Fiji and New Zealand have moved to deepen cooperation on digital transformation, telecommunications reform, and cybersecurity following a high-level meeting in Suva between Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, and New Zealand’s Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage; Justice; Media and Communications; and Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Paul Goldsmith. The discussion was held on the sidelines of the 2nd Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
Kamikamica outlined Fiji’s recent progress, including the National Digital Strategy 2025–2030, which charts a pathway to position Fiji as a leading regional digital economy. He also confirmed Cabinet’s endorsement of the National 5G Strategy, covering spectrum assignment and a 5G Network Security Policy. A National Cybersecurity and Resilience Policy is set for release soon, backed by a detailed implementation plan focused on protecting critical infrastructure.
The ministers acknowledged New Zealand’s practical support in standing up Fiji CERT—especially on technical scoping and job design—and agreed to explore deeper institutional cooperation between Fiji CERT and NZ CERT. They also discussed Fiji’s forthcoming telecommunications regulatory reforms, with Fiji seeking to learn from New Zealand’s newly launched regulatory framework. Areas identified for collaboration include policy alignment, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building.
The Suva dialogue drew participation from regional and international partners, including the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the GSMA, and private sector stakeholders—reflecting growing momentum to accelerate secure and inclusive digital transformation across the Pacific.
Context and added value
– CERT-to-CERT cooperation: Direct channels between Fiji CERT and NZ CERT can improve early warning, joint incident response, and skills transfer—particularly valuable for managing cross-border threats and bolstering resilience of critical services.
– 5G readiness: Pairing spectrum assignment with a security policy from the outset helps ensure trusted vendor selection, supply chain assurance, and alignment with international standards. This reduces rollout risk and strengthens public confidence in advanced connectivity.
– Regulatory reform: Drawing on New Zealand’s recent framework can help Fiji modernize market rules, improve service quality, and accelerate rural coverage—while maintaining consumer protections and network security.
– Regional alignment: Fiji’s leadership in regional cybersecurity forums and its cooperation with partners such as Australia and Japan on cyber drills, capacity building, and infrastructure investment complement the Fiji–New Zealand track. Fiji’s accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime further underscores its commitment to international cooperation against cyber threats.
– What to watch next: The publication of Fiji’s National Cybersecurity and Resilience Policy and any formalized arrangement between Fiji CERT and NZ CERT (e.g., an MoU) will be key milestones. The timetable for 5G spectrum allocation and early rural connectivity wins will be strong indicators of progress on the National Digital Strategy.
Logical comment
Fiji’s approach—aligning policy reform, security-by-design for 5G, and institutional collaboration—addresses three common failure points in national digitization: fragmented governance, late-stage security fixes, and limited incident response capacity. By sequencing strategy, regulation, and operational partnerships together, Fiji improves the odds of delivering reliable, secure digital services at scale.
Summary
– Fiji and New Zealand will deepen cooperation on digital transformation, telecoms reform, and cybersecurity.
– Fiji highlighted its National Digital Strategy 2025–2030 and Cabinet-endorsed National 5G Strategy, including spectrum and security policy.
– A National Cybersecurity and Resilience Policy is due soon with a detailed implementation plan to protect critical infrastructure.
– Fiji and New Zealand will explore stronger Fiji CERT–NZ CERT ties and draw on New Zealand’s new regulatory framework for Fiji’s reforms.
– The 2nd Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue in Suva convened APT, ITU, GSMA, and private sector partners to advance regional digital initiatives.
– The trajectory is positive: clearer policies, stronger institutions, and cross-border cooperation point to a more secure, connected Pacific.
Leave a comment