The Prime Minister says New Zealand could look at taking some asylum-seekers from immigration camps in the Asia-Pacific region in the future.
However, John Key says New Zealand will not increase its annual refugee quota of 750 people.
Mr Key says New Zealand is willing to talk to Australia about the best way to deal with people arriving there by boat, but setting up a camp here is not an option.
Australia has several immigration centres on its mainland and one on Christmas Island.
Mr Key says arguably, New Zealand could take asylum seekers from camps in the region, but anyone accepted would have to fit the United Nations' criteria of being a genuine, certified refugee.
