A high-level meeting took place this morning between New Zealand Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Pannett and Fiji’s Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, reaffirming the robust security ties between the two nations. The discussions built upon Commissioner Tudravu’s recent visit to New Zealand, where he met with NZ Police Commissioner Richard Chambers to express Fiji’s gratitude for the ongoing support provided through the New Zealand-funded Fiji Police Partnership Programme (FPPP).
During the meeting, Commissioner Tudravu highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing the Fiji Police Force’s capacity across critical areas, including the development of investigative interviewing and training capabilities, expansion of general patrol dog capabilities, reinforcement of the Criminal Investigations Department, and enhancement of leadership and governance training. He also stressed the importance of updating training and recruitment programs to better reflect modern law enforcement needs.
Following this courtesy meeting, the FPPP Management Committee convened, attended by senior Fiji Police officials and representatives from the New Zealand High Commission, among others, to discuss the ongoing collaboration aimed at improving policing standards and ensuring regional security. This meeting signifies the importance of continued joint efforts toward fostering safer communities across the Pacific.
The partnership between Fiji and New Zealand, underpinned by the Duavata Partnership Agreement, has proven beneficial in modernizing policing capabilities, enhancing not only local law enforcement’s effectiveness but also addressing shared transnational crime challenges. Programs like the FPPP reflect a strategic approach to building local law enforcement capacity, reducing reliance on external resources while bolstering security and safety for citizens in both nations.
As this collaboration deepens, it highlights a hopeful outlook for the future, as efforts to strengthen security measures across the Pacific signify a commitment to shared goals and mutual support in confronting the complexities of contemporary policing challenges.