is a creole language that originated from English and various Melanesian languages, and it serves as a common language for many people in Vanuatu and is spoken widely, as well as French, English, and over 110 distinct dialects, making Vanuatu the most language-dense country per capita in the world.

Join us today from 10:30am for music, storytelling, and hands-on cultural fun as we honour this milestone with the Ni-Vanuatu community.
Event details: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/visit/events/celebrating-ni-vanuatu-bislama-language-week