New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has begun a goodwill trip to the Pacific, meeting Tongan leaders while visiting the capital Nuku'alofa.
Mr Key announced New Zealand will provide a $2.5 million boost to the police force in Tonga, saying aid is a fundamental way of providing support to Pacific neighbours.
Mr Key says the trip is in part to gauge how Pacific countries are coping with the economic recession and to set priorities for talks at the Pacific Island Forum in Australia in August.
Tongan Prime Minister Feleti Sevele briefed Mr Key on progress that has been made as a result of New Zealand aid.
Dr Sevele says because most Tongans have land on which to live and plant food, the effects of the recession are not as bad as they could have been.
Mr Key also paid a visit to King George Tupou V.
However, Radio New Zealand's parliamentary chief reporter says some female members of the media not wearing skirts were not allowed in the consular house.
Mr Key is accompanied on the visit to Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue by a large delegation of MPs, mayors, sports representatives and media.
