Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi says he's considering further border exemptions to bring in people from war-torn Ukraine, who have family members in New Zealand.
The UN estimated more than 2 million people have fled Ukraine in the less than two weeks since Russia launched its military invasion into the neighbouring country.
Faafoi described changes allowing around 400 people to stay longer or come to Aotearoa as "a start".
"[Nearly] two weeks into this invasion. How long will it go? Do we offer the likes of temporary visas or is it more permanent?" Faafoi told Breakfast.
"We want to make sure that we carefully work through those issues, mindful of the urgency and concern that people in NZ have for their families in Ukraine, and obviously the situation in Ukraine is getting exponentially worse."
On Tuesday, Faafoi announced additional support for Ukrainians in New Zealand that would allow them to stay in the country for longer.
Alex Wills says his 64-year-old mother-in-law will end up struggling in Slovakia otherwise. (Source: Breakfast)
Faafoi said Ukrainian nationals currently in New Zealand whose visas expired before the end of the year could remain legally for a further 12 months.
Ukrainians outside of the country with a valid visa could also come immediately, bypassing the current Covid border settings.
Last week Faafoi said 170 applications for visas from Ukrainian people will be fast-tracked. He said half of the applications are from people in New Zealand with temporary visas, and the other half are overseas.
On Monday Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave details of proposed targeted sanctions against Russia.
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