Jacinda Ardern has spoken on the US-led air strikes in Syria today, indicating the government "accepts" the reasons for the strike but always favours diplomacy.
In a press conference at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, the Prime Minister said she understood Russia's veto power at the UN Security Council prevented such a diplomatic resolution.
"Ultimately, no one wants to be in this situation. The use of chemical weapons in this case is absolutely abhorrent, we have strongly condemned it," she said.
"My hope was we could have used the UN Security Council to find resolution - Russia stopped that from being possible.
"So, under those circumstances we understand why this action has taken place. We hope though we can return back to the UN to prevent further harm for civilians."
The Prime Minister also released a written statement on the strike earlier today.
"The Government has always favoured diplomatic efforts and a multilateral approach. The use of the veto powers of the Security Council prevented that course of action," she said in the statement.
"New Zealand therefore accepts why the US, UK and France have today responded to the grave violation of international law, and the abhorrent use of chemical weapons against civilians.
"The action was intended to prevent further such atrocities being committed against Syrian civilians."
Ms Ardern says the issue must now be reviewed by the UN Security Council.
"We stand firm in our condemnation of the use of chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta. This is clearly in breach of international law.
"We accept why this has occurred. Now, it's time to try and get back around the table," she said later.
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