New Solomon Islands PM to visit NZ

about 1 hour ago

Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale after being elected on 15 May 2026.

Photo: Screengrab / Facebook/SIBC News

The new leader of the Solomon Islands Matthew Wale will visit New Zealand next week, when he will meet with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Wale is a longtime opposition leader who was elected prime minister of the Solomons three weeks ago

He was was a staunch critic of the security pact the Solomons signed with China in 2022, and promised to have the security pact reviewed. Last week, he secured agreement to negotiate a new treaty with Australia.

In a statement, Luxon said he was pleased to welcome Wale to New Zealand so soon after his election.

"Solomon Islands is an important partner for us, and a country I enjoyed visiting last year," Luxon said.

"I'm looking forward to hearing Prime Minister Wale's priorities and finding ways we can work more closely together."

Solomon Islands foreign minister Rick Houenipwela and education minister Stephen Kumi are expected to accompany Wale.

He is expected to also meet with foreign minister Winston Peters, and spend time with members of the Solomon Islands community in New Zealand.