Weightlifting at the Pacific Games has been contested since 1966 when it was included as one of twelve sports at the Second South Pacific Games held in Nouméa, New Caledonia. A weightlifting competition for women was introduced in 1995 for the games in Papeete. In accordance with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) classifications, there are presently eight weight classes for the men's competition and seven for the women's competition at the Pacific Games (known as the South Pacific Games prior to 2009).