The Pacific region is enhancing its disaster response capabilities through the establishment of the Pacific Response Group (PRG), an initiative aimed at boosting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts across the area. Launched under the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM), the PRG brings together defense forces from several nations, including Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga, with Chile participating as an observer.
The PRG acts as a crucial regional resource, enabling more effective military co-deployments while also supporting civilian-led initiatives when requested by nations in crisis. Lieutenant Colonel Scott Hill, the commander of the PRG, highlighted that the establishment of a permanent headquarters will significantly improve response times and overall effectiveness when a neighboring Pacific nation is in need. This headquarters is set to be located in Brisbane, Australia, until July of next year, before it transitions to New Zealand.
Member nations contribute skilled personnel with expertise in logistics, health, air and maritime planning, and communications—these are vital for ensuring swift and coordinated disaster responses. This year, the group conducted its induction training at sea aboard the ADV Reliant, covering a distance from Townsville to the Coral Sea, with a strategic stop in Suva, Fiji. Lieutenant Colonel Hill remarked that this at-sea training approach was a first for the group, enhancing teamwork and readiness while blending various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Peter Roberts, praised the PRG for exemplifying regional cooperation and commended the capabilities of the ADV Reliant, which is equipped to deliver essential resources like water, medical care, and emergency supplies across the Pacific. This showcases the group’s preparedness to coordinate rapid responses to disasters.
Participants in the PRG have expressed their appreciation for the collaborative experience. Major Tadio Nariva from Fiji shared that working within a multinational environment has been a “great experience,” while Captain Hehea Lino from Tonga called her deployment an incredible opportunity to represent her nation and inspire others.
As the frequency of natural disasters intensifies due to climate change, the Pacific Response Group emerges as a symbol of solidarity, ensuring that no Pacific nation faces its vulnerabilities alone. The ongoing collaboration among Pacific nations reflects a hopeful commitment to a robust approach to disaster preparedness and resilience, promising to bolster the region’s ability to confront future challenges and enhance the safety of vulnerable communities across the Pacific.