NEWS & EVENTS

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High Commissioner H.E. Eliam Tangirongo presented his Letter of Introduction to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

High Commissioner H.E. Eliam Tangirongo presented his Letter of Introduction to the New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern this morning on Monday 15th November 2021.  

Upon receiving Excellency Tangirongo’ s Letter of Introduction, New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern congratulated His Excellency’s appointment on his tour of duty.  

H.E. Eliam Tangirongo in reciprocate thanked Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for accepting his credentials and endeavours to work in close collaboration with the New Zealand Government.  

New Zealand Prime Minister in her brief discussion with H.E. Eliam Tangirongo conveyed New Zealand’s ongoing strong bilateral support to the Solomon Islands Government and looks forward to work closely with the Solomon Islands High Commission to New Zealand.

Some of the issues discussed during the brief dialogue with New Zealand’s Prime Minister were on New Zealand’s support in terms of the Covid19 Vaccination roll out and its management in the Solomon Islands, New Zealand’s infrastructure and development support to the Solomon Islands, New Zealand’s support in Education and Climates change, and Solomon Island’s participation in the Recognised Seasonal Employee (RSE) scheme as one of the pressing issues that requires some urgent attention.    

High Commissioner Tangirongo took the opportunity as well to inform New Zealand Prime Minister on the current State of Public Emergency (SoPE) situation in the Solomon Islands and looks forward to work collaboratively with the New Zealand Government in strengthening and deepening the long standing mutual bilateral relations between the two countries.   

High Commissioner H.E. Eliam Tangirongo replaces H.E. Lady Joy Kere who was recalled in February 2020

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, H.E. Eliam Tangirongo with New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Jacinda Ardern at the Prime Minister’s Office, New Zealand Parliament
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Solomon Islands Passport Renewal Service

High Commission of Solomon Islands to New Zealand Offers Passport Renewal Service to Solomon Islands Citizens in New Zealand

Solomon Islands High Commission to New Zealand launches its passport renewal services to all Solomon Islands Citizens in New Zealand on Monday 10th May 2021. 

This is the second diplomatic Mission to offer the service to our Citizens living abroad, aiming at serving Solomon Islands Citizens living in New Zealand. 

The success of the launching was made possible through a Cabinet conclusion endorsed in March 2021, which then established the culmination of a joint effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour, and Immigration. 

The initiative was made in recognition of the long-standing passport issue to support Solomon Islands citizens living abroad, which also proved timely given the outbreak of COVID 19 in the early 2019 which affects international travel. 

With the current scheduled appointments for May and June 2021, Wellington High Commission Office expects to undertake more than a hundred passport renewal applications. The Service will be provided at the High Commission office in Wellington only for a short-term period until 30th June 2021. 

Acting High Commissioner, Mr. John Mark Kemakeza, and Immigration Official Mrs. Elizabeth Toliliu will be manning the service at the High Commission Office in Wellington. The High Commission Office welcomes our citizens in New Zealand and look forward to assist and support them out with the passport renewal service. 

For more detailed information about the service visit the Solomon Islands High Commission to New Zealand’s website at https://sihc.org.nz

Pic: L-R: Immigration official Ms. Elizabeth Toliliu and Acting High Commissioner, John Mark Kemakeza

Pic: Immigration Official Ms. Elizabeth Toliliu and Mr. Koroi Kawkins and family as the first applicants

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INFORMATION ON PASSPORT RENEWAL APPLICATIONS


HOW DO I APPLY?

The following documents are required to process passport applications at the High Commission Office in Wellington:

Renewing a passport

Completed application form – (I want to apply for a… – Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration) 
Two passport size photos (3.5 cm by 4.5 cm) 
Photocopy and/or Passport Number of SI Passport. 
Permanent Residential visa (attached certified photocopied document only) 

Replacing Lost/Damaged passport

Completed application form  (I already have a passport and want to.. – Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration) 
Police report stating your passport is lost
Two passport size photos (3.5 cm by 4.5 cm)
Residential visa (attached certified photo copied document only) 

Babies/Child born in New Zealand 

Please ensure to bring Childbirth Certificate – Parents/Guardians can apply on their (baby/child’s) behalf at the High Commission Office

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENEW A PASSPORT?

