The Pope says New Zealand has a responsibility to help foster stable government and human rights in the Pacific.
Pope Benedict made his comments in a letter to the new New Zealand ambassador to the Vatican, George Troup.
Based in the Netherlands, Mr Troup took up his up his position as a non-resident ambassador to the Vatican on Thursday.
In his letter, the Pope says New Zealand's geography gives it a particular moral responsibility and position of leadership in the region.
He says the country should encourage mature and stable democratic institutions, the fostering of authentic human rights, and sustainable economic development.
The Pope also writes of an impressive outpouring of generosity and charity, following February's earthquake in Christchurch.
He says the kindness seen in the wake of the disaster will contribute significantly to meeting the material and moral challenges involved in the immense task of rebuilding the city.
