New Zealand to consider joining Ocean of Peace Alliance alongside Fiji and Australia

The government says it will explore joining a defence alliance between Australia and Fiji, that commits both parties to "act to meet common danger".

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand already works with both countries on how to develop a safer region for all, "so engaging with them on this alliance is logical".

The signing of the military alliance took place on Monday in Fiji, not long before China conducted a ballistic missile test in the South Pacific, which has been interpreted by some as being intentionally timed.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said at the time launching ballistic missiles into the South Pacific was "at odds with the spirit and intent of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace".

The alliance was described as a "mutual defence treaty" by Australian ministers.

Luxon said the agreement meant Fiji and Australia had committed to become "military allies", which New Zealand welcomed.

The alliance committed its parties to "cooperate and consult" and to "act to meet common danger" the New Zealand government explained. It also allowed for other Pacific states to join, if Australia and Fiji agree.

Peters said Pacific leaders had operated under an approach of having Pacific-led responses to regional security issues for decades - and this new alliance underscores that.

Elevating the long standing relationship with those two nations, and other pacific nations, would mean "we become even closer partners".

Defence Minister Chris Penk said New Zealand was committed to the implementation of deeper defence and security cooperation with Fiji.

Luxon had already signalled New Zealand's interest in exploring joining the agreement, having been asked about the agreement on Monday.

He confirmed then he'd spoken to both the Australian and Fijian prime ministers about it.

"They have obviously formed an ally relationship," Luxon said.

"New Zealand being in early would be a good thing, because also you would have an ability to ultimately determine which other countries could join from across the Pacific."

New Zealand would now discuss with Australia and Fiji its interest in exploring membership to the Alliance. Final decisions have yet to be made by cabinet.