New Zealand Unveils "Kiwi Whare" Hub in Port Vila to Deepen Security Cooperation with Vanuatu

New Zealand Police and Defense personnel have launched the Kiwi Whare in Port Vila a new collaborative workspace designed to strengthen policing ties with Vanuatu.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 9:22 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A New Strategic Nexus for Pacific Policing

The opening of the "Kiwi Whare" in Port Vila marks a significant milestone in the security partnership between New Zealand and Vanuatu. Unveiled by New Zealand Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson and Vanuatu's Police Commissioner Kalshem Bongran, the facility is designed as a shared environment for New Zealand Police and Defense Force (NZDF) personnel. Strategically located near the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) Headquarters, Southern Command, and the Police Training College, the hub allows for seamless integration between foreign advisors and local officers. This proximity is intended to foster a culture of immediate collaboration on joint program activities and high-level security planning.

Navigating Legislative Shifts in National Security

The establishment of a dedicated New Zealand workspace was prompted by an amendment to Vanuatu's National Security Act passed in late 2025. This legal change mandated that foreign policing and security advisors operate from their respective embassies or non-government offices rather than being permanently embedded within Vanuatu government premises. While New Zealand personnel are still permitted to work on-site at Vanuatu stations as needed, the "Kiwi Whare" fulfills the legal requirement for a separate administrative base. Assistant Commissioner Johnson noted that the move recognizes the long-term value of having a permanent, neutral convening space for New Zealand’s six full-time staff and periodic "fly-in" training experts.

Strengthening Community Policing and Rules of Engagement

A core function of the New Zealand mission in Vanuatu is the professional development of local community safety teams across the country’s various provinces. Commissioner Bongran highlighted that New Zealand advisors are currently playing a pivotal role in training VPF officers on modern rules of engagement. This curriculum focuses on critical decision-making processes, teaching officers how to assess complex scenarios and legal requirements before taking action. By shifting toward a community-centric policing model, the program aims to enhance public trust and ensure that police interventions are both proportionate and effective.