Winston Peters committed to hosting Pacific Islands Forum without Cabinet approval
Friday 11 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Winston Peters, Nicola Willis, Treasury, Pacific Islands Forum
Treasury advice reveals Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters offered to host the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum without seeking prior Cabinet approval. The commitment, made during a meeting in Fiji, includes a $20 million budget allocation for the next two years. Treasury noted the public announcement has resulted in unavoidable costs.
Key facts
5 facts
- Winston Peters offered to host the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji last year.
- Cabinet approval was not sought before the hosting arrangement was announced.
- The 2026 Budget committed $20 million for this year and next to host the summit.
- The Treasury advised Finance Minister Nicola Willis to exclude a $30 million funding proposal for 2027.
- The Forum has expanded in scope and importance since New Zealand last hosted it in 2011.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters made a commitment to host the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum without seeking Cabinet approval, according to Treasury advice. The offer was made during a Forum Foreign Ministers meeting in Fiji last year.
The Treasury advised Finance Minister Nicola Willis that the public commitment created unavoidable costs. This lack of consultation made it difficult to assess the value for money and the strategic alignment of the initiative.
The 2026 Budget allocated $20 million for this year and next to host the annual summit. While the Treasury suggested a $30 million funding proposal for September 2027, it recommended excluding this due to unclear value for money.
The Prime Minister's office has been approached for comment. Peters' office stated that he and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon decided to make the offer in mid-2025.
Where reports differ
- One report notes the offer was made in mid-2025, while another notes it was made during a meeting in Fiji last year.
Compiled from reports by 1News and NZ Herald.