New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the Pacific is exposed to a wide range of natural hazards. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Hilaire Bule
The governments of New Zealand and Australia will assist with the establishment of humanitarian relief warehouses worth almost NZ$50 million across the Pacific
The foreign ministers of the two nations, who are in Suva to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, made the announcement on Friday.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the Pacific is exposed to a wide range of natural hazards and other risks - including cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, volcanoes and disease.
He said these disasters can lead to immense humanitarian need.
"This initiative places Pacific countries at the centre of responses," he said.
"It will give countries access to humanitarian relief supplies within 48 hours of a disaster to help meet immediate needs following an emergency."
New Zealand and Australia will invest a combined NZ $47.5 million, working alongside other partners such as the United States, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
The initiative will see warehouses built in 14 Pacific Islands countries and Timor-Leste.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program is an excellent Pacific led initiative.
"Australia and New Zealand are proud to back it to help ensure there is easily accessible support and supplies on the ground for communities when disaster strikes," Wong said.
"This is a practical demonstration of how we are working together to address our shared challenges."