Passport renewal fees are NZD$210.00 while replacing a lost or damaged passport is 

NZD$310.00. 

WHEN DO I PAY THE PASSPORT FEE? 

Applicants can pay the passport fees online as per Account details below; Indicate your name as reference to payment. Please print a copy of Confirmation of Transfer of payments for Passport Renewal Fees upon lodgement. Accounts payable are NON-REFUNDABLE. Online payments are strongly advised.  

Bank Account Details; 

Name: SOLOMON ISLANDS HIGH COMM TO NZ 

A/C Number: 01-0902-0286212-02


WHERE IS THE SI HIGH COMMISSION OFFICE SITUATED?

The High Commission Office is in Wellington City, 15-17 Murphy Street, Thorndon, Level 7, Wellington 6145. You can call us on 04 4722827 or Mobile: 02102226076, or on Email info@sihc.org.nz if you have any questions.   

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET A NEW PASSPORT?

Passport renewals will likely take at least 2 months before collection. 


All passports are printed in Honiara and given the current flight restrictions and the need to courier applications and printed passports – it will take time. 


CAN I APPLY REMOTELY? (SEND IN ALL THE DOCUMENTS WITHOUT BEING PRESENT?)

No.

Applicants must be physically present to lodge an application. There are personal details that are linked to the passport i.e. fingerprints etc which are security features and cannot be collected unless applicants are physically present. 

PHOTO GUIDELINES

With submitted photos we will require the following: 

Two identical, good quality colour prints, less than six months old, 
No retouching of any kind (including removal of background, moles, wrinkles, or scars)
Clear, focused image with no marks or ‘red eye’
Plain white or light grey background that contrasts with your face
Uniform lighting (no shadows or reflections), with appropriate brightness and contrast to show natural skin tone
Face centred and looking at the camera straight on; not tilted in any direction
Hair off your face, so that the edges of your face are visible
Eyes open, mouth closed
Neutral expression (not smiling, laughing or frowning)

WHEN CAN I APPLY AT THE HIGH COMMISSION OFFICE?

The High Commission Office will offer the passport renewal services from Monday 10th May 2021. We are open to the public on weekdays from 9am – 4pm. We are closed on weekends and Public Holidays.  

The High Commission will get in touch with you to provide your scheduled appointments. Should you wish to alter dates, due to any urgent arising matters please do advise as soon as possible as we will be expecting a tight schedule of appointments.   

Renewal of passports and dual citizenship

Applicants are advised that passport renewals are for nationals currently with Solomon Islands passports only. Nationals who have renounced their citizenship to gain a New Zealand citizenship (or any other citizenship) must apply for a ‘resumption of citizenship’ with the Ministry of Home Affairs in Honiara. 

If an applicant is a dual citizen of Solomon Islands and another country, they must provide their Dual Citizenship document upon their passport application lodgement at the High Commission Office. 

 COVID 19 PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES 

If applicants are feeling sick or display flu like symptoms, they are encouraged to get tested for COVID 19 and remain at home.  

Do not come to the High Commission Office if you are feeling unwell. 

While the High Commission Office will adhere to COVID 19 work safe practices, applicants wishing to renew passports are encouraged to take pre-cautionary measures with local authorities with up-to-date Health advice.     

NOTE: AS OF 2022, ALL PASSPORT APPLICATIONS WILL NEED TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE IN HONIARA. THE HIGH COMMISSION IS NO LONGER PROCESSING APPLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION. 

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Solomon Islands High Commission to New Zealand Celebrates 42nd Independence Anniversary with the Waikato Solomon Islands Community in Hamilton.

The Solomon Islands High Commission to New Zealand was invited by the Solomon Islands Society of Waikato Association (SISWA) to attend the 42nd Independence Anniversary celebration in Hamilton on Saturday 14th July 2020.

L-R: Mr. Jamie Molea, Mr. Gavin Bare, Mr. John Kemakeza and Mr. Daniel Aotorea

Mr. John Mark Kemakeza, Second Secretary of the High Commission attended the eventful celebrations along with a student Representative from Wellington Victoria University, Mr. Daniel Aotorea and a senior Solomon Islands Citizen living in Wellington Mr. Jamie Molea.

Solomon Islands Society of Waikato Association President, Mrs. Leonora Houma

President of SISWA, Mrs. Leonora Houma on behalf of the Solomon Islanders living in Waikato thanked the High Commission for attending and supporting the celebrations in Hamilton.

