𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗧ō𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁

Senior military leaders from across the Pacific, including the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai and Force Sergeant Major WO1 Joeli Rabuli, successfully concluded the 2025 Tōtara Wānanga Retreat in Auckland, New Zealand. The event, hosted by the New Zealand Defence Force, provided an invaluable platform for fostering collaboration, leadership development, and strengthening regional security cooperation.

The Tōtara Retreat, now in its fourth year, brought together defence chiefs and senior enlisted leaders from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Fiji. Over several days, participants engaged in discussions on leadership principles, regional security challenges, and cultural exchanges aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation. The program featured leadership development workshops, traditional Māori welcome ceremonies, and wayfinding exercises that emphasized teamwork and shared values.

Air Marshal Tony Davies, Chief of Defence Force New Zealand, described the retreat as “hugely successful” and a testament to the strength of the Tōtara Agreement. “We have not only upheld the founding principles of this agreement but adapted and evolved it to meet the needs of our region,” he said. “This retreat reinforces our commitment to nurturing leadership and strengthening the bonds between Pacific defence forces.”

A key highlight of the retreat was the reaffirmation of the Tōtara Commitment, a leadership development initiative that has already influenced training programs in Fiji, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea. Participants shared insights on how their respective militaries have integrated leadership models from the retreat into their professional development frameworks.

For Fiji, the retreat was an opportunity to further its commitment to the Veiliutaki Framework, an initiative supporting leadership growth within the RFMF. Major General Kalouniwai highlighted the importance of collaborative leadership in addressing regional challenges, stating, “This retreat allows us to learn from each other, build trust, and ensure that our forces are prepared to respond to the evolving security landscape of the Pacific.”

The retreat also included a symbolic sailing exercise inspired by Pacific wayfinding traditions, emphasizing teamwork and adaptability—critical skills for military leadership. Additionally, senior enlisted leaders engaged in professional development discussions, focusing on mentoring, ethics, and the role of non-commissioned officers in shaping military culture.

As the participating delegations departed, the sense of unity and shared purpose remained strong. “We are not just individual defence forces; we are part of a collective Pacific security network,” said WO1 Rabuli. “The relationships built here will enhance our ability to work together in times of crisis and beyond.”

The success of the 2025 Tōtara Retreat reaffirms the Pacific’s commitment to enduring military cooperation and leadership excellence. The next iteration of the retreat is expected to build upon these achievements, further strengthening the region’s collective security and resilience.