New Zealand High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands Jonathan Schwass, second left, presented funding for the Pacific Games to Solomon Islands officials ©Solomon Islands 2023/Solomon Islands Government

New Zealand's Government has provided NZD$3 million (£1.5 million/$1.9 million/€1.7 million) to the Solomon Islands to assist with its preparations for this year's Pacific Games.

This funding was provided through New Zealand's international development cooperation programme to the National Hosting Authority established by the Solomon Islands Government for the Pacific Games, and formally handed over at a ceremony held at the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara.

High Commissioner Jonathan Schwass was joined by representatives from the Solomon Islands 2023 Organising Committee and the Ministry of Finance and Treasure at the ceremony.

Assistance had been requested from New Zealand by the Solomon Islands Government to upgrade the accessibility of Pacific Games facilities for athletes and officials with disabilities and acquire sporting equipment for the multi-sport event.

This equipment is set to be used by the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports after the Pacific Games.

National Hosting Authority chairman Jimmie Rodgers thanked Schwass and the New Zealand Government for the support, and vowed that reports will be provided on how it has been used.

The New Zealand High Commission in Honiara said the country is "excited to be participating in these Games".

China is among the nations providing significant financial aid to assist with the Solomon Islands' preparations for the Pacific Games ©Solomon Islands 2023
China is among the nations providing significant financial aid to assist with the Solomon Islands' preparations for the Pacific Games ©Solomon Islands 2023

New Zealand is among the 24 countries set to compete at the Pacific Games, due to be held from November 19 to December 2 this year.

China is providing significant backing for the Pacific Games with approximately SBD1.85 billion (£178 million/$222 million/€202 million) in funding, including for construction of the main stadium.

The United States is competing with China for influence over the Pacific region, with an Embassy in Honiara re-opening for the first time since 1993 earlier this year.

Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Japan have also provided financial aid for the Pacific Games.

The Solomon Islands initially had support from Taiwan until it switched allegiances to China.

The Pacific Games has led to the Solomon Islands general election being postponed until 2024, extending the term of incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare beyond the constitutional limit of four years.

Sogavare has claimed the country does not have the resources to host a general election in the same year as the Pacific Games, but critics argue it is a power grab and undemocratic.