In her remarks during the celebration, Mrs. Houma echoed the importance of working closely with the High Commission and the Waikato community was really delighted to have a representative from the SIHC in Wellington visiting and celebrating the SI 42nd National Day with them and described it as “very special” to the SI Waikato Community.

Second Secretary to the High Commission, John Mark Kemakeza delivering his official remarks

Mr. Kemakeza In his reply speech stated that the 42nd National Day celebrations in Hamilton marks the first of the many more collaborations to come, as the Solomon Islands High Commission aims to strengthen contacts with NZ Solomon Islands Communities – or the Diaspora who are the Solomon Islands “Informal Ambassadors”.

Solomon Islands Community in Waikato enjoying the 42nd Independence Day celebration

Around 100 SI Nationals which include, students, families, friends and wantoks living in Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga attended the celebrations. Some of our RSE workers in Tauranga also attended and performed the well-known “Taga-Ai” custom dance as part of the entertainment program.

Cutting of the 42nd Anniversary Independence Cake with the Kids in Hamilton
Cultural Performances during the Entertainment part of the program

The Celebrations ended with various custom dance performances by the SI Waikato University Students, Youths, families, and community living in Hamilton. The Highlight of the entertainment performances was the all-time famous “Gongala Dance” which involved each and every one who attended to dance away and enjoy the celebrations in the Solomon Islands way.

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Solomon Islands RSE Workers & Employers on the South Island visited by the Solomon Islands High Commission.

The Solomon Islands High Commission (SIHC) to New Zealand in Collaboration with MBIE made a pastoral/field visit to the SI RSE Workers (and their respective employers) in the Southern Island region from Friday 5th June – 9th June 2020. The Visit was made possible through funding from MBIE who funded for travel and accommodation for the visit. The Visit was basically to meet and discuss with SI RSE workers and employers and hear out any issues of concern that may arise especially in those very uncertain times during the eight weeks of total lockdown due to the covid-19 global pandemic. The visit covered SI RSE workers and employers of Hortus, Vine Power, Ace Viticulture, Focus Central, R&C Conning, Seifried Ltd, Motueka and Takaka

Mr John Kemakeza (SIHC) and Ms Oiko (MBIE) with Hortus Company managers, Tasman South Island

The visiting team which comprises of Mr. John Mark Kemakeza from SI High Commission, Mrs. Oiko from NZ Immigration and Mr. Lafaele from MBIE had an audience on separate occasions with almost around 150 of the SI RSE Workers in the Southern Region. The visiting team took the opportunity to encourage the workers to take good care of themselves, stay safe, practice a healthy working environment, and make the most of the opportunity of still having Jobs with their respective employers.

Group photo with the SI RSE Workers in Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand

Workers in the Southern region in general are fine as there are still jobs for them up until August and September. The High Commission also informed the workers on the current situation with the State of Public Emergency in Honiara. The High Commission provided contact information with the group leaders and should any issues of concern be raised by the workers they will keep in contact with the High Commission office in Wellington. Ms. Oiko and Mr. Laefaele also provided information on some questions regarding Visa and Immigration

With the SI RSE Workers ( R & C) their pastoral carers, Mr & Mrs Susukahu, Nelson

Some of the issues raised by the workers were brought forward to their employers and were addressed directly. Some issues and concerns were also raised by Mission to LMU/HQ on a more detailed report submitted to LMU/HQ for further considerations

The Field Visit was a real success and the High Commission looks forward to more visits and collaborations with MBIE especially with the focus on trying to increase Solomon Islands  Participation in the RSE Scheme under this Toso Vaka Omanu Program

With the SI RSE Workers at Seifrieds, Nelson with Mr Seifried himself on front row, far right.
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High Commissioner Tangirongo congratulates Sogavare for achieving full term as PM.

11.01.24 CARETAKER Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has received a courtesy call from the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency (HE) Eliam Tangirongo on Tuesday morning.

HE Tangirongo used the opportunity to congratulate the caretaker Prime Minister on achieving a full four-year term in government and for successfully hosting the 17th Pacific Games.

He assured the caretaker Prime Minister that he will continue to serve the Solomon Islands diplomatic mission in New Zealand with due diligence.

