MEHRD and New Zealand High Commission Launch Partnership Support Hub under Waka Fo Edukesen

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 9^th July 2026– The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), together with the New Zealand High Commission, has officially launched the Partnership Support Hub under the Waka Fo Edukesen Solomon Islands–New Zealand Education Partnership 2025–2035.

The launch was jointly officiated this morning by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Curr, and the Permanent Secretary of MEHRD, Dr. Franco Rodie.

The Partnership Support Hub will be based at MEHRD Headquarters and will provide strategic, technical, and coordination support to strengthen the Ministry’s engagement with Education Providers, schools, development partners, and other key education stakeholders across Solomon Islands under the New Zealand Government-funded programme.

The Hub is part of New Zealand’s continued support to Solomon Islands’ education sector through the Waka Fo Edukesen partnership. The partnership aims to support locally led improvements in education delivery, strengthen MEHRD’s governance, leadership and management capacity, and contribute to better learning outcomes for children and young people throughout the country.

Speaking during the launch, New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr reaffirmed New Zealand’s strong and long-standing commitment to supporting education in Solomon Islands. He highlighted that education remains one of the most important areas of cooperation between the two countries and that the Partnership Support Hub will help ensure support is better coordinated, practical and responsive to the needs of MEHRD, Education Providers and schools.

High Commissioner Curr also acknowledged the leadership of MEHRD and emphasised that the partnership is centred on working together with Solomon Islands institutions to strengthen local systems and improve education services for all learners.

In his remarks, Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie thanked the Government and people of New Zealand for their continued partnership and support to Solomon Islands’ education sector. He said the establishment of the Partnership Support Hub within MEHRD is timely and important, especially as the Ministry continues to implement key reforms under the Education Act 2023 and the Education Legislative Framework.

“The Ministry welcomes this important support. Having the Partnership Support Hub based within MEHRD will help us work more closely with our partners and ensure that support reaches the areas where it is most needed, especially our Education Providers and schools,” Dr. Rodie said.

He further stated that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that every child in Solomon Islands has access to quality, inclusive and relevant education.

The Partnership Support Hub will support programme planning and delivery, provide advisory and technical assistance, strengthen coordination across education stakeholders, support monitoring and evaluation, and assist with communications and administrative functions under the partnership.

MEHRD acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the role of Catalpa in supporting the implementation arrangements for the Hub.

The launch marks another important milestone in the shared commitment between Solomon Islands and New Zealand to strengthen the education system and improve opportunities for all learners across the country.

ENDS

Samantha Clough Partnership Support Hub Coordinator delivers remarks during the launch at the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.

Photo 3: Representatives from MEHRD, the New Zealand High Commission and Catalpa mark the official launch of the Partnership Support Hub with a ceremonial cake cutting.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Curr, speaking during the launch of the Partnership Support Hub.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, Dr. Franco Rodie, delivering remarks during the launch programme.