A new Vanuatu diaspora Association was born in Bay of Plenty on LINI DAY (21 February) – a national public holiday which marks the day Vanuatu’s first Prime Minister, Fr. Walter Hyde Lini died.

The Vanuatu Bay of Plenty (BOP) Association was incorporated on 21 February 2024. The Vanuatu High Commissioner, HE Jimmy Nipo was invited to the first meeting of the Association which was held on 4^th March 2024 at 18 James Cook Drive, Welcome Bay. The office bearers are Billy Lop (Chair), Regie Aru (Vice Chair), Roxy Burt (Secretary), Christy Aru (Ass Sec), Baillie Fryer (Tr) and Chrisanti Tula (Ass Tr). Ordinary members include Henry Nakat, Douglas Nicholson, Deny Kota, Jimmy Nasuai, Tahai McGregar and Melinda Ken. 

Vanuatu High Commission is encouraging all Vanuatu diaspora across Aotearoa to get organized and register their Associations so they can be officially recognized by NZ Government and other communities.