Caretaker Prime Minister Sogavare, in turn, acknowledged God for his leading hand in navigating the country through the tough times.

He expressed that the future of Solomon Islands is bright, given the support offered by both traditional and new bilateral partners.

Caretaker Prime Minister Sogavare wished HE Tangirongo all the best as he will return to New Zealand to continue manning the Solomon Islands diplomatic mission there.

(PM’S PRESS SECRETARIAT/SOLSTAR)

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Solomon Islands Participate at the 2023 Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting in Vanuatu 

Solomon Islands participated at the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 20-25 November 2023 in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

The Solomon Islands delegation was led by His Excellency, Robert Sisilo, the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia.

A two days’ workshop and 3 different labour  mobility related meetings were held over the five days conference, to give an opportunity for all 10 Countries participating in the Australia and New Zealand Labour Mobility Schemes, as well as all key stakeholders across the region, to come together to discuss issues on Labour Mobility and find collective commitments to address issues affecting pacific workers, approved employers, and governments of receiving and sending countries.

Discussions on the PLMAM 2023 focused more on sustainable Reintegration approaches featuring dialogues on economic, social, and psychological reintegration, regional initiatives and learning best practices from ASEAN guidelines.

Solomon Islands acknowledged the ongoing support from Australia and New Zealand governments on implementation of the RSE and PALM scheme to reach the 2023 milestone targets and committed to supporting employers to meet worker demands.

Accompanying the Solomon Islands High Commissioner were officers from the   Department of External Trade and Labour Mobility Unit, National Development Division/Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority as well as an officer from the Solomon Islands High Commission in New Zealand and Solomon Islands Country Liaison officer in Australia.

MFAET PRESS

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2023 Melanesian Festival Aotearoa a Success

21.10.23 Communities in Aotearoa New Zealand gathered on Waitemata Rugby Club Grounds in Auckland, to celebrate their Melanesian identity.

Inaugurated in 2022, the Melanesian Festival Aotearoa is an opportunity for community members from Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu to celebrate their heritage as well as showcase their respective cultural performances, cuisines, while actively engaging with the wider community. The day’s festival included a line-up of vocal artists from Melanesia; amongst them were Fiakal, Stegga Boi and DJ Baka Solomon from the Solomon Islands.

Key sponsors for the 2023 Festival were Creative New Zealand and Pacifica Arts Centre.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand – H.E. Eliam Tangirongo – commended sponsors and organizers in his key address during the official opening ceremony, reinforcing the increasing need for similar cultural platforms for Melanesians in Aotearoa.

As a minority group in Aotearoa, the Melanesian diaspora has struggled to make their voices heard in political spaces. High Commissioner acknowledged the work of Melanesian advocates in Aotearoa, and urged them to keep the solidarity with the Tangata Whenua, Pasifika and other minorities that need their support. His Excellency expressed his pride in the Melanesian diaspora for their resilience, perseverance, and robust sense of community; urging them to continue to keep the spirit of Melanesia alive in Aotearoa.

The Melanesia Festival Aotearoa  is envisaged to be held annually, and anticipated to grow in the coming years as more Melanesians settle, study, work and participate in seasonal labour in New Zealand.

The High Commission congratulates leadership from the Solomon Islands Auckland Wantoks Association, President Florie Dausabea, Vice-president Lazarus Loloselo and all members for hosting a successful Festival.

 

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Solomon Islands at the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Annual Conference 2023

Horticulture New Zealand hosted the annual RSE Conference in Christchurch from the 1st  to the 2nd of August.

The 16th RSE Annual Conference brought together the Pacific and RSE employers to share learnings and discuss the future of the scheme. Speakers included Pacific representatives, government officials, RSE employers and workers.

Solomon Islands delegates to the RSE Conference were led by His Excellency Eliam Tangirongo (High Commissioner to New Zealand), and included Christina Maoma (Research Officer, LMU) Simon Kere (Marketing Officer, LMU), and June Rofeta Maenu’u (Second Secretary, Solomon Islands High Commission in New Zealand).

Delegates spoke at segments of the conference – specifically on strategy updates, cultural competency and at the closing panel for the conference.

