New Zealand’s
policy for International Cooperation for Effective Sustainable Development was approved in November 2019. The policy confirms the Government's primary focus on the Pacific region and reflects a shift in how New Zealand works in the region. This includes deeper collaboration with Pacific partner countries and more ambition for Pacific engagement. It also sets out
four development principles to guide New Zealand’s international development work: effectiveness, inclusiveness, resilience and sustainability.
Promoting sustainable development to reduce poverty and contribute to a more secure, equitable and prosperous world, New Zealand's support follows the principles of understanding, friendship, mutual benefit and collective ambition in how development cooperation assistance is designed and delivered.
New Zealand dedicates almost 60% of its international development cooperation budget to the Pacific region and ASEAN countries. It also supports projects in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.