New Zealand First Secretary Yvonne McKinnel hands over fishing gear to Guadalcanal Province Chief Fisheries Officer Malachi Tefetia at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) Head Office.
NZ SUPPORTS MABALO FISHERMEN WITH FISHING GEAR
Honiara, 5 November 2026: The Government of New Zealand, through the Mekem Strong Solomon Islands Fisheries (MSSIF) Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), has provided fishing equipment to the MABALO Fishermen’s Group in Longgu Ward, East Central Guadalcanal, to strengthen fishing operations and improve livelihood opportunities for local fishermen and their communities.
The support package includes a 200-litre insulated fish storage box (esky) and a 200-litre gas-powered deep freezer. Delivered under MSSIF Phase 4, the equipment will enhance fish handling and storage capacity, helping fishermen preserve the quality of their catch and access better market opportunities.
MABALO comprises fishermen from Matango, Babasu, and Longgu villages who have been engaged in deep-water snapper fishing for more than 20 years. The group primarily fishes around Nu’utha’a Island, a remote area of East Central Guadalcanal where access to fisheries services and development support remains limited. The assistance is expected to benefit approximately 2,456 people within the catchment area served by the MABALO Fishermen’s Group.
The support forms part of MSSIF Phase 4’s ongoing commitment to strengthening small-scale fisheries development in rural communities. By addressing post-harvest challenges, the programme contributes to improved incomes, enhanced food security, and sustainable fisheries management.
The assistance also aligns with the National Provincial Fisheries Development Plan 2026-2031, which guides MFMR’s efforts to strengthen fisheries development across all nine provinces through collaboration with Provincial Fisheries Divisions and local communities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held on 5 November 2026, on behalf of the Guadalcanal Provincial Fisheries Division, Chief Fisheries Officer Mr Malachi Tefetia said the assistance would contribute significantly to strengthening community-based fisheries livelihood initiatives.
Mr Tefetia said the equipment complements the Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s ongoing efforts to empower rural fishing communities and promote sustainable fisheries development throughout the province.
Since 2020, the New Zealand-funded MSSIF Programme has supported provincial fisheries development in Guadalcanal Province through initiatives such as inland tilapia aquaculture and Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM) programmes.
The continued partnership between the Government of New Zealand, MFMR, provincial governments, and local communities demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing fisheries development and improving livelihoods for Solomon Islanders.
Representatives of the New Zealand High Commission, Mekem Strong Solomon Islands Fisheries and the MFMR Provincial Team following the handover ceremony.