RT HON WINSTON PETERS
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

New Zealand and Australia have demonstrated their strong commitment to Solomon Islands aviation and economic development through the handover of the upgraded Seghe Airfield today.

“The upgrade of the Seghe Airfield runway in Western Province will enable flights to operate under all weather conditions, making operations safer and more reliable, and enhancing connectivity for Solomon Islands’ provinces,” Deputy Minister Peters says, during a visit to Solomons.

“We are delighted to have worked with Australia on this project and to hand the Airfield back to the people of Solomon Islands so that it can contribute to the country’s economic resilience.”

“As well as boosting local jobs, the upgrade will support the growth of the tourism industry, expand economic opportunities, and improve access to essential services and more equitable development across the provinces.”

The project, worth almost $55 million, is co-funded by the Governments of New Zealand, Australia and Solomon Islands, and implemented by Downer and AECOM.

“Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele has made it clear economic growth, job creation and infrastructure development were his Government’s number one priority,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong says.

“Australia and New Zealand have listened and are responding, working with the Solomon Islands Government to upgrade Seghe airfield to bring greater economic benefits, including tourism, to Western Province.

This upgrade is part of a broader program of high-quality airfield upgrades supported by Australia and New Zealand to help unlock Solomon Islands full economic potential.”

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele officially opened the Seghe Airfield today, expressing his gratitude to all partners for their hard work and dedication to the project.

Media Contact:
Foreign Minister's Office: +61 2 6277 7500

Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.