New Zealand considers formal defence pact with Australia and Fiji

The government is exploring membership in the Ocean of Peace Alliance, a defence treaty Australia and Fiji signed in July. The pact binds signatories to respond to threats together — a shift from New Zealand's usual approach of case-by-case defence arrangements. Cabinet has not decided whether to join fully or as a looser partner. Defence Minister Chris Penk said any involvement would build on existing ties with Fiji.