NZ commits to host 2027 Pacific Islands Forum without Cabinet sign-off, Treasury says

According to Treasury, Foreign Minister Winston Peters committed New Zealand to host the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027 without securing prior Cabinet approval. The pledge was made at a Forum foreign ministers’ gathering in August of the previous year, and Budget 2026 earmarked $20 million for the summit over two years. In March, Treasury advised Finance Minister Nicola Willis to omit a $30 million funding proposal for September 2027, citing the absence of Cabinet endorsement and unclear value for money.

Treasury also highlighted that the lack of consultation hampers cost-effectiveness assessments, though it acknowledges the strategic value of hosting. A separate memo suggested trimming the budget to $10 million, aligning with inflation-adjusted costs of the 2011 event. Peters’ office later told one outlet that he and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon decided on the offer in mid-2025, emphasizing the Forum’s expanded scope since New Zealand last hosted it.