International engagement
We work with organisations to strengthen global immigration ties, support Pacific border security, and boost labour mobility, enhancing regional wellbeing and cooperation.
We gain value from our international partners and relationships through strategic engagement, we do this by:
- working with regional partners to understand opportunities and areas of challenge
- contributing to the effectiveness and governance of the global immigration system
- participating in the Migration Five grouping of immigration agencies
- working with international organisations to uphold our international humanitarian obligations and commitments
- working with other New Zealand agencies to ensure the immigration system supports New Zealand’s wider ambitions offshore.
Regional focus
The Pacific
New Zealand’s relationship with our Pacific neighbours is unique and special. We recognise the importance of this relationship and the strong people to people links in our community.
Pacific Security / Hakili Matagi – Immigration Support to the Pacific Programme 2024-2028
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) funds Immigration New Zealand to deliver a Pacific Immigration capacity-building programme, Hakili Matagi. The programme partners with 9 countries (Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu) and aims to strengthen Pacific border security. The programme is designed to empower and enable Pacific immigration agencies to strengthen the institutions that govern their border (including staff capability, legislation and tools).
The programme also supports the information sharing activities and regional outreach through the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC).
Strengthening Pacific Labour Mobility – Toso Vaka o Manu
The Strengthening Pacific Labour Mobility programme is New Zealand’s primary way of helping Pacific countries get the most out of labour mobility. It supports countries to grow the benefits of their workers going overseas for jobs.
The Toso Vaka o Manū Programme programme works with 9 Pacific Island countries. It helps their labour mobility units (the teams that manage overseas work programmes) build skills and systems to run the programmes effectively. Support includes areas like recruitment, training, and helping families adjust. This programme aims to improve social and economic wellbeing for workers and their communities.