The New Zealand foreign minister, Murray McCully, says New Zealand will open a Consulate General in Honolulu to strengthen ties with northern Pacific nations.
He says the Consul General will be cross-accredited to Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.
Mr McCully says there is an increasing focus on the northern Pacific and the unique issues these island nations face.
He says the move is a practical way of demonstrating New Zealand's commitment to these countries and allow closer links with US officials and experts on regional security and development issues.
