South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation Headquarters Agreement

The Agreement, concluded between the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO)and New Zealand, establishes the Headquarters of the organization in New Zealand and regulates its legal status, privileges and immunities in the Host Country.

Within the scope of its official activities, the SPRFMO shall be immune from legal process except: a) to the extent that the Secretary General has expressly waived such immunity; b) in respect of any contract for the supply of goods or services and any loan or other transactions; c) in respect of any civil action by third party for death, damage or personal injury arising from an accident cause by a vehicle belonging to the organization; d) in respect of a motor vehicle offense involving a vehicle belonging to the organization (Article 5).

The Organization shall cooperate with national authorities to prevent any abuse of the privileges and immunities (Article 18).

The Agreement also regulates the immunities of Staff members and Experts and the procedure to waive such immunities (Articles 14,15, 17).