Wellington, New Zealand 11 April 2025— The Cook Islands High Commission in Wellington proudly hosted and chaired the first Pacific Islands Heads of Mission (PIHOM) meeting for 2025 this week.
This gathering, held quarterly, brought together Heads of Mission from Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, and a representative from Fiji to discuss pressing national and regional priorities.
The meeting provided a valuable forum for Pacific Islands county heads of mission in Wellington to share perspectives on recent developments within their respective nations, across the region, and beyond the region. Discussions touched on recent trade and geopolitical developments and the contribution Pacific Island missions in Wellington can make to amplifying the voice of island nations on issues of shared interest with New Zealand as well as other partners with diplomatic presence in Wellington.
High Commissioners also shared perspectives and experiences on engagements with Maori iwi, New Zealand business, academia, diaspora, and other communities.
Cook Islands High Commissioner Kairangi Samuela said:
"This meeting underscores the importance of sustained Pacific dialogue, of talanoa, and of solidarity as island nations navigate opportunities and challenges in an increasingly complex global environment. Through partnerships and community, we can amplify our voices in New Zealand and beyond and support our individual and shared aspirations for our peoples."
The PIHOM group convenes quarterly and includes Heads of Mission from eight Pacific Island nations that maintain a diplomatic presence in Wellington: the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Niue, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The PIHOM dialogue reflects a shared commitment to regional cooperation and collective action on issues of mutual interest.
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