The Foreign Affairs Minister will be jetting off to the Pacific today, to try strengthen our ties with our Pacific whanaunga.
Nanaia Mahuta's trip could not be more timely, coming days after revelations the Solomon Islands is negotiating a security deal with China.
The draft agreement - leaked online - would allow Beijing to station military forces on the islands and make regular ship visits.
The New Zealand and Australian governments have both expressed alarm at the development.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke to Corin Dann.