For Solomon Islands, the conference was an opportunity for delegates to converse with employers, market its workers and establish a relationship with potential new employers. LMU and the High Commission of Solomon Islands in New Zealand aim to strengthen trust with employers, improve processes, and ensure consistent engagement amongst all stakeholders.

Given that there are currently 2000 in the Labour Mobility Unit’s (LMU’s) work ready pool – and an additional 16,000 applications for both the NZ and Australian seasonal labour schemes this year alone – there is an urgent need to increase numbers in NZ’s RSE Scheme and is a priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade.

Following the conference, delegates visited Solomon Islanders working under the RSE Scheme in Nelson and Blenheim.

Picture: L-R High Commissioner H.E. Eliam Tangirongo, Simon Kere (Marketing Officer, LMU), June Rofeta Maenu’u (Second Secretary, SIHCNZ), Christina Maoma (Research officer, LMU).                                                                                                
Picture: Delegates with employer and workers at Seifried Estate (vineyard) in Nelson.
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Solomon Islands High Commission to New Zealand Congratulates Three (3) SI Graduands at Victoria University of Wellington

Twenty-Eight (28) Pacific Island students are expected to graduate from Wellington Victoria University this trimester year 2020. Amongst these graduands are three (3) smart and intelligent ladies from Solomon Islands; 

  1. Ms. Primula Kingmele – Master of Public Policy 
  2. Ms. Josephine Lagi – Bachelor of Commerce, Economics, and Information System 
  3. Ms. Pauline Dokekana – Bachelor of Arts, International Relations and Political Science 

The Solomon Islands High Commission to New Zealand attended their Completion Ceremony hosted by Victoria University of Wellington on Monday 12th October 2020. 

The Completion Ceremony is a special celebration for our students who are unable to attend the official Victoria University of Wellington Graduation Ceremony later on in the year.

The New Zealand Scholarships (previously known as NZ Aid Scholarships) are awarded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to students from developing countries to study in NZ. 

Solomon Islands amongst other Pacific Island Countries is a recipient of this Scholarship program with the New Zealand Government.  

Solomon Islands High Commission to New Zealand used the occasion to thank the New Zealand Government through Victoria University of Wellington for the opportunity given to Solomon Islands Scholars to study in New Zealand. 

The High Commission also took the  opportunity to congratulate the three Solomon Island graduands of this trimester and wish them well as they are about to go back and serve the Government and People of Solomon Islands in whatever works of life they may wish to undertake in the near future. 

The SI High Commission to New Zealand in association with the Solomon Islands Community in Wellington will host a farewell community gathering for the three graduands on Saturday 17th October 2020.  

A group of people posing for the camera Description automatically generated

Standing L-R: Mr. John Mark Kemakeza (SI High Commission to NZ), Hon. Dame Winnie Laban, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika (Victoria University of Wellington), Ms. Joanna Kempkers, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 
Sitting L-R: Ms. Josephine Lagi, Ms. Primula Kingmele, Ms. Pauline Dokekana

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BRISBANE CONSULATE GENERAL OF SOLOMON ISLANDS OFFERS PASSPORT RENEWAL SERVICES

On the morning of the 21st September 2020 the Consulate General of Solomon Islands in Brisbane opened its doors as the country’s first diplomatic mission to offer passport renewal services to Solomon Islanders outside of the country.

Consul General, Mr Kereta Sanga, indicated that the passport renewal services is a culmination of a joint effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour, and Immigration, to establish passport renewal services at the Brisbane Office. 

Solomon Islands national, Mr Morgan Ragaruma, recording personal details of a new passport.

Mr Sanga said that on the 2nd July 2020 the Cabinet endorsed an initiative to send Immigration officials to the Consulate to set up passport renewal services. This was in recognition of a long-standing passports issue to support Solomon Islands citizens living abroad. This initiative proved timely given the outbreak of COVID 19 earlier this year affecting international travel.

Presently, two Immigration officials, Mr Johnson Oge and Mr Richard Manuroho, are assisting the Consulate with the renewals process and encourage Solomon Islands nationals to renew expiring passports. Mr Oge encourages nationals that even with 2 years remaining on your passport you should make use of this opportunity to renew your passport by calling Consulate (+61) 07 3854 1697 to make an appointment.

L-R: Mr Johnson Oge, Mr Kereta Sanga, Ms Sophia Meolver, and Mr Richard Manuroho