National has dismissed the Government's $714 million boost for foreign aid over the next four years.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters made the announcement last night, saying the funding will go towards tackling climate change and responding to global emergency issues.
Mr Peters said he is hoping the relationship between New Zealand and our Pacific neighbours will be one "built upon understanding, friendship, mutual benefit and a collective ambition to achieve sustainable results."
"It's rather important for us, without naming countries, to ensure that the New Zealand voice is heard, alongside others," Mr Peters said.
National leader Simon Bridges says the government needs to invest more cash here.
"I don't think New Zealanders will accept significant new money for foreign affairs and foreign aid when you're not meeting a core promise you made to New Zealanders about cheaper GP visits for hard working families," Mr Bridges said.
The announcement billion dollars has been welcomed by aid organisations, diplomats and an international relations expert.
Jason Young, acting director for the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, said the country does need to invest in the Pacific if it wants to continue being viewed as a partner.
China is investing heavily in the Pacific region at the moment as it looks to build influence and improve its image around the world.
Mr Young said Pacific leaders and businesses have invited China into the region as they need infrastructure and development, and want partnerships and economic deals with different countries.
"There's a lot of strategic uncertainty, questions about new players, new actors, new types of investments in the Pacific that could potentially destabilise New Zealand’s position there," he said.
"China's economy itself is globalising, they’re seeking to upgrade their economy to create new markets…and the Pacific is just one small part of that."
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