The Prime Minister travels to Samoa today as he seeks to better acquaint himself with some of New Zealand's closest Pacific neighbours.
John Key will also visit Niue and Cook Islands this week.
After spending a day in Tonga, Mr Key said speaking directly to local people had been a useful way of grasping the challenges facing many Pacific nations.
Mr Key confirmed New Zealand commitment to aid, saying the government intends focusing more aid resources in the Pacific.
In Samoa today he will see progress on aid programmes supported by New Zealand, including a successful project run by local businesswomen.
