Within the context of bilateral support to the education sector in Tonga and the Solomon Islands, this paper will explore how the discourse of "partnership" has been interpreted and activated within the Sector wide approach (SWAp). In concentrating particularly on the relationship between the respective Ministries of Education and New Zealand's bilateral aid programme, as the "lead" development partner in both countries, it seeks to explore how various partner relations have emerged. In addition to commenting on the parties' interests and motivation, it will conclude by discussing the extent to which these various aspects have impacted on educational development under the SWAp. (Contains 18 footnotes.)