Kiribati | 12 February 2026 - Pacific outer island communities facing severe water insecurity will benefit from an expanded regional effort to strengthen access to safe and reliable drinking water, supported by new funding from New Zealand that brings total investment to NZD20.55 million. The initiative now covers all eight atoll and low-lying countries most at risk from drought, limited freshwater sources and the growing impacts of climate change.
The expansion brings Kiribati into the current phase of the project, restoring participation across all eight atoll and low-lying countries. These countries include the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu. Many outer island communities within these nations depend almost entirely on rainwater or limited groundwater supplies, leaving them highly vulnerable as climate change increases the frequency and duration of dry periods.
This regional effort builds on progress made since the launch of the Strengthening Water Resilience of Pacific Outer Island Communities project in April 2025. The additional funding will enable further upgrades to community and household water systems, the installation of new rainwater harvesting infrastructure, groundwater assessments and capacity building for local technicians. The partnership also strengthens community engagement approaches that draw on traditional knowledge and promote inclusion of women, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.
Central to the initiative is the Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security, which supports countries to develop investment plans tailored to their national priorities. The programme also draws on regional technical expertise to improve coordination and long-term planning. New innovations, including remote sensing tools for water tank monitoring in outer islands, are helping countries track water availability more accurately and respond more effectively to shortages.
The additional funding from New Zealand reflects its commitment to climate resilience in the Pacific and builds on renewed cooperation with Kiribati. In a recent statement, New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, noted that high level political dialogue throughout 2025 with Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau contributed to the signing of a Statement of Partnership with Kiribati that recognises the shared history and long-standing cooperation between the two countries.
SPC Water Security and Governance Coordinator Dave Hebblethwaite welcomed the expanded support, noting that Kiribati’s participation strengthens the initiative as a whole. He said Kiribati brings deep experience as one of the most climate vulnerable atoll nations, contributing valuable knowledge and practical insights that benefit other countries facing similar challenges.
About the Project
The Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security is implemented through the Pacific Community’s Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division and contributes to the Division’s 2023 to 2027 Business Plan, which guides efforts to support resilient development across Pacific Island countries and territories.
SPC is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region. It has supported development since 1947 and provides integrated expertise in areas including geoscience, energy, maritime governance, climate change and water resources management to its 27 member countries and territories.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade oversees the International Development Cooperation programme, which supports sustainable development, climate resilience and strong partnerships in the Pacific.
Useful links:
- Blog post: Pacific atoll nations receive NZD13m boost for critical water security: https://gem.spc.int/updates/blog/blog-post/2025/10/pacific-atoll-nations-receive-nzd13m-boost-for-critical-water
- Webpage: Strengthening the Water Resilience of Pacific Outer Island Communities: https://gem.spc.int/projects/strengthening-the-water-resilience-of-pacific-outer-island- communities
- Youtube video: Empowering Water Security in the Pacific: Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzAvR5QCFDo
Contact:
Joseph Hing, Digital Communications and Engagement Officer, Geoscience, Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division, Pacific Community (SPC), Josephh
spc.int (Josephh[at]spc[dot]int)