Massive $714m boost in foreign aid mainly targeting the Pacific announced by government

Winston Peters revealed today a "significant" boost to New Zealand's foreign affairs and development spending, in a pre-Budget spending announcement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) will get an increase in their operational expenditure of $150.4 million over the next four years, as well as $40.3 million in capital expenditure, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

He said the funding increase would open up 50 more positions in foreign policy and the New Zealand embassy in Stockholm, Sweden would reopen.

"New Zealand needs to rebuild expertise and resourcing to respond to an increasingly turbulent global environment," Mr Peters said.

"New Zealanders are well aware of the international risks, and that New Zealand needs a voice on the world stage. It is important that our voice is heard in the right place at the right time to protect our interest."

On top of the foreign affairs boost, Mr Peters also announced $714.2 million extra for overseas aid, "over the next four years to expand New Zealand's Official Development Assistance, primarily towards the Pacific region, responding to climate change, and doing our part through multilateral and humanitarian agencies to respond to global emergencies and issues".

Mr Peters said it would bolster efforts to tackle Pacific issues like climate change, support youth access health services and education and to help grow Pacific economies.

He said New Zealand's current aid support sits below international averages.

"Stepping up our financial contribution to multilateral institutions like the United Nations bodies and the World Bank will show New Zealand's seriousness in being a responsible international citizen."