There's a call that New Zealand diplomats be required to serve in postings in the Pacific to honour the country's commitment to the region.
Simon Mark, a senior adviser at Massey University, says too few of New Zealand's diplomats have spent time there.
The comments come after the country's Foreign Ministry said a 30 percent funding boost would allow it to employ 50 more diplomats.
Mr Mark told Mackenzie Smith all diplomats should have to complete a three year posting in the Pacific at some stage in their career:
Jacinda Ardern visited Fasi Government Primary School to see the destruction caused by cyclone Gita. Photo: Pool photo / Michael Craig / New Zealand Herald
