NZ not competing with China in Pacific

The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand can never outspend China in the Pacific and it is not trying to compete with the Asian superpower.

On Monday, Ardern pledged the government would dedicate almost $10 million in aid and support for Samoa.

She told Morning Report that regardless of what other countries were doing, New Zealand should exercise its duties and responsibilities as partners and friends in the Pacific.

"It's not about being competitive just for the sake of being competitive," she said. "It's because we have shared values, we have a real interest in making sure our Pacific neighbours are resilient, that they have sustainable economic development and that they have the best start in life for their